TSX sixes it up

Acura’s entry-lux sedan enhanced its appearance with a major styling last year; and while its exterior remains much the same, the TSX gets a boost under the hood for 2010

The six-cylinder powerplant in my Autonet test vehicle (a Technology Package trim, with automatic transmission) brings the brand’s new 3.5 litre powerplant to the platform, showing off the 280-horse performance. The (front) drive wheels twist with 254 lb.-ft. of torque, run by a drive-by-wire throttle that could be described as either “touchy” or “precise”, depending on the situation.

Now, an eager V6 that loves to jump in early with the power might not be my first choice as a winter car, but the TSX remains mannerly on snowy backstreets; thanks largely to the VSC and traction control combination. The flashing triangle lets me know when the nanny systems are kicking in, and on slippery pavement they kick in a lot; balancing wheel slip and keeping the ride controlled.

On dry pavement, city or highway, is where the new engine shines. Paired with a five-speed automatic (with sport mode, and steering-mounted paddle shifters) and supported by a medium-stiff-feeling, suitably sport-tuned suspension, the TSX delivers on its promise of luxury and performance.

The interior, while something of a tight fit (especially in the rear seats), is a nice environment in which to spend a long drive. I have always loved Acura’s high-end driver’s seats, and the form-fitting bucket in the TSX is no exception. A button-covered steering wheel allows control over a number of the onboard functions, and compliments the button-covered spaceship of a center console.

Naturally enough, everything is within easy reach in car this size, and with practice, the functions become easy enough to use. The Tech package trim of my test car gives the TSX a rear view camera, an upgraded stereo with center speaker. It’s got Bluetooth connection, enabling hands-free phoning and use of discoverable devices (like my cool new iPod)

Bluetooth isn’t unique to the Tech Package trim, its standard across the TSX line-up, as are auxiliary input port and anti-theft alarm.

The car’s outward appearance is fairly staid, though given a hint of roguish appeal with seventeen-inch alloy wheels and V6 badging. Narrowed headlights squint out over the new-look Acura grille as the body’s hard creases taper to the rear.

My overall impression of the vehicle is good, and assuming a buyer feels a need to jump up to a V6 (from the base-model 2.4-litre four cylinder), the sedan brings a good handling feel, power, and enough electronics to justify its MSRP.

The detractions are fairly typical for a number of cars in this segment- the cramped rear seats, a propensity to launch into a torque-steer pull when stepping hard on the accelerator (before the stability control kicks in) and a harder ride attributed to the sport-tuned suspension.

Priced to attract buyers moving up from similar brands (like parent company Honda’s very comparable Accord), it competes well, with a starting price in the low thirties, growing to middle forties if loaded to the gills.

My tester, V6 with tech package and (optional) snow tires and block heater, came to $44,221 before taxes.