2009 Acura TSX

Brand-conscious buyers just entering the luxury-car segment should look at Acura. The all-new 2009 Acura TSX sedan is sporty, luxurious and loaded with communications technology.

The '09 Acura TSX is offered in two trims. The base model starts at $28,960. The TSX TECH starts at $32,060. As its name implies, this model is loaded with the latest state-of-the-art in advanced technology that Acura could possibly offer to buyers in the sports sedan segment. This was my tester for the week.

In addition to the standard equipment of Bluetooth, USB port connection, XM satellite radio, the TECH model has the newest in cutting-edge navigational communications. Some of these special features include the all-new Traffic Re-routing function, the current weather, plus future weather data, as well as a Zagat restaurant guide.

These are all indispensable new features for the busy young executive who likes to get in the car and go places. The EPA ratings on this compact sports sedan are 21 miles per gallon city and 30 mpg highway. However, be prepared to dig a little deeper into your pockets -- this sedan drinks premium unleaded fuel. You would be able to get away with regular unleaded, but the automaker recommends the use of premium for optimal performance.

The engine powering the 2009 Acura is an inline four-cylinder. The 16-valve, 2.4-liter I-4 has a horsepower rating of 201 at 7,000 rpm. (The engine's cut-off is 7,100 rpm). Torque ratings on my tester equipped with the automatic transmission were 170 lb.-ft. at 4,300 rpm. The torque rating is adjusted for six-speed manual models at 172 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm.



The TSX is shod with 17-inch Michelin Pilot high-performance tires wrapped within five-spoke alloy wheels and is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift.

The 2009 TSX is a front-wheel drive sedan that has a maneuverable curb-to-curb turning circle of 36.7 feet and a torque-sensing, variable power assist rack-and-pinion steering wheel. This makes the four-cylinder TSX fun to drive, as it is effortless and easy to steer into cornering. This vehicle does not overpower an average driver, as could a high-performance sports sedan, which is more typically geared toward the spirited driving enthusiast. What you can expect to get from the front-wheel drive TSX is a nice, steady luxury ride with a sporty flair.



This is the second generation of the TSX model. For 2009, the all-new model is bigger than the original version. It is longer, wider, and roomier. The new TSX is just slightly shorter and has only a minor loss of trunk space. The increase in dimensions gives the TSX its handling agility.

For its new TSX, Acura decided on "Keen-Edged Dynamic" styling with crisp, swift lines that emphasize movement and an aerodynamic design. The wheels are more outwardly focused to provide the TSX with a sense of sporty tension.

The 2009 TSX has six airbags, active front row head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control and anti-lock brakes. All five seating positions have three-point seat belts with the tensioning system and load limiters.



For the first time this model is built with Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering. If in an accident, the front crumple zones disperse crash energies around the load-bearing frame structures before reaching the passenger compartment. The automaker says it anticipates receiving the highest ratings in both the government and independent crash testing.

+ 2009 Acura TSX Live Reveal
+ 2008 New York Auto Show: All-New 2009 Acura TSX
+ 2009 Chicago Auto Show: Acura V6 TSX Sport Sedan



SPECIFICATIONS

2009 ACURA TSX TECH

VEHICLE TYPE: 5-passenger compact FWD sedan

BASE PRICE: $32,060 (as tested: $32,775)

ENGINE TYPE: 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder w/PGM-FI

DISPLACEMENT: 2.4-liter

HORSEPOWER (net): 201 at 7000 rpm

TORQUE (lb.-ft.): 170 at 4300 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic

WHEELBASE: 106 in.

TRACK (front/rear): 62/62 in.

OVERALL LENGTH: 186 in.

OVERALL WIDTH: 72 in.

HEIGHT: 57 in.

TURNING CIRCLE (curb-to-curb) 37 ft.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,485 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY: 19 gal.

EPA MILEAGE RATING: 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway

Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX