ACURA TSX

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

2010 Acura TSX – Bottom Line !


http://www.thecarconnection.com/revi...2010-acura-tsx

To put together this review on the new 2010 Acura TSX, the experts at TheCarConnection.com drew on a broad range of reviews and added their own firsthand information wherever possible to assure the best accuracy and depth.

Likes:

• Flowing instrument panel design
• Perky performance with manual transmission
• Quiet, refined interior and powertrain
• Supportive seats
• Standard Bluetooth hands-free interface

Dislikes:

• Limited backseat space for adults
• Nav system only available in a $3,100 package
• All the chrome in front doesn't fit the TSX's character

The TSX is a sporty front-wheel-drive compact sedan based loosely on the European-spec Honda Accord. The Acura TSX was completely redesigned for 2009, but carries over to 2010 largely unchanged apart from the addition of a new V-6 engine. On sale now, the car starts from $29,310 in base form and ranges up to a starting price of $37,950 for the V-6 with Technology Package.
Acura offers no visual redesign for the 2010 model year following a complete update in 2009. The aggressive front end, crisp-edged flanks, and generally modern, high-tech look of the TSX will likely please younger professionals, though more mature buyers may wonder what the fuss is about. Overall, however, the TSX presents a clean, conservative look that many reviewers like. Inside, much of the same can be said, especially once the TSX is outfitted with the electronics-heavy Technology Package. The basic styling elements are attractive and contemporary, with flowing, swoopy curves executed in pleasing materials and colors.
Standard power for the 2010 TSX comes from a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; the standard six-speed manual transmission definitely makes the car feel livelier, even though midrange torque has been boosted to make it more responsive with the paddle-shifted Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission. All new for 2010 is a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine option that delivers one of the few things the TSX previously lacked: power. Handling is still nimble and sporting, with a firm yet absorbent ride.

To put together this review on the new 2010 Acura TSX, the experts at TheCarConnection.com drew on a broad range of reviews and added their own firsthand information wherever possible to assure the best accuracy and depth. Likes Flowing instrument panel design Perky performance with manual transmission Quiet, refined interior and powertrain Supportive seats Standard Bluetooth hands-free interface Dislikes Limited backseat space for adults Nav system only available in a $3,100 package All the chrome in front doesn't fit the TSX's character The TSX is a sporty front-wheel-drive compact sedan based loosely on the European-spec Honda Accord. The Acura TSX was completely redesigned for 2009, but carries over to 2010 largely unchanged apart from the addition of a new V-6 engine. On sale now, the car starts from $29,310 in base form and ranges up to a starting price of $37,950 for the V-6 with Technology Package. Acura offers no visual redesign for the 2010 model year following a complete update in 2009. The aggressive front end, crisp-edged flanks, and generally modern, high-tech look of the TSX will likely please younger professionals, though more mature buyers may wonder what the fuss is about. Overall, however, the TSX presents a clean, conservative look that many reviewers like. Inside, much of the same can be said, especially once the TSX is outfitted with the electronics-heavy Technology Package. The basic styling elements are attractive and contemporary, with flowing, swoopy curves executed in pleasing materials and colors. Standard power for the 2010 TSX comes from a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; the standard six-speed manual transmission definitely makes the car feel livelier, even though midrange torque has been boosted to make it more responsive with the paddle-shifted Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission. All new for 2010 is a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine option that delivers one of the few things the TSX previously lacked: power. Handling is still nimble and sporting, with a firm yet absorbent ride. Comfort and quality of the TSX aren't quite top-notch but are right on par for the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Materials quality is high, and fit and finish can hardly be quibbled with, though rear legroom and seat comfort are frequent points of complaint. Even the front seats can prove too firm for some people. Cargo space, on the other hand, is good, with an ample trunk and plenty of in-cabin pockets and compartments. Entry-level luxury cars often skimp on standard convenience features or don't offer the top-technology options, but the 2010 Acura TSX is an exception to the rule, especially when the optional Technology Package is selected. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a premium 7-speaker sound system with subwoofer and XM Satellite Radio capability. The optional navigation system offers real-time traffic and dynamic rerouting capability to direct you around hazards and congestion when possible. A 10-speaker, 415-watt sound system is also available along with a six-disc CD changer in the Technology Package. The 2010 Acura TSX comes with all the safety equipment of its peers, including front side airbags, side curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist, active head restraints, and three-point seat belts for all five seating positions. Though the 2010 TSX hasn't yet been tested by the IIHS, the essentially identical 2009 TSX earned a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star ratings in every category from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Bottom Line: The new 2010 Acura TSX offers more features than most entry-luxury sedans, and the V-6 cures its previous lack of power.

Other Choices: If you like the 2010 Acura TSX, also consider: Audi A4 Subaru Legacy GT Nissan Maxima

Reason Why :
Buyers looking at the 2010 Acura TSX will likely be thinking about other front-wheel-drive and possibly all-wheel-drive entry-level luxury sedans, but pricier rear-wheel-drive sport sedans such as the BMW 3-Series and Lexus IS are probably outside their budgets and desires. The Subaru Legacy GT's performance rivals that of the TSX's big brother, the TL, though its handling is a bit sharper and all-wheel drive improves poor weather capability. On the other hand, the Legacy's backseat is a bit tight, and it's not as quiet and refined as the Acura. The Nissan Maxima is another alternative; it's not as feature-rich as the TSX, but it has a torquey V-6 engine that gives it scorching acceleration off the line-a feature now matched for the 2010 model year TSX. The base, front-wheel-drive Audi A4 2.0T is also a worthy competitor, with similarly good fuel efficiency and edgier performance without a sacrifice in ride. Versus any of these competitors, there's another big selling point for the TSX: Acura dealerships. Buying Tip Hold on...for a while. A torquey and fuel-efficient 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is bound for the TSX as possibly a late 2010 model. The engine will meet the 50-state emissions standard, Honda says, and should have fuel economy in the 40s.


Review :

• Overview 8.8
• Styling 8
• Performance 8
• Quality 8
• Safety 10
• Features 10

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

2010 Acura TSX

This Acura V-6 is a credible, luxury contender !


The front-drive TSX is a corner-carving four-door that feels poised and lively without being too much of a hard-core sport sedan.




Let's say you have $35,000-$40,000 budgeted for a luxury sedan, a compact one, and you want a gutsy six-cylinder engine. No four-bangers, turbocharged or otherwise, thank you very much.
You could do the obvious and get a BMW 3-Series; 400,000 or so people do each year.
Or you could jump into an Audi A4, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or even the Lexus IS 350. All good, credible choices selected by hundreds of thousands every year.
What you might not have considered is the TSX, the forgotten stepchild of the Acura brand. And we're not referring to the second-generation version with the four-cylinder engine introduced last year. It starts at a very reasonable $34,985, including freight and air conditioning tax, but we have something else in mind.
We're talking about the latest TSX, the version with Honda's revvy 3.5-litre V-6 (280 horsepower). This car is a credible foe to the BMW 3-Series and all the rest.
A bit of background: The standard 2010 Acura TSX has a 201-hp inline four, which is fuel efficient and mostly strong enough. But because of the added weight and power of the V-6, Acura orchestrated a few tweaks to the chassis and voila - where the four-cylinder TSX can at times feel clumsy and uncertain when pushed on demanding roads, the V-6 TSX is, well, transformed.
Remember the last-generation Acura TL, the good-looking one? That's what this TSX feels like now, just a bit better. Moreover, the 2010 TSX resembles the older TL in size, too. Which means it's right-sized in this segment.
The front-drive TSX V-6 is a corner-carving four-door that feels poised and lively and responsive without being too much of a hard-core sport sedan. For the record, in straight-line acceleration, the TSX V-6 is good for a 0-100 km/h time in the 6.5-second range. Oh, and even the electric-assist power steering isn't too bad.
Some purists will scream this whole V-6 thing is sacrilegious, that the very premise of the TSX flowed from the idea of a European-like small-displacement four-banger (2.4-litres in this case). Drivers with the courage to challenge the redline of the four-cylinder TSX, those searching for peak performance, were rewarded with exhilarating responses - very European-like responses.
Okay, that might have been true of the previous-generation TSX, truly an underappreciated car. And, indeed, the TSX has always been based on the small European version of the Honda Accord, so the car's Continental pretensions are at least somewhat justified.
But here in 2010, the TSX has reached full-size dimensions and the four-cylinder feels overmatched at times, droning away when pushed to its performance limits. It's a good engine, a typical Honda four-banger, but the 3.5-litre V-6 is a better choice.
The key isn't so much horsepower, which is really a top-speed thing. No, what matters is torque. The V-6 has 254 lb-ft of it. That twist gives the TSX enough pull to compensate for the fairly prosaic, wide-ratio five-speed automatic transmission.
There is a sharpness to this V-6 that makes the pricier version of the TSX a delight to flog while you're banging away on the steering-wheel shift paddles, up and down and up again. The engine's variable valve timing and sophisticated throttle map, combined with the light-flywheel effect typical of Honda's engines, allow this V-6 to spin up smoothly and quickly.
Moreover, while the five-speed seems a bit pedestrian in an age of six-, seven- and eight-speeds, this autobox does let you hold a gear to redline while in Sport mode. Yes, the software is smart enough to avoid defaulting to automatic mode at those times when you really are working the car.
When you're not playing, the TSX V-6 is generally a pretty comfortable commuter. Not perfect, but good. The issue boils down to suspension tuning that at highway speeds is perhaps a bit too lively, yet also soggy at slower speeds. The car has a tendency to bob a bit much when the pavement is bad, and there is plenty of road noise, too.
Overall, however, the V-6 gives the TSX the authority to compete against some of the very best sedans in the world, loonie for loonie.
If you're interested, you'll also want to know that Acura has loaded up on standard features for the TSX V-6. The roster includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, power and heated leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity, full iPod control, front fog lights, high-intensity discharge headlamps, a power glass moon roof, XM satellite radio and an excellent standard sound system.
The cabin is handsome, and has more interior space than the Audi, BMW and Lexus models. The TSX's seats are terrific and driver lumbar support is standard. The layout of the centre stack controls is spot-on, while the voice-activated navigation system (add $3,000, please) is intuitive to use.
Kudos to Acura for the driving position, too. It puts you in position to control everything, while also delivering great visibility.
Of course, there is no denying that the TSX is a front-drive car with a V-6 engine. So, yes, it is a bit front-heavy. In fact, the 80 kg or so extra heft of the V-6 version gives the TSX a heavy 62 front/38 rear bias.
But to compensate, Acura tightened the front double-wishbone suspension and that in turn gives the TSX V-6 quick responses when cornering on tight roads. I expected the kind of plowing commonplace with nose-heavy sporting sedans, but it was not such a big deal here in this car.
I like all that, but most of all, Acura has undercut many important rivals with this version of the TSX. So this car is a well-equipped value play in an entry-level luxury segment bursting with good alternatives for the savvy, 30-something buyer who tends to dominate this market.

2010 ACURA TSX V-6 AUTO :

Type: Compact entry luxury sedan
Price: $41,785
Engine: 3.5-litre V-6, SOHC
Horsepower/torque: 280 hp/254 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Drive: Front-wheel-drive
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 11.3 city/7.4 highway; premium gas
Alternatives: Infiniti G37, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS 350


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...rticle1447026/

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

2010 Acura TSX V-6 !



http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2010-a...-33968344.html

Product summary :


The good: The 2010 Acura TSX V-6 features more power, more torque, and more refinement in its V-6 trim than last year's four-cylinder model. With the Tech package, it gains a full suite of navigation, audio, and hands-free calling technologies. The TSX's ELS audio system is among the best you can get in a vehicle in the $40,000 price range.

The bad: More power comes with less economy, and the TSX still only gets middle of the road fuel economy. The AcuraLink cabin technology interface is a dinosaur compared with those of similarly priced vehicles. Its navigation system is still DVD-based.

The bottom line: Even with more power and great handling, the 2010 Acura TSX V-6 desperately needs a cabin tech upgrade if it's to remain relevant.




The last time we found ourselves behind the wheel of an Acura TSX it was a 2009 model. We praised its cabin technologies, its direct handing, and its powerful, yet economical, 2.4-liter engine. In fact, if we could change anything about the TSX, it would be Acura's overly complex, and at times confusing, dashboard interface. Give us fewer buttons, clearer organization, and updated graphics, we pleaded. Instead, Acura gave us more power in the form of the 3.5-liter V-6 engine from the base model Acura TL. Now, don't get us wrong. We love power as much as the next red-blooded American gearhead, but there really wasn't much wrong with the torquey four-banger in our previous tester besides its middle of the road fuel economy.
So, in a climate of drivers asking for greener cars, does a TSX V-6 with more power and less economy really make sense for Acura? With the TSX's chunky switchblade key in hand, we aimed to find out.

Test the tech: V-6 good, I-4 bad?

The 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine in the previous TSX tested made 201 horsepower and 172 pound feet of torque, which was enough twist to make torque steer and traction control an issue in the midsized sedan. When paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox, the four-banger could go 21 miles on a gallon of premium gasoline in the city and 30 on the highway.
The 2010 model only goes 18 city miles and 27 highway miles on the same amount of fuel, but in doing so it generates 79 more horsepower and 82 more pound-feet of twisting torque. Would we take a 16 percent hit to our combined fuel economy for a 40 percent increase in power? Sure!
With its newfound power, the TSX accelerates away from traffic lights like nobody's business. Need to merge into freeway traffic? No problem, just give it a little gas and the sedan gains speed in a linear and drama-free manner. There's no more waiting until 7,000rpm for full power, simply press the pedal and go.
Make no mistake, giving the TSX 280 horsepower to play with doesn't magically transform the sedan into a BMW 3-Series fighter. She handles and accelerates well, but not that well. However, the additional power does make the TSX feel less strained, more effortless, and more confident. You gets the feeling that the sedan is a bit more grown up in V-6 trim.
Of course, the single option automatic transmission takes a bit of the edge off of the TSX V-6's performance credibility, but it does add a good deal of refinement. We expected more torque steer because of the increased power but because of the gradual application of power and smooth shifts afforded by the torque converter automatic, the TSX V-6 seems to exhibit less torque steer than its manually shifted counterpart does.

In the cabin:

The odd thing about the TSX is that it actually packs a decent amount of cabin tech. There's a DVD-based navigation system with traffic and weather updates, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB-iPod connectivity, optional satellite radio, and a great sounding ELS premium audio system. Aside from the fact that the navigation system is DVD based, this should be a great assortment of cabin technologies. The problem is that to use all of this tech, you'll have to go through Acura's AcuraLink interface.
This interface is rapidly approaching a decade old and it's starting to show its age. Over the years, it seems that Acura has been piling on new features and shoehorning them into the interface wherever they fit. This results in dozens of buttons on the dash and all sorts of awkward usage situations. Allow us to walk you through what should be the simple process of using a phone in the TSX.

Firstly, the voice command system for the Bluetooth system is completely different from the voice command system for navigation, which means there are two Talk buttons on the steering wheel. Make sure you hit the right one. If you hit the proper voice command button, the Acura will ask you for a command. It won't display the available commands on the screen; but when you're finished guessing commands, it will slowly read you a long list of suggestions.
So you've fought through the pairing process, now it's time to make a call. However, the AcuraLink system hasn't imported your contacts. The system is capable of importing them, but to initiate the process, you have to first head a few levels deep into the Info menu on the dashboard interface and tell the system to sync your contacts. Once this process is complete, you'll be able to access your phonebook from the info menu. However, if you want to access your contacts with voice control, you'll have to push the contacts (one-by-one) to the Bluetooth system.
This process is far too complicated. In a Kia Forte, you just pair your phone with a PIN and your contacts automatically are imported for voice access, which is embarrassing when you consider that the Acura is twice the price.
One place that the TSX with Tech excels is music playback and audio quality. The system's knob-based selection system is ideally suited to browsing large media libraries on connected iPods and USB devices. When connected to an iPod, it sorts music by Artist, Album, Genre, and so on. However, when used with a USB mass storage device, the Acura sorts the music by folder. Bluetooth audio streaming is also included as an audio source, as is XM satellite radio--which is used to provide the Acura's traffic and weather data--and a six disc CD/DVD Audio changer.
Whatever the source, audio is pumped through a 10-speaker ELS audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. This is a system that can best be described as strong. Audio is characterized by solid bass response is that isn't too boomy with a flat EQ curve, yet is full enough to be felt in your backside at moderate to high volumes. Mids and highs are clearly reproduced without being overpowered. As far as $40,000 rolling audio rigs go, the TSX and its ELS system are among the best on the road.

Under the hood:

We were lucky enough to have tested the 2.4-liter TSX with a fantastic six-speed manual transmission. The TSX V-6 isn't available with that transmission. It's only available with a five-speed automatic transmission that is always in too high a gear in normal mode and too low a gear in sport. Fortunately, there are steering wheel mounted shift paddles for those times when you need a little more control over your revs.
Power is sent through this transmission to the front wheels. Before you go rolling your eyes at front wheel drive, remember that Honda (and by extension Acura) makes some of the best handling FWD cars on the market. The TSX is no exception. While slight torque steer is evident during fast starts, once you get the TSX moving, the handling is rather good. The toss-able sedan is eager to change direction at the flick of the steering wheel and goes where you point it as long as you stay within its generous performance envelope. However, push the TSX too hard and it'll push back with predictable understeer. The TSX dances so well because of her sturdy legs. Although a bit on the firm side of what's acceptable for a luxury sedan, the TSX's ride doesn't seem harsh or intolerable. Sure, you'll feel the potholes and particularly rough expansion joints, but you'll also get a good feel of the rest of the road, which translates into a fun and involved ride. High quality sound deadening keeps road noise from being too much of an issue.

In sum:

So how does the TSX V-6 stack up to the competition?
Overall, we really like the TSX's increased power. The TSX V-6 accelerates quietly, confidently, and without drama when you want it to, and it can put a satisfied grin on your face with its deep exhaust note and nimble handling. The suspension is sprung a bit firm for a luxury car aimed at junior executives, but not so much that it is jarringly uncomfortable or boy-racerish. However, the TSX V-6 can only be had with the mushbox automatic transmission, where the four-banger can be had with a fantastic six-speed manual transmission. The dramatic gains in power also come with a small reduction in fuel economy, which will have the greenies shaking their heads. The result is a wash, resulting in a nearly identical performance score for the V-6 model.
Meanwhile, the cabin tech package is also a mixed bag. While the TSX with technology package earns a high comfort score thanks to a fantastic sounding ELS premium audio system and manages to check a lot of the right boxes for a tech car (navigation, Bluetooth, USB-iPod connectivity, traffic, and so on), the physical and virtual interfaces are ugly, poorly organized, and difficult to use at speed. Acura's cabin tech interface is approaching a decade old at this point and it certainly looks the part. If Acura truly wants to compete with Lexus, BMW, Audi, Ford, and GM, it's going to need a serious interface overhaul soon.


Manufacturer: Acura

Part Number:101174006

Basic car properties

• Body style Sedan
• Available Engine Gas

Safety Features

• Smart airbags Standard
• Antilock brakes Standard
• Traction control Standard
• Stability control Standard
• Back-up cameras Standard
• Roadside assistance Standard
• Adaptive cruise control Standard

Entertainment

• Satellite radio Standard
• Video entertainment system Standard
• Connection for portable MP3 sound system Standard
• MP3 CD-enabled sound system Standard
• USB connection Standard

Climate/convenience

• Multizone climate control Standard
• Two-way security system Standard
• 12V power outlet Standard

Drivetrain Technology

• Drivetrain available Front-drive

Navigation

• Trip computer Standard
• Live traffic data Standard
• Voice activated navigation Standard
• DVD navigation system (non-GPS) Standard

Communication

• Bluetooth phone interface Standard
• OnStar or other roadside assistance system Standard
• Home automation integration Standard

Where to buy

2010 Acura TSX V-6: $37,950.00

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

YouTube - Acura TSX Video: "Active Sound Control"





YouTube - Acura TSX Video: Stereo and Suspension Systems






YouTube - Acura TSX Video: Automatic Transmission

[Guest Close BogdanRR]

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=885687

03/08/2010 -TORRANCE, Calif. - Acura announced it will debut the all-new 2011 TSX Sport Wagon at the New York International Auto Show. The TSX Sport Wagon will offer a new solution to modern utility needs with its balanced and efficient performance coupled with bold styling and versatile cargo capabilities.
Arriving at Acura dealerships in the late fall, the Sport Wagon will join the TSX lineup, which already includes the 4-cylinder and V6-powered sports sedans.
The TSX Sport Wagon will be introduced at the New York International Auto Show on March 31, 2010 in the Acura booth. The press conference will be webcast live, followed by a Q&A on Twitter via @Acura_Insider.

Partea mai nasoala e ca se zvoneste printre dealeri ca nu va avea decat optiunea motorului in 4 cilindrii, in speta cel de 2.4. Daca se adevereste zvonul asta, inseamna ca Honda nu face aproape nici un efort, ci doar un biet rebadge al Accord-ului Tourer.

[razvan p. Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close razvan p.]

bogdane,este evident......acum spuneti si voi,un ACCORD 2.3T cu AWD si M/T.....nu era un ACCORD TYPE-S veritabil pt EU???si cat ar fi costat toata implementarea tehnologiei existente..?

[Guest Close BogdanRR]

Razvane, am mai spus-o si cu alta ocazie, legat de acel K23T...
M-am interesat si eu si am aflat ca acel motor pur si simplu nu incape in Accord, datorita constructiei sale pe verticala, cu intercooler-ul pus deasupra.
Plus ca consuma prea mult pt gusturile eruopenilor.
Le este, insa, mult mai usor (si au si facut-o pe Acura) sa puna J35-ul, adica V6-ele, fiind aproape de la fel de compact atat de verticala, cat si pe orizontala, precum un K24.
Eu ma mir de altceva...daca tot lanseaza TSX Wagon, la randul lui bazat pe TSX Sedan, care are parte de V6, care ar fi motivul pt care ar primi doar K24? Asta daca zvonul se adevereste, bineinteles.

Un lucru e clar, ori incepe si Honda politica de downsizing, ori raman in urma rau de tot.

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

la 03.30 PM EST se lanseaza la NEW YORK AUTO SHOW 2010, noul ACURA TSX 2011 SPORT WAGON, baietii pe TOV deja au poll de votare

http://www.vtec.net/polls/vote?poll_id=890180

au uitat sa puna: 2.4L 6MT HYBRID

[Guest Close BogdanRR]

au uitat sa puna: 2.4L 6MT HYBRID

I-ai confundat cu vecinii de la Hyundai:

I arrived here a few hours ago, got our gear set up, and just spent a little bit of time walking around to see what's new and exciting. We happened by the Hyundai display during the press conference for the 2011 Sonata 2.0T and 2011 Sonata Hybrid. These cars sound really promising. The 2.0T develops 274hp, 269lb-ft of torque (from 1800rpm) and achieves 34mpg on the highway through a 6-speed automatic transmission (Hyundai claims it's the lightest and most compact 6AT in the industry). The Hybrid features a 209hp delivered by the "industry's first" full parallel hybrid setup. The battery technology is Lithium Polymer, which Hyundai claims is 20% lighter, 40% more compact, and 10% more efficient than the latest Lithium Ion technology. Fuel economy is listed at 37mpg city, 39mpg highway, and the Sonata Hybrid will be the first hybrid on the road to feature a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai calls it their "no compromises" hybrid.

Nu-i nimic, asa cum zicea si Udo, Honda stie mai bine.

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/n...le-but-somewh/

There's quite a phenomenon at this year's New York Auto Show. Two – yes, two wagons have debuted. The first was the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon (our current pick for Best In Show, we might add), and the second is from Acura. The U.S.-market Acura TSX is the Honda Accord overseas, and the wagon variant that other markets will finally come to our shores to fill out the TSX lineup.

From all appearances, the only differences between the Euro Accord wagon and the TSX Sport Wagon are the addition of Acura badges and a slightly more upscale interior. Powering the Sport Wagon is the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the sedan, mated exclusively to a five-speed automatic transmission. Official fuel economy numbers haven't been finalized just yet, but Acura claims that the wagon will achieve around 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Sadly, the TSX wagon is only available with front-wheel drive, as Acura says that it has no plans to offer its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system in the TSX range. A pity, since we're big fans of this grips-at-all-paws setup. This could prove to be a sticking point for some consumers, however, especially since Acura's claimed competitive set (BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, namely) both offer all-wheel drive.

Still, we're always pleased to see another wagon on the road, and we're hoping that consumers will feel the same when the TSX Sport Wagon hits dealerships in late Fall. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in Acura's press release and click through our attached galleries to see the new wagon from all angles.

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

2011 Acura TSX at 2010 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: BMW 3 Series wagon, Audi A4 Avant
• Looks like: A sexy station wagon
• Drivetrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Late fall

Station wagon fans have been salivating for years over the Acura TSX wagon ever since it was sold overseas as a Honda. The TSX Sport Wagon looks like an interesting entry in a small segment and could offer a significant value in the entry-level luxury space like the TSX sedan does. Like that sedan, the Sport Wagon will feature a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to a five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters. However, the Sport Wagon will eke out 1 more mpg on the highway, an estimated 30.


Standard features include Acura’s usual staples such as Bluetooth, leather seats, dual-zone climate controls, moonroof and a USB port. A navigation unit with an 8-inch LCD screen is optional. Acura says it will be priced slightly higher than the four-cylinder sedan.

The wagon body style seems to translate really well to the TSX design. The cargo area looks large, but Acura has not revealed cargo space specs. Check out more photos below.














http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...cking+Tires%29

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

YouTube - Debut of the TSX Sport Wagon at the New York Auto Show

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

Acura adds wagon to TSX lineup

Acura plans to add a wagon to its TSX car line for 2011. The TSX Sport Wagon will offer fuel economy of up to 30 mpg and feature a sleek, European-inspired exterior and roomy interior.

Acura will add a wagon to its compact TSX car line for 2011, the premium brand of Japan's Honda said during the recent New York auto show.
The TSX Sport Wagon will arrive at Acura dealerships in the fall and will offer highway fuel economy of up to 30 mpg, the company said.
It's yet another in a series of new small wagons that automakers have been rolling out in response to rising gasoline prices and the steep drop in popularity of those big, thirsty SUVs that were so popular through the '90s and early this past decade.
Such vehicles offer the fuel economy and comfort of passenger cars but some of the cargo-hauling capabilities of sport utilities, making them attractive to consumers who want to burn less gasoline but not give up roomy interiors.

“The TSX Sport Wagon represents a smart choice for those seeking a vehicle with utility,” said John Mendel, Acura's executive vice president for sales. “It's practical, fun to drive, luxurious and technically advanced, all while achieving ... outstanding fuel economy.”
There is a removable side panel in the cargo area that allows for loading wide items such as golf clubs, Acura said, and there are under-floor storage bins where valuables can be hidden while the vehicle is parked. These would be good for state and national parks, where vehicle break-ins are common in remote areas.
A pair of bucket seats up front and a rear bench with a split-folding seatback provide accommodations for five passengers, and Acura says all five can sit comfortably.
The car has a “sleek, European-inspired exterior,” the company said, with such elements as “bold wheel arches,” 17-inch aluminum wheels, a sloping roof and a “chiseled, muscular body.”
Under the hood is a 2.4-liter, double-overhead-cam, four-cylinder engine with computerized variable valve timing. This is also the base engine in the TSX sport sedan; it is rated in that car at 201 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city/30 highway with a five-speed automatic transmission. That transmission will be used in the TSX Sport Wagon, as well.
Honda apparently will not offer the six-speed manual transmission from the TSX sedan, nor the optional 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 engine that was added to the lineup for 2010. That engine in the sedan comes only with a five-speed automatic gearbox.
The Sport Wagon's automatic will feature steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that allow the driver to shift manually without having to use a clutch.

Acura said the wagon would have the same kind of brisk acceleration and sure road handling as the sedan, “allowing it to easily tackle a twisty mountain road or swiftly navigate through city streets.”
Among high-tech features will be an optional hard-disk based navigation system with a new 8-inch high-resolution color monitor and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather with radar-image mapping.
If you're into music, the car also will be offered with the really cool Acura/ELS Surround Premium Audio System, which has a hard-disk drive for onboard music storage.

Standard Sport Wagon features will include a power glass moon roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather interior, power front seats, power windows/mirrors/door locks, premium sound system, Bluetooth hands-free phone connection and a USB port and auxiliary jack for connecting portable music players through the vehicle's audio system.
Among included safety features will be Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, front seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows, electronic stability control, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, tire-pressure monitoring and LATCH child-seat connections.
The wagon will be 189.4 inches long, which is 3.8 inches longer than the sedan. It will be 72.4 inches wide and 57.9 inches high and will have a wheelbase of 106.5 inches (the same as the sedan's). It's the same width as the sedan, but 1.2 inches taller.

No prices have been announced yet, but four-cylinder models of the 2010 TSX sedan range from $29,310 to $32,410 (plus $810 freight).

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2011 Acura TSX Adds Sport Wagon






Having existed for almost 25 years as a premium luxury brand for Honda, Acura is beginning to graciously mature from its infancy where the V-TEC Intregra and NSX were creatures of a raw, rebellious influence to posher motoring. Premiering at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the company’s entry-level TSX model receives the ultimate staple of settling into suburbia. The cover was officially removed off the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon, this is a direct salvo blast against European sport wagons the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Audi A4 Avant.

Weathering the craze which saw under-powered minivans and gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles ruling the market segment rule nearly two decades, the car-based wagon is in vogue again. The first true wagon to wear the Acura badge, the TSX Sport Wagon’s arrival is credited to a resurgence in the practical car body style.
Stretched 3.3 inches beyond the TSX sedan, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon retains the smooth, masculine look. Radiating with an intense European influence, this new Acura offering has been pulled off the narrower streets located on the west side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Acura TSX Sport Wagon, like the sedan counterpart, is a rebadged version built on the European Honda Accord. The European Accord had been sold as a wagon (or called Tourer through marketing language) since 2002. With the exterior design carefully marrying utility with sport sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon is vamped with 17 inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon’s stature opens-up the full potential of a mid-sized vehicle. Translating into a maximum cabin space of 41.77 cubic feet for cargo space, the spacious interior features clever touches such as a underfloor storage unit. Comfortably seating five passenger in standard leather seating, the TSX Sport Wagon’s rear cargo capacity is still a commendable 14.3 cubic feet. The typical Acura high-tech, high-fashion luxury appointments including Bluetooth connectivity as well as an available Acura Navigation System and hard-drive electronic storage for destinations or music content.

Though the TSX sedan has been rejoicing with the 280 horsepower jolt of the V-6 engine added this year, the TSX Sport Wagon will only feature the 201 horsepower, 2.4 liter i-VTEC inline-four for the debut. Further limiting the performance potential is the lack of the 6-speed manual to the TSX Sport Wagon. Running Acura’s 5-speed SportShift automatic offering manually-controlled shifting, a 0 to 60 mile per hour time of approximately 9.5 seconds makes this TSX more Wagon than Sport. Better fulfilling the urban utility, the four-cylinder powerplant does promise exceptional highway fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon. Outdoing the Japanese luxury brand’s RDX sport utility, the TSX Sport Wagon fuel consumption compares favourably over the Audi A4 Avant.

Going on sale late fall of 2010, Acura TSX Sport Wagon is another one in the new range of premium practical vehicles ideal for showing up the other parents at little league games.



Photo Credit: Joe Wilssens/Acura

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The Top Five Reasons to Buy a 2010 Acura TSX Over Mercedes, BMW or Lexus

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...uy_a_2010.html


In many parts of this country (particularly South Orange County, CA where this author resides) the roads, grocery store parking lots and freeways are positively crammed to the gills with Mercedes, BMW and Lexus models.





While their owners might think their $50,000 prize on four wheels holds incredible cachet, in truth a Toyota Camry is just about as noticeable. And $50,000 for a sedan that (often times) has "optional" leather upholstery seems utterly outrageous.

So what does the savvy car buyer do when they are looking for a luxury sport sedan package that won't break the bank, is safe and will hold its resale value? Oh yeah, and wouldn't it be nice if servicing your car didn't break the bank (Mercedes?) and the dealers treated you with respect and courtesy? Well, there is such a vehicle and it is the 2010 Acura TSX.

Available with either a sweet-revving 201-horsepower 2.4 liter four cylinder motor (with a six-speed manual transmission optional for driving enthusiasts) or a velvety smooth 280 horsepower 3.5 liter 6-cylinder, there is a TSX sedan for every luxury car budget. With prices starting at just $29,310, that puts the base TSX pretty much in line with top level Camry models. Now which would you rather have?

But don't be led to believe that the "basic" TSX comes anything less than fully loaded. As follows are the top five reasons to invest your hard earned recessionary dollars in the intelligent luxury sedan, also known as the 2010 Acura TSX.

The Value

A basic TSX comes standard with leather seats, five-speed automatic with paddle shifters (the six-speed manual is a no-cost option), the four cylinder engine (which returns an excellent 21 city/30 highway), a 7-speaker 360 watt audio system, Bluetooth, XM radio, a brilliantly simple iPod interface, 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, automatic temperature control, moonroof, HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, steering wheel mounted audio controls and utterly bomb-proof build quality inside and out.

Technology Package can be added to your TSX which pushes the price of 4 cylinder models to $32,410. This option is highly recommended as it affords you Acura's easy to use in-dash navigation unit with Zagat guide,real time traffic and weather, voice controls for nav/radio/climate functions and the Acura/ELS audio system that was recently named the #1 audio system by Edmunds.com when tested against the best from six other premium brands.

The Acura/ELS audio system has ten speakers, one 8-inch subwoofer, 415-watt amplifier, Dolby Pro-Logic II and was designed by designed by Grammy winning record producer and engineer Elliot Scheiner. I have an Acura/ELS sound system in my 2006 TL, I have road tested the TSX V6 with the same sound system and I can vouch for the fact that I have yet to hear a sound system that can match its clarity and depth of sound. You really feel like you are listening in at the recording studio. The Technology Package is honest to God worth it just for the stereo.

Adding the V6 engine to a base TSX pushes the price to $34,850 and when you add the Technology Package on top of that the TSX maxes out at $37,950. When you consider that most basic BMW, Mercedes and Lexus models start about where the TSX-V6 technology package tops out, it is clear that the Acura is a far superior value.

It's Fun to Drive

Having driven both the four and six-cylinder models I can vouch for the fact that both are great fun on twisty back road two-lanes but also handle potholes and speed bumps much like they don't exist. The greatest part about the TSX is that it can be playful when you want it to be but it feels cosseting after a long hard, day at the office.

The steering is precise and gives the TSX and agile feel that thankfully never goes too far towards making the wheel feel fidgety. It is tough to balance luxury and sport but the TSX is easily the best car in its price range at balancing those two hat tricks.

It's Incredibly Safe

All 2010 Acura TSX models are not only equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) but also Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System all of which are designed to keep you from having an accident. If you do have an accident you can take comfort knowing that the TSX has six airbags and is designed with a five star crash test rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and a top rating of "Good" from the IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

Also note that all Acura products are designed with ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) which ensures that even if you hit a much taller truck or SUV your Acura will still perform the same in a crash. These things matter, especially when you are using your TSX to shuttle your precious family. That's why Acura never skimps on safety (all of its vehicles get top marks in crash tests from the IIHS and NHTSA).

The Styling

The 2010 Acura TSX, to my eyes at least, looks good in every color qualifying it as an exceptionally attractive luxury sedan design. You won't mistake it for anything else, the exterior lines are taut and angular and the interior is made up of soothing, somewhat organic shapes. Interior quality is first rate with the unique dashboard design, dials and gauges all designed with artistic flair and a sense of utility. This is a luxury sedan that would be a great faithful companion for ten years as the interior and exterior are free enough of gimmickry to remain timeless.

If You Need More Room Acura is Introducing a Sport Wagon Variant for the 2011 Model Year

Coming in late fall of 2010 Acura will be introducing a sexy as heck Sport Wagon variant of the TSX that should give Audi a run for its money. It will be available with the four-cylinder, five speed automatic combo only but with highway mileage at 30 it should snag a few luxury car buyers downsizing from their gas guzzling SUVs.

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon also makes perfect sense if this long rumored $8 a gallon gasoline becomes the norm in our country in the next few years. Come on now. Be realistic. You do know it's coming now don't you? Well, I suppose just because it happened in Europe doesn't mean it will spread here. It's not like we are overly dependent on foreign oil or anything. Oh wait, scratch that last part.

Source:
www.acura.com