2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Acura TSX

• Competes with: Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Saab 9-3
• Looks like: The TSX went on a weight-training program
• Drivetrain: 201-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic; front-wheel drive
• Hits Dealerships: Spring 2008

Acura's entry-level TSX sport sedan has been redesigned for the 2009 model year. The new model is larger than its predecessor, features all-new styling and is powered by an updated four-cylinder engine that's cleaner and more fuel-efficient.

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 2.4 inches longer than before and has a longer wheelbase. It's also 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.

The front-wheel-drive TSX is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that features direct injection and a higher compression ratio. The engine makes 201 hp, which is 4 hp less than the four-cylinder in the prior TSX, but more torque than the old version; the new TSX produces 172 pounds-feet of torque with the six-speed manual transmission.

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 give the driver control of gear changes if desired.

The TSX has side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and active head restraints for the front seats. Additional standard features include a seven-speaker CD stereo with a USB port that allows the audio system to control an iPod, plus Bluetooth-based cell phone connectivity and automatic headlights. The available Technology Package includes a navigation system with traffic-based rerouting and weather updates, as well as a 10-speaker, ELS surround sound system that can play DVD-Audio discs.

Comments

[Tony]

I disagree that this car competes with G35. The TL is direct competition to G35. And this is not true sport sedan like G35 because it is FWD.
You can call it entry luxury, but you wouldn't find any luxury in its back seat, with limited leg room.
Saab? Are they still around?

[Julio]

This competes at best with Audi A3. If it's direct injection, the horsepower should have been much higher as long as better mileage. Look at the Caddy CTS! AND this engine doesn't feature the turbo charged setup of the RDX. Talk about more steps backward for Acura. Even a direct injection turbo like VW makes could help it! Come on, Acura!! This sucks!!

[Adam]

I agree that this does not compete with the A4, or G35. That is the TL's job. I am not really sure who the TSX competes with. Funny how well Honda does, and yet Acura always seems to be lost...

[Per Olaf]

Cool design outside... so small inside... big price tag, tiny space...

[Mike Hanley]

The TSX's four-cylinder doesn't have direct injection (I misread "direct ignition" in the press release) so that has been struck. My apologies.

The G35 and A4 take different approaches than the TSX to attract sport sedan buyers, but all three cars are going after the same buyer and have similar starting prices. That said, some are better prepared to succeed in this segment than others.

[Tony]

Put it this way.
In Europe this car is known as Honda Accord. And no way European Accord is similar to G35.
Acura can try blind people here but if you put leather and all goodies into regular American Accord there is no way TSX will win it over.
G35 is not very spacy either but 4 people can ride with comfort and power, and control of true sport sedan.
Audi A4 with all the goodies can go north of 40G. And also some variations of A4 are rockets.
Also, A4 and G35 offered with AWD.
TSX may be targets same people but the car is not in the same class.

[ilija]

This car can be A3 competitor at best. A4/G35/TL/335 are league above it.

[Raul]

This is another mistake ridden article by Cars.com. Unfortunately, I've come to expect mistakes in just about anything they write. Anyone who believes the TSX competes with the A4 or G35 shold work for Cars.com. God knows they need editorial help.

[J]

Before everyone has to bash Honda for doing this, please look around.

ES and Camry.
A3 and GTI.
G35 is essentially a four seater Z car.

[Tony]

ES and Camry - yes
G35 is essentially a four seater Z car - ok.
But Camry XLE with all options is close in price of EX
And G35 is close in price to Z.

But TSX is not close in price to it's base - the Civic.

[Dave T.]

we're not judging the 2009 TSX on driving ability vs. those other vehicles since we haven't driven it. But price, interior size, base engines...it sure does compare with the Audi A4 and Saab 9-3. The G35 is probably a bit out of its league in the engine dept. I'd agree. However, people shop price and size quite a bit.

I still wouldn't say that one bullet point is "mistake ridden" and if you found a true mistake in any article feel free to point it out. Thanks.

The blogger is certainly off base with his comparison...the TSX doesn't compete against the G sedan...

Ideally, this is a car for a person in the market for a base A4 or C300 and realises he can have a fully loaded, tech laden TSX for the same money...

Other direct competitors include the:

Lexus IS 250
Saab 9-3
Volvo S60