Reader’s Question:

Acura cars has been known for being compact, why is it that the upcoming Acura TSX is said to be a little way too different from its predecessors?

Jesse

Houston, TX

Indeed, the 2009 Acura TSX is the newest in the Acura family line up. But his car got bigger and heavier that the Acura TL (which is the elder version). The bloat seemed somehow ridiculous because Acura is now moving away from the arena of compact cars, just when it is beginning to gain acceptance in the US.

I took a test drive of this new bloat late last week. I had to drive it for only around 10 miles under a heavy traffic in the suburbs of Houston, Texas.

The TSX is really quiet and nice. The lightweight door opens and swings easily and would slam with a solid thud. The leather interiors had became really common, but the hides really announce their presence with a good smell. The dash is a bit over- styled, but the logic of the steering and navigation, the sound system, and the climate controls is exquisite and perfect. The seats also feel great and comfortable. The cabin materials have no evidence of shortcuts. I was also pleased and surprised to see a manual gear lever poking up from the console. The big 2.4-liter four in the cylinder is so smooth, well mannered and effective that it could easily be mistaken for a six. It shrugs off the car’s almost 150-lb weight gain. I drove the TSX in the rain, along a freeway in Houston Texas during a rainy day and torque steer was kept under control because the traction control system is hyper intrusive. I was on the freeway, where the ride was quiet and more comfortable than an RDX, but I was a bit disappointed because the steering is a little dead and too quick just off center.

Overall, The TSX is still a very pleasant car, even if it is no longer a compact car. Maybe Acura can bring back the Integra to fill the base of its car line up.

You can contact your local Acura car dealers in Texas for the availability date of this new release.