Competition in the compact, luxury sedan segment has been fierce the last few years. The beneficiaries of the rivalry are those in the market for a high-value upscale sports sedan. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi now offer entry-level sedans that compete bumper-to-bumper with the TSX, which is unchanged for 2012.
An accomplished competitor
Despite tussling more than ever with Acura’s TSX, the German brands don’t take anything away from the Japanese fighter. The TSX is a high-value choice that’s offered with either a 4- or 6-cylinder engine.
The base TSX is stickered at $31,890. That money will secure a nicely equipped unit powered by a 2.4L 200-hp 4-cylinder engine linked to an automatic 5-speed transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
My tester was positioned at the top of the TSX chart, which meant it received V6 power, perforated leather upholstery, navigation and many other features such as High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, premium audio and shift paddles. Note – the manual transmission is not available with the V6 engine.
With its Technology Package and V6 engine, my top-of-the-line tester carried an MSRP of $43,785. While $43K isn’t out of line for the TSX given its content and performance capabilities, it does open many other doors in the upscale/premium market, including those of an Audi A4 quattro and a Mercedes-Benz C 250 4MATIC.
Both of these German contenders are equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and carry slightly lower MSRPs than the TSX Technology V6; they are however, near the bottom of their respective model lines. Still, they’re well equipped and provide far superior traction to the front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup beneath the TSX.
Quality uncompromised
Irrespective of where the TSX shakes-out when contrasted against rivals in the segment, there are several aspects of Acura’s candidate that highly impressed me. First is the remarkably precise build quality of this vehicle.
The perfect fit and alignment of all body panels, including the four doors, hood and trunk were quite astonishing. The exceptionally narrow gaps between panels and doors, hood and trunk, were strikingly precise. And that level of accuracy is evident within the car as well.
The tightly assembled cabin uses high quality materials that look subdued and business-like yet sporty enough to inspire. Instruments and controls are logically arranged and intuitive to interpret and use from day one.
I’ve always enjoyed my time in the cabin of the TSX since its 2003 introduction. Its front seats are firm and supportive while leg and headroom are both beyond expectation for this size of vehicle.
Once settled into the cockpit, things come to life as the engine ignites all six cylinders.
Plenty of power and performance
The presence of the optional 3.5L V6 engine recasts the TSX as much more of a powerhouse without compromising its agility and handling prowess. I’m a fan of this engine and marvel at its operational refinement.
With 280 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 252 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm in store, this mill is delightful to exploit. Under restrained administration, it operates unobtrusively but when called upon, it finds its swagger while emitting a deep muted growl.
Thanks to its VTEC variable valve-timing technology, the engine revs unrestrained to its 6,800 rpm redline. Could things be better? They could if Acura were to introduce several more cogs into its 5-speed autobox. The trend these days is toward 7- and 8-speed autoboxes.
Nonetheless, the 5-speed unit in my tester worked flawlessly and I enjoyed making the most of it with the shift paddles.
Wrapping
While the TSX doesn’t change for 2012, it remains an exceptionally enjoyable sedan to drive as a daily commuter or to experience the exhilaration of open road motoring. While its entry-level MSRP is modest and appealing, the addition of the V6 engine and Technology Package expose it to dangerous territory where Audi, BMW and Mercedes, along with Lexus, Infiniti and others lurk.
Despite the beady-eyed competition, the TSX V6 brings a lot to the game. It has plenty of punch under the right foot and superb road manners that reward with every curve and bend. Structurally, the vehicle is exceptionally rigid, most noticeable when the road is pitted and rough.
The TSX gracefully absorbs whatever broken Canadian roads can throw at it without a hint of shudder or unwillingness. It’s this sense of solidity that really stood out to me and serves as yet another aspect of this car that really impressed me.
An accomplished competitor
Despite tussling more than ever with Acura’s TSX, the German brands don’t take anything away from the Japanese fighter. The TSX is a high-value choice that’s offered with either a 4- or 6-cylinder engine.
The base TSX is stickered at $31,890. That money will secure a nicely equipped unit powered by a 2.4L 200-hp 4-cylinder engine linked to an automatic 5-speed transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
My tester was positioned at the top of the TSX chart, which meant it received V6 power, perforated leather upholstery, navigation and many other features such as High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, premium audio and shift paddles. Note – the manual transmission is not available with the V6 engine.
With its Technology Package and V6 engine, my top-of-the-line tester carried an MSRP of $43,785. While $43K isn’t out of line for the TSX given its content and performance capabilities, it does open many other doors in the upscale/premium market, including those of an Audi A4 quattro and a Mercedes-Benz C 250 4MATIC.
Both of these German contenders are equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and carry slightly lower MSRPs than the TSX Technology V6; they are however, near the bottom of their respective model lines. Still, they’re well equipped and provide far superior traction to the front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup beneath the TSX.
Quality uncompromised
Irrespective of where the TSX shakes-out when contrasted against rivals in the segment, there are several aspects of Acura’s candidate that highly impressed me. First is the remarkably precise build quality of this vehicle.
The perfect fit and alignment of all body panels, including the four doors, hood and trunk were quite astonishing. The exceptionally narrow gaps between panels and doors, hood and trunk, were strikingly precise. And that level of accuracy is evident within the car as well.
The tightly assembled cabin uses high quality materials that look subdued and business-like yet sporty enough to inspire. Instruments and controls are logically arranged and intuitive to interpret and use from day one.
I’ve always enjoyed my time in the cabin of the TSX since its 2003 introduction. Its front seats are firm and supportive while leg and headroom are both beyond expectation for this size of vehicle.
Once settled into the cockpit, things come to life as the engine ignites all six cylinders.
Plenty of power and performance
The presence of the optional 3.5L V6 engine recasts the TSX as much more of a powerhouse without compromising its agility and handling prowess. I’m a fan of this engine and marvel at its operational refinement.
With 280 hp @ 6,200 rpm and 252 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm in store, this mill is delightful to exploit. Under restrained administration, it operates unobtrusively but when called upon, it finds its swagger while emitting a deep muted growl.
Thanks to its VTEC variable valve-timing technology, the engine revs unrestrained to its 6,800 rpm redline. Could things be better? They could if Acura were to introduce several more cogs into its 5-speed autobox. The trend these days is toward 7- and 8-speed autoboxes.
Nonetheless, the 5-speed unit in my tester worked flawlessly and I enjoyed making the most of it with the shift paddles.
Wrapping
While the TSX doesn’t change for 2012, it remains an exceptionally enjoyable sedan to drive as a daily commuter or to experience the exhilaration of open road motoring. While its entry-level MSRP is modest and appealing, the addition of the V6 engine and Technology Package expose it to dangerous territory where Audi, BMW and Mercedes, along with Lexus, Infiniti and others lurk.
Despite the beady-eyed competition, the TSX V6 brings a lot to the game. It has plenty of punch under the right foot and superb road manners that reward with every curve and bend. Structurally, the vehicle is exceptionally rigid, most noticeable when the road is pitted and rough.
The TSX gracefully absorbs whatever broken Canadian roads can throw at it without a hint of shudder or unwillingness. It’s this sense of solidity that really stood out to me and serves as yet another aspect of this car that really impressed me.
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