2009 Acura TSX

Vehicle Overview
Acura's entry-level TSX sport sedan has been redesigned for the 2009 model year. The new model is larger than its predecessor, offers better gas mileage, features all-new styling and is powered by a cleaner four-cylinder engine. Competitors include the Audi A4, Infiniti G35 and Saab 9-3.

Exterior
The exterior of the new TSX is much more muscular than the prior version. The wheels are accented by large fender flares, and the front of the car is defined by a new grille that features a silver-colored upper bar.

The new TSX is also 2.4 inches longer than before, has a longer wheelbase and is 3 inches wider. A new cross-braced roof improves rigidity, and the TSX has dual-mode dampers that can vary their response based on driving conditions.

Interior
The TSX's restyled interior has a high-quality appearance and room for up to five people. Heated leather seats are standard. Additional standard features include a seven-speaker CD stereo with a USB port that allows the audio system to control an iPod. Bluetooth-based cell phone connectivity is also standard.

The optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with traffic-based rerouting and weather updates and a 10-speaker ELS surround-sound system that can play DVD-Audio discs. One of the other big changes to the navigation system for 2009 is that it's now controlled by a large dial in the middle of the dash, whereas the previous system featured a touch-screen.

The TSX's trunk measures 12.6 cubic feet, but the sedan comes with a standard split-folding backseat that can expand that space for long items.

Under the Hood
The front-wheel-drive TSX is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that has lower emissions than the previous engine. The engine makes 201 horsepower — a 4-hp decrease compared to the four-cylinder in the prior TSX — but more torque (172 pounds-feet with the six-speed manual transmission and 170 pounds-feet with the automatic).

Gas mileage with the manual is 20/28 mpg city/highway and the five-speed automatic achieves an estimated 21/30 mpg. The automatic includes shift paddles on the steering wheel that gives the driver control of gear changes.

Safety
The TSX has antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system and active head restraints for the front seats.

The sedan also incorporates Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body technology. ACE is designed to better engage vehicles of different sizes during a crash so the car's crumple zones are fully utilized.

Driving Impressions
I drove the TSX in and around San Diego, on expressways, city streets and winding mountain roads. Even on the relatively smooth roads that part of the country is privileged to enjoy, the TSX's firm suspension tuning communicated small pavement bumps to the cabin and wasn't especially forgiving on rougher surfaces. The benefit, though, is relatively flat cornering when driving the car quickly through tight turns.

My biggest issue with the new TSX is its steering feel and feedback. Acura has replaced the hydraulic steering system in the previous car with a new electric power-steering system that doesn't offer very inspiring oncenter feel; unlike many sport sedans, it doesn't take much effort to turn the wheel left or right from its straight-ahead position, which means the driver has to pay extra attention to something that doesn't normally require any thought.

The TSX's four-cylinder is built to rev. It spins smoothly and emits a nice mechanical sound as you approach its 7,100-rpm redline. You have to let the engine rev high if you want to unlock its performance potential; shifting into too high of a gear to quiet the engine will make its power drop off. That's what happens to an engine with modest torque that peaks at a relatively high rpm.

Fortunately, the six-speed manual is a joy to shift. The transmission has medium-length throws and moves from gear to gear with impressive slickness, though extra attention is necessary when shifting into sixth. Clutch-pedal effort is rather light, so it shouldn't tire your leg when creeping through traffic, and within minutes of driving the car I'd gotten accustomed to where engagement occurred.