CD Article: 2006 Acura CSX

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
First Drive:

Starting at $25,400, the new Acura CSX offers a driving experience "that is quite different from the softer-riding EL it replaces," says Paul Williams. "This vehicle is clearly designed to favour sporty driving," he says. Complaints? "The massive A-pillars obstruct vision", and the driver's seatback lacks "lower back support".    More...

[a4_tom]

Acura Canada is crazy if they think CSX competes with A3, S40 and MCS. They should stick with Jetta as primary competitor, both in size and performance wise. The car itself seems to be a huge step forward over EL.

[si]

It's a nice car and I'm sure it'll sell regardless of a price bump.

I do think the top of the line version could take on a base A3 or S40 though.

[G0dspd]

This is a Civic with a "bigger" engine (155 hp) and a few more ornaments.  Where did they get the idea that a fancy Civic could compete with an A3 ?  

[borninhongkong]

Well, if they bump the output of the TSX, and then drop the Civic Si engine onto the CSX, then yes, it could conceivably compete with the Jetta 2.0T, Volvo S40, and Mini Cooper S

[JD]

This is a Civic with a "bigger" engine (155 hp) and a few more ornaments.  Where did they get the idea that a fancy Civic could compete with an A3 ? 

Comment removed by moderator.  The A3 is a a VW Golf with a bigger motor and a few ornaments   

[Demosthenes X]

The comparison to the Cooper S is lost on me...  the CSX is a sedan with a sporty flair.  It's practical and fun.  The Cooper is fun...  but not terribly practical.  It's a two door town runner, not a "luxury" sedan...

For the money (if Honda prices it right) the Civic Si is a far better bargain...  but I'm sure there are badge whores enough out there who like the Acura nameplate enough to justify the extra cost for a CSX.  Not to mention, there's available navigation...  not so for Civic.

All in all, a nice looking vehicle.

[si]

FWD 168hp S40 standard with hubcaps and no options for $31k.  I'd rather take the CSX fully loaded with navi, lolz.

[articsteve]

The Civic EX is $21,800 in manual 5 speed and that gets you a sunroof.  The CSX is $25,400 in manual with no sunroof but more power.  I don't see this car going far sales wise.

[Shnak]

This is a Civic with a "bigger" engine (155 hp) and a few more ornaments.  Where did they get the idea that a fancy Civic could compete with an A3 ? 

  The A3 is a a VW Golf with a bigger motor and a few ornaments   

That's true, the A3 is based on the new Golf platform... but the Golf is quite a step above the Civic to start off with...

I wouldn't put the CSX quite in the A3 category... but I can kind of see the CSX being compared to the base S40, although it's more the TSX that competes head on with the S40.

[rovermark]

does not have "class" in my opinion, either externally or internally - definitely not the cockpit.

That suits the budget Civic very well, but I don't see the more affluent buying this oddly shaped (much like an iron) car.

Rear lights reminiscent of the old Impala..

[mdxtasy]

does not have "class" in my opinion, either externally or internally - definitely not the cockpit.

That suits the budget Civic very well, but I don't see the more affluent buying this oddly shaped (much like an iron) car.

I agree that the interior doesn't speak volumes about elegance nor opulence.  But then again, for $30K, it's not going to be mistaken for a Lexus LS430.  I don't think it was designed for the 'more affluent' buyer.  It's an entry level Acura....intended to bring young professionals into the brand.  I was one of those guys, purchasing a 2001 1.7EL and moving into an 2004 MDX a year and a half later.  The funky dash might work for this demographic. 

[Wetson]

I'm really disappointed that Acura has introduced an all new model which really is no different than the concept of the old EL... a rebadged civic with a few ornaments.  The interior in the CSX doesn't look all that different from the Civic aside from the leather.  What a let down.

[a4_tom]

I don't have a person looking at an S40 2.4i "base" would comparison shop CSX. TSX compares flavorably against S40 T5, A3 2.0T, Passat/Jetta 2.0T and 9-3 2.0T. Given CSX's price range, it would end up in AJAC's family car below 35k class while above 35k reserves for entry-level compact sports sedan.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think it's a brilliant move by Acura. Smart and efficient packaging, finally feels more sporty and just as quiet, upscale luxury features and badge, all for $28 or so. Sounds good to me.

The comparison of Golf to A3 is a little off, as the bodies of the two cars and dashboard/materials are completely different.

I could see the CSX and S40 comparison - the side profiles and trunk and shoulder lines even look alike. Both could promo safety features as well. I would consider Jetta it's direct competitor, and at that, the CSX looks value packed. It has everything I'd want, for less than the Jetta comparably equipped.

[GP]

I was thinking of the CSX but because of the suspension( being softer than an M3) and steering (lack of on center feel) I got a 05 6 speed tsx instead ($33200 including freight and PDI).  I think this beats paying $29000 + (with freight) for a premuim manual csx.

[wing]

Wow you got a TSX for $33,200 including freight and pdi?  That's a gread deal.

As far as the competitors, I don't think these are official competitors that Paul listed, it sounds from the text that he was speculating based on price and sporty intentions.

[Shnak]

I think he got a great deal like that for the TSX because it's a 2005 model. Was it a demo unit? But still, $33k all included is an exceptional deal!

[WW]

Its a pretty good car in my opinion but i really wish that it came as a 5 door hatch instead of a 4 door sedan.

[GP]

Hey,

It wasn't a demo, but it was their last 6 speed.  I was holding out for an 06 (they came in that morning) but they gave me a good deal on the 05 instead.