A Sporty Solution
Washington, D.C. - Last year, the original Acura CSX made its debut to great acclaim. Reviewers praised the small sedan for its distinctive design, inventive use of interior space and luxury features. All of these qualities have remained intact in the CSX Type-S, with one exception: this model is more of a blast to drive. (Think: the Honda Civic Si... if it were a 4-door sedan.)
While the stock CSX is motivated by a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine that develops 155 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, the Type-S ratchets up the fun factor, extracting 197 horsepower and an identical 139 lb-ft of torque from
its similarly sized and configured engine. The Type-S also boasts an 8000-rpm redline, which gives the rev-happy engine room to breathe before you're prompted to take the next gear.
The CSX Type-S features a 6-speed manual transmission that is among the best of any car on the market. The close-ratio gearbox enhances the driving experience to such a degree, you feel compelled to go up and down through the gears, even when doing it's not strictly necessary. (The base CSX is available with an automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters, but the engine in the Type S does not allow for anything other than the manual.)
The front-wheel drive CSX employs a helical-type, limited slip differential to control the power and to control wheelspin. The car also benefits from some improvements in the handling department with stiffer springs, larger stabilizer bars front and rear, and a sport-tuned suspension system.
Around the twisty and technical Shenandoah circuit at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia, the CSX Type S showed that these enhancements were well worth the effort. All the tight corners were taken in either second or third gear, but with peak power not coming on until 6100 rpm, the CSX was relatively easy to keep in line. Shifting between gears was a quick task that made driving the car just that much more fun. And the little sedan was remarkably stable and flat when confronted with severe cornering forces.
Visual cues and other under-the-skin features help to further differentiate the Acura CSX Type-S from the "standard" CSX. There are Type-S badges on the exterior, along with a rear-wing spoiler that features an integrated LED brake light. As well, this Acura sports model-specific fog lights and all-season 215/45 R17 Michelin tires riding on upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the small sedan boasts metallic-finished pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and red ambient interior lighting. The Type-S logo is stitched into the floor mats and embossed on the leather seats, which feature stylish, high-contrast stitching. The CSX Type-S also
comes standard with a navigation system with bilingual voice recognition and a 350-watt premium sound system that includes seven speakers. The system is able to accommodate MP3 or WMA files and additionally carries an auxiliary input jack to plug 'n' play your iPod.
Given all the evidence, I would suggest that the 2007 Acura CSX Type S is closer to hitting its intended mark than the 2007 Acura TL Type S. There are no illusions about the CSX being a true sports sedan, it's just a sporty sedan. In this respect, there are few competitors on the market that offer comparable luxury features or this degree of fun behind the wheel for an MSRP of $33,400.
Washington, D.C. - Last year, the original Acura CSX made its debut to great acclaim. Reviewers praised the small sedan for its distinctive design, inventive use of interior space and luxury features. All of these qualities have remained intact in the CSX Type-S, with one exception: this model is more of a blast to drive. (Think: the Honda Civic Si... if it were a 4-door sedan.)
While the stock CSX is motivated by a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine that develops 155 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, the Type-S ratchets up the fun factor, extracting 197 horsepower and an identical 139 lb-ft of torque from
 |
| 2007 Acura CSX Type S (Photo: Acura) |
The CSX Type-S features a 6-speed manual transmission that is among the best of any car on the market. The close-ratio gearbox enhances the driving experience to such a degree, you feel compelled to go up and down through the gears, even when doing it's not strictly necessary. (The base CSX is available with an automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters, but the engine in the Type S does not allow for anything other than the manual.)
The front-wheel drive CSX employs a helical-type, limited slip differential to control the power and to control wheelspin. The car also benefits from some improvements in the handling department with stiffer springs, larger stabilizer bars front and rear, and a sport-tuned suspension system.
 |
| 2007 Acura CSX Type S (Photo: Acura) |
Visual cues and other under-the-skin features help to further differentiate the Acura CSX Type-S from the "standard" CSX. There are Type-S badges on the exterior, along with a rear-wing spoiler that features an integrated LED brake light. As well, this Acura sports model-specific fog lights and all-season 215/45 R17 Michelin tires riding on upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the small sedan boasts metallic-finished pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and red ambient interior lighting. The Type-S logo is stitched into the floor mats and embossed on the leather seats, which feature stylish, high-contrast stitching. The CSX Type-S also
 |
| 2007 Acura CSX Type S (Photo: Acura) |
Given all the evidence, I would suggest that the 2007 Acura CSX Type S is closer to hitting its intended mark than the 2007 Acura TL Type S. There are no illusions about the CSX being a true sports sedan, it's just a sporty sedan. In this respect, there are few competitors on the market that offer comparable luxury features or this degree of fun behind the wheel for an MSRP of $33,400.
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