Looks like they've improved the interface quite a bit over the current Acura models. The things I found exciting:

Control of the iPod from the car interface

Bluetooth audio streaming

Phone book exchange


Hopefully Acura adds this functionality to all the 09 models.

 

Agreed. However, I think the phone book exchange is only for the tech package.

 

Which will cost you an extra $4000 or so.
Or that's how it's reported right now.

You guys gonna drop $35,000 for that car?

 

I'm finding it difficult to wrap my head around $35k. Realistically, $32k might not be as bad, and if they aren't selling well, they'll have to discount them. I wouldn't count on it for the first half of the model year, though.

The problem for me is that I am just not liking the design of many cars right now. They all seem to be getting big and lumpy looking. The TSX, while slightly larger, still has a pretty sleek design to it, which appeals to me. So, even though I think it's overpriced and underpowered, it will still probably be on the short list for my next car.

 

Wait for the i-DTEC... having the same performance with almost-Prius fuel economy will be this car's saving grace.

 

That's exactly what I'm waiting for. The only thing holding me back is the price of diesel - it's pretty high!!

 

Your list obviously sucks if this thing is on it.

 

Heyyyyy


It's just short, because I don't like huge cars, or really small cars, or lumpy cars, or unreliable cars, or gas guzzlers.....you get the idea.

 

Exactly! I want a car with 6-mt, leather and HIDs. I'd like it around or under 30K and I want to lease it. The S2000s have served us well for the last 8 years, but looking for a change. (FWIW, I have dropped the RWD requirement for this search)

What are my choices? Nothing really comes to mind except for a TSX or Mini.

 

The list really is quite short if you want a small-ish, sporty, feature-laden vehicle that gets decent gas mileage.

Most manufacturers drive me nuts because they make you pick between either a small compact car with very few features, or a yacht with all the goodies. There's not much in between! Then you narrow it down even further based on looks and a few other criteria, and you are left with about 2-3 cars to choose from. That's what happens to me, anyway.

 

I hope the fugly front grille will be gone by the time my lease is up. And tech package price come down to earth.

So what are the alternatives now?

 

Honestly, though, the phonebook exchange to the Nav is pretty sweet. I have it in the TL-S and that was one of the first features that I made use of, uploading my entire iPhone contact list to the car so I never have to go hunting for phone numbers again.

 

I thought phone book exchange was already on one or more of the Acuras, with supported mobile phones. www.handsfreelink.com Or am I thinking of Phone book import?

If by "Bluetooth audio streaming," you mean A2DP? I haven't seen that in any promotional literature. Simple HandsFreeLink Bluetooth interface with HFP-enabled phones is in my 2006 model. Nothing new there.

 

It does:
"Bluetooth® Audio allows a compatible cellular telephone that incorporates a built-in audio player to wirelessly play the phone's audio content on the TSX audio system (not legal in all states).

 

I stand corrected. (Actually I'm sitting.)

Not legal in all states huh. You can eat a hamburger while commuting, but not listen to music from your phone's MP3 player?

 

Amazing society we live in today, isn't it?

 

You could be the Mayor of Detroit and text message your lover from your car.....but not listen to music....

 

^

 

Holy cow! Thanks for pointing this out, Colin. The Ford Sync system has had this for a while and I wish my TSX had it. Rather than having to hook up a stupid cable and unhook it when I get out, I can just hit "play" on my cell phone. It'll even pause when a call comes in, just like a built-in CD. Awesome stuff. Acura is really doing a shoddy job of highlighting these features. They should have done demos of this stuff during the press test drive so the test drive reports focused more on tech features.

I'm still not interested until the diesel arrives, though.

 

Yeah, but can it play my music videos on the nav screen?

 

does this have to be an ipod, or does the integration work with any mp3 player via the headphone jack (like the traditional AUX input)?

 

I am using LG Dare as MP3 player. and i get very nice Bluetooth streaming audio without hassale of wire as it automatically connects when i sit in car.
I can control songs from steering wheel controls. I think Ipod dont even have bluetooth music streaming.

 

And only the Tech pckg. has the BT phone book exchange, correct?

 

Yes only Navigation system memory allows phone book import. also u can communicate with owners link. TSX is not worth the buy without Tech Package. Just the color coding of freeways on real time traffic gives big convenience for travel timing.

 

You could look at a volvo C30.
That car has a custom build program that lets you buy almost every feature ala carte.

Polarizing looks.