CD Article: 2009 Acura TSX

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:


On sale later this month, the redesigned 2009 Acura TSX is bigger and roomier than the current model but retains its nimble handling and efficient 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, reports Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson. "It's a business suit on wheels," he says.

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Read the article | View the photos | All The First Drive Reports

[2hondas]

The front end is okay in my eyes, but the rest of the car looks horrible. And why does it have to grow in size? 

The interior also looks too busy...too many buttons. Driving impressions don't seem that much different from the current generation TSX. 

Oh, those option packages. How much will they cost? The thing I like about the current TSX is that there are NO option packages, except for Navigation. Leather, sunroof, auto climate control, HID's, etc. etc. are all standard.

We visited our local Acura dealer today for kicks...new 2008 TSX's with Navi are going for about 34K after a 6k rebate, plus 0.9% financing. Excellent deal IMO.

[captain_ron]

My next car will not be an Acura, I am disappointed in the direction they have choosen to go.

[SIVIC]

The thing I like about the current TSX is that there are NO option packages, except for Navigation. Leather, sunroof, auto climate control, HID's, etc. etc. are all standard.

Keep in mind though, the CSX will soon be dead, so this cloth, halogen lit, de-toyed TSX will be Acura's new entry model.


I'm not sure if Greg reads this, but can you tell me if the autobox rev-matches when downshifting in manual mode like the new TL does?

[Craig]

We visited our local Acura dealer today for kicks...new 2008 TSX's with Navi are going for about 34K after a 6k rebate, plus 0.9% financing. Excellent deal IMO.

Damn, 6K rebate?  So you could negotiate more than that?

Wonder if my wife wants a second?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I like the incremental improvements they've made to what is already a great - and efficient - car. Styling is similar and fine IMO, but the rear lights a bit too Lexus ES-like for my taste. And the trunk on the smallish side. If the diesel comes (think it will) all will be forgiven.

Applaud the cloth model, but wish it was available with a bit more content.

If pricing is a little lower than today, should do fine.

This is one of the few Japanese models I would consider... if it came in a hatch/wagon.

[TopGun]

Another bigger/better/faster/more mature vehicle.  Since when is more mature any fun?

I should'a bought that '03 Milano Red...tan interior.

Alas, the Alfa's won't be here for at least another year.  Perhaps I should look into an '08 TSX with the tan and paint the damn thing red.

[ggweci]

We visited our local Acura dealer today for kicks...new 2008 TSX's with Navi are going for about 34K after a 6k rebate, plus 0.9% financing. Excellent deal IMO.

What if you don't want Navi?  Is the price even less, or is that just a "freebie" right now.

Also, how long is the 0.9% financing for? 36months only?

[2hondas]

We visited our local Acura dealer today for kicks...new 2008 TSX's with Navi are going for about 34K after a 6k rebate, plus 0.9% financing. Excellent deal IMO.

What if you don't want Navi?  Is the price even less, or is that just a "freebie" right now.

Also, how long is the 0.9% financing for? 36months only?

From Acura.ca:

Lease financing starting at 0.9% / 0.9% APR for 36 months*

or

Choose purchase financing as low as 0.9% / 0.9% APR up to 48 months*

††No charge Acura Navigation Package offer

We visited our local Acura dealer today for kicks...new 2008 TSX's with Navi are going for about 34K after a 6k rebate, plus 0.9% financing. Excellent deal IMO.

Damn, 6K rebate?  So you could negotiate more than that?

Wonder if my wife wants a second?

Sorry, I shouldn't have said rebate...I am actually not sure if its a rebate or not, but the sales manager said he would take off 6K immediately, as the 09's would be arriving very soon.

[mmret]

the Technology Package adds a bi-lingual navigation system with voice recognition, colour screen, rearview camera, illuminated steering wheel controls,

That is soooooooooo high tech.

$34k for an 08 with Navi at 0.9% over 36 months is a great deal. Has the residual been adjusted downward to reflect the dollar parity situation?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Well, the MSRP has been smartly reduced to base at $32,900, although identical to '08MY for similary equipped leather&HID/NAVI models.

    $32,900 - TSX (6-speed manual transmission)
    $34,200 - TSX (5-speed automatic transmission)
    $36,200 - TSX Premium Package (6-speed manual transmission)
    $37,500 - TSX Premium Package (5-speed automatic transmission)
    $39,000 - TSX Technology Package (6-speed manual transmission)
    $40,300 - TSX Technology Package (5-speed automatic transmission)

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/18/c7140.html

[gotak]

The front looks strange. It's less aggressive then before. The rear quarter view looks a bit like a BMW.

[JSCC]

Well, the MSRP has been smartly reduced to base at $32,900, although identical to '08MY for similary equipped leather&HID/NAVI models.

    $32,900 - TSX (6-speed manual transmission)
    $34,200 - TSX (5-speed automatic transmission)
    $36,200 - TSX Premium Package (6-speed manual transmission)
    $37,500 - TSX Premium Package (5-speed automatic transmission)
    $39,000 - TSX Technology Package (6-speed manual transmission)
    $40,300 - TSX Technology Package (5-speed automatic transmission)

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/18/c7140.html

So Acura matched CANADIAN Lexus IS pricing and followed a similar trim setup with cloth seats on their base model.

$3300 for : 

The available TSX Premium Package adds leather seats, XM Radio, automatic
headlights, two-position driver memory seat, and digital media auxiliary USB
jack with iPod/iPhone compatibility. HID headlights and fog lamps also improve
functionality and add style.

At least not as bad as the IS packages but still quite expensive.

[Greg B.]

I'm not a fan of Acura's current front end/grille scheme with the wide aluminum band in the air intake. $40K seems a lot of money for a car with a 4-banger that, if it's anything like the one used in past Accords, has been known to be a shaker at idle while in gear with an autobox. Not for me.

[johngenx]

I agree about the growth statement.  Why does the next gen of every car have to be larger?  The TSX was a great size.

[Schmengie]

The huge, tacky-looking chrome bar above the grill and the odd-looking headlights give the front-end of this car a disjointed look I don't care for at all.  In the rear three-quarter view the tail light's profile looks just like a massive chef's knife - strange indeed. The previous-gen TSX is much better-looking IMO.

[Snowman]

When Acura decides to get serious about the entry level lux segment with SHAWD or RWD as an option then they will have my attention.

[Mitlov]

the Technology Package adds a bi-lingual navigation system with voice recognition, colour screen, rearview camera, illuminated steering wheel controls,

That is soooooooooo high tech.

Shocking that this isn't standard on a premium car.  Especially Acura with all their high-tech attitude...

[Jaeger]

Things I like:

1) Interior - looks first class all the way.
2) Stick shift - glad they still offer it, but what's up with that gearing? 2,800 rpm at 100 kph?  You kiddin' me?  Can't imagine cruising at 130 in this thing.
3) More interior space.  I found the old model a bit on the small side for a family car, so extra elbow-room is appreciated.  They don't seem to have bloated in into a different class entirely and that's good.

Things I don't like:

1) Exterior. The over-wrought massive Acura beak - the front end is just atrocious.  The rest just looks odd.  I'll reserve final judgment until I see it in person, but I somehow doubt I will all of a sudden see beauty in its disjointed, angular origami lines.  The old one was understated, but handsome.  I can't see "handsome" being hung on this new ride by too many people.
2) They didn't fix the only real thing the old car lacked - power.  Mild increases surely offset by the added weight.  A turbo 4 and AWD would have said they were really targeting the enthusiast driver.  This approach says they are giving us a 5/6th Accord sedan.  Oh yay.
3) Still got the moves?  I dunno.  I have read a couple reviews that comment pointedly on the new model being a BACWARD step in steering feel and responsiveness.
4) A SMALLER trunk?  That just has GOT to be a mis-print, no?

Not a train-wreck disappointment, but disappointing all the same.

Jaeger

[mmret]

the Technology Package adds a bi-lingual navigation system with voice recognition, colour screen, rearview camera, illuminated steering wheel controls,

That is soooooooooo high tech.

Shocking that this isn't standard on a premium car.  Especially Acura with all their high-tech attitude...

Actually, now that I read it again, I think they mean that you get illuminated Navi controls on the steering wheel. The base-r models should still have illuminated controls for the other stuff.