2009 Acura TSX

2009 Acura TSX
2009 Acura TSX

2009 Acura TSX
2009 Acura TSX

Honda's luxury division took the wraps off of the worst kept secret in auto land at the 2008 New York Auto Show: the next-generation Acura TSX. For 2009, the redesigned TSX grows slightly larger, gets a bump in torque, and features more comfort and convenience features.

Acura's entry-level sedan rides on a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and grows 2.4 inches in length and 3.0 inches in width.

CG Says...
What happened to the rumored turbocharged, all-wheel drive TSX? We hope Acura didn't put this idea on the shelf and are hoping for a mid-model-year addition to the lineup.

The second-generation TSX will again be powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, but this engine makes 201 horsepower (down four from 2008) and 172 lb-ft of torque (up eight from 2008). It is also now all aluminum and environmentally cleaner and more fuel efficient, Acura asserts. Standard 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions carry over to the redesigned model. Acura estimates automatic models will get 21/30 mpg city/highway and manual models will get 20/28 mpg city/highway.

New features include a Technology Package that consists of a navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink real-time traffic, AcuraLink weather, and AcuraLink Satellite communication system. Other features like a reverse-linked passenger-side door mirror that tilts down to help parallel parking maneuvers, a rear backup camera, and a 10-speaker premium surround sound audio system are also new for 2009. Leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof are again standard.

Acura expects TSX to retain its core audience and continue appealing to young professionals and " extremely brand-conscious image seekers." Look for the 2009 Acura TSX on sale this spring. TSX comes on the heels of a refreshed RL introduced at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. TL is next on Acura's update list.