Colin

The RSX was discontinued because it as at the end its cycle and they could not add side curtains to that design. They were wasting money keeping that Japan line running when everything else was cranking out ACE bodies. They could have ported a version of the Civic to a new RSX, but the perception was they needed to move it upmarket.

Nobody seems to understand that production decisions are generally made 3 years in advance. In 2003 when HMC made the decision to pull the plug on the RSX they were sitting on: Accord coupe, Civic coupe, S2000, RSX, CL and NSX. At the same time, the industry was going "SUV crazy" and they had one SUV in the Acura line. The decision was made to create a new compact SUV for Acura vs. another coupe.

It probably seemed like a good idea at the time, who could have envisioned $4.00 gas?

LaZyPiGgY

That does make a lot of sense Colin. So the RSX was decided to be pulled off even before the entry of the 06+ Civic Si generation.

Hopefully when Acura comes out with their coupe, they actually make it right. Coupe competition will be tough with the 3series coupe and A5, if their pursuing upmarket of course.

wackura

Screw coups, I want a rear door, and before you say thats the providence of cheap cars, BMW, Saab, Audi, Mercedes all have models with rear doors. Acura could give us the Accord Tourer if they wanted. I like the TSX but I think Acura is trying desperately to lose me.

Not only that, I found out that there's a Civic Type-R in Europe and Japan as well as a luxurious minivan but both are witheld from the US. Why? I hate that they deprive us of options to maintain some silly balance of public perception.

Celtic FC

Given the comments about the TSX, I doubt we'll see too many other European models from Honda making their way to America. Face it, the car was designed for the European market. The interior is more refined than the first generation - metal instead of plastic inserts, better leather on the seats - to compete with the European brands. I actually hope they don't stray far from European standards when they bring the new TSX here.

LaZyPiGgY

The Civic Type-R is a hatchback marketed for younger crowds, which we have the Civic Si for. Its just a civic with the K20 from the RSX, not a big deal. Also, hatchbacks are hot in Europe and Asia, not so much here. Americans either go for cars, or big SUV's, not a hatch.

Tumby

but the market is here for hatch though... look at VW golf and rabbit... they are selling good... even Toyota Yaris and Nissa Versa, they sell more hatch then sedan. I don't see why there is not a room for Civic Hatch... which looks hell lots better than the previous two.

Mokos23

I saw the Euro Civic when I went to Spain, I like it much more than the US Civic.

A lot of the Euro cars I recall were hatchback or wagon looking there with the rear wipers. It's probably due to getting a lot of cargo in a car/hatchback even if it's smaller car overall due to the narrowness of the roads and parking spaces in Europe. Plus, a lot of the roads are older than the cities in the USA.

In America we don't care cause we have a lot more space here and the roads are wider, always have been, even in the cities.

wackura

Even if a hatchback isn't a big seller it doesn't mean they won't sell any at all. I'll buy one. Do they want my money or not?

noki

Whatever happened to the hatchback/ wagon part of the market...?


You choices other than a sedan...

Big gas guzzling huge SUV
Cheap very uncomfortable small no fun SUV that still doesnt get very good gas mpg anyway
Impracticle ugly coupe. Might as well get a sedan.
Really cheap small Honda Fit/Toyato Matrix type... basic level does not really satisfy.


where is the car with versatility that is between? Not super basic or obnoxious SUV? Between Honda Fit and Acura MDX? The CR-V just plain sucks for comfort and fun, the stereo is made for middle aged women who could care less.

Suburu has the only "middle" wagon type cars, the Outback and Forester. The market is wide open.

Tumby

After all.. shame on Honda!

SSFTSX

TSX byitself should be a winner. Very high reviews from European press against newer rivals for 6 year old car. If they managed to put atleast 150bhp and 260 ft-lb of torque low down the rpm. It should provide enough highway passing speeds against larger V6 rivals. As i have experianced diesel power of diesel landcruiser vs Petrol version.