Niagara Falls Review

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May 18, 2010 | 07:21 AM

TSX69

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Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: NC

Niagara Falls Review

Acura's v6 Engine Simulates Stock on TSX

Something I couldn't quite place about the Acura TSX has always niggled away at the back of my mind ...

Then it came to me -Toronto Stock Exchange: TSX. Now I can't look at the car without thinking about it. It's like that crazy tune that keeps playing over in your mind every time you hear a line vaguely familiar to the lyrics.

TSX (the car) is Acura's entry level four-door-sedan. For 2010, its appearance hasn't changed much, but there's a lot of new stuff in the package. Kind of like a mutual fund--a bunch of eggs in a single basket.

There are two new trim packages this year: V6 Premium and V6 Technology. As their name implies, there is also a new V6 under the hood, giving TSX (the car) a fun factor it lacked before.

The 3.5-litre V6 puts out a robust 280 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque. Think "go." That's about all it takes for the drive-by-wire throttle to add fuel and launch the 1,672-kg TSX.

Linked to a quick-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and paddle shifters, it gets the 18-inch wheels turning at a prodigious rate nearly as quickly as a stock trader can yell "sell."

Acura promises performance and delivers. Handling is precise and quick with flat cornering and electronic interventions that keep you safe without getting in the way of having a little fun.

Like the TSX (financial), a downturn is never too far away and the TSX (car) has one: torque steer. It's there, although it's momentary because stability control quickly halts that nonsense.

The car's interior suits me to a "T." All the buttons and switches are easy to operate and become intuitive quickly enough. Gauges are clear and easy to read.

I even get along with the navigation system that comes with the Technology Package. It actually knows where I am. The other techno treat that comes with the package is an outstanding ELS premium 10-speaker audio system. My ears love it.

During my time with the TSX, weather conditions varied from warm and dry to cold and snowy. It also rained. Only the absence of high heat kept me from experiencing an entire year's worth of weather in a single week.

No problem. The form-fitting multi-adjustable leather seats are heated; although they don't get as hot as I would like, they do take the chill off the nether regions.

Speaking of nether regions; there's not a lot of room for that body area in the rear seat. Although the average-sized adult fits back there -albeit snugly -it's cramped for larger folk. It wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me, but then I'm average sized.

There's enough room in the trunk to haul 357 litres of stuff. Flip down the 60/40 split rear seatback and you expand that considerably.

During the week with the new V6, I discovered the TSX to be relatively thrifty. In fact, it returned economy nearly on par with Transport Canada ratings.

That brought the TSX stock up a notch.

Strengths: performance; content

Weaknesses: tight rear seat legroom; no touchscreen control

- - -

Fact file

2010 Acura TSX
Trim level: V6
Price as tested (before taxes): $44,222

Options on test vehicle: Tech package ($3,000) includes voice control navigation, Bluetooth, premium audio system, satellite radio; snow tires ($1,350); block heater ($82)

Freight: $1,895
MSRP range: $32,990-$42,790

Configuration: front engine/ front-wheel drive

Engine/transmission: 3.5L V6/ 5 spd. auto. with sequential shift

Power/torque: 280 hp/ 252 lb.-ft.

Fuel (capacity): Premium (70L)

Fuel economy ratings: 11.3 L/100km city; 7.4 L/100km hwy

Observed fuel economy: 10.3 L/100km over 437 km

Warranties: 4 years/ 80,000 km (basic); 5 years/ 100,000 km (powertrain).

Competitors: Cadillac CTS, Ford Fusion SEL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES350, Hyundai Genesis

Report Card (out of 5):

Fuel Economy: 3.5 -Good, but doesn't blow the competition away

Value for $: 4.0 -decent price for the content and the segment

Styling: 3.5 -nice lines, but that nose!

Comfort: 3.5 -comfortable but tight in rear seat legroom.

Performance: 4.0 -oh what fun it is to ride....

Overall: 3.5-good handling and lots of electronic gizmos