* Click HERE to see a video on the Acura RSX *
A notch below the original but still great
The successor to the Integra, the RSX, has not garnered the same success as the original. Launched in 2002, the RSX was only marginally larger, taller and heavier than the Integra but it was clear that it had lost the edge. Even the almighty Type-S is not the sports car that the impressive Type-R was. The Integra had a cult-like following because of its no-holds-barred potential. The RSX is posh in comparison and has not stricken the same cord with the enthusiasts.
A base RSX retails for $24,900. The top-of-the-line Type-S has a sticker price of $33,000. We tested a Premium model without options and its suggested price is of $26,900.
Exterior styling
This year, Acura has mildly upgraded the exterior with new head and taillights and differently styled alloy wheels. The subtle front, rear and side skirts add some attitude to a car that is otherwise blandish. Panel alignment is very good and the paint application is better than average.
Interior styling
The cabin of the RSX is of absolute simplicity all the while retaining all of its
functionality. The black on white gauges are very business like as are the HVAC and audio controls. The plastics used are of excellent quality and expertly assembled.
The driving position is spot-on and one of my favourite points about it is the proximity of the shifter to the steering wheel; it is less than the distance between my thumb and pinky. Speaking of the shifter, its action is precise and very light and is complemented by a very user-friendly clutch pedal action. The steering wheel itself has a smaller that average diameter and is thick and grippy.
Kudos to Honda/Acura for always having great seats for the front occupants. With their phenomenal support, they could literally be dropped into a full-out race car. The 50/50 split folding bench is fair however head and legroom are non-existent. The RSX really is a 2+2. Visibility towards the front is good however the rear ¾ view is obstructed by the front seats and restricted by small windows.
Technical
Two versions of Acura's potent DOHC i-VTEC 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine are available for the RSX. For both base and Premium models, it develops 160 hp at 6 500 rpm and 141 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The Type-S receives 210 hp at 7 800 rpm and 143 lb/ft of torque at 7 000 rpm with a redline at a screaming 8 300 rpm. A 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission are the choices for the first two versions whereas the Type-S gets a 6-speed manual gear cruncher. All RSXs have 4-wheel disc brakes (the Type-S has 38 mm larger front discs).
A notch below the original but still great
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A base RSX retails for $24,900. The top-of-the-line Type-S has a sticker price of $33,000. We tested a Premium model without options and its suggested price is of $26,900.
Exterior styling
This year, Acura has mildly upgraded the exterior with new head and taillights and differently styled alloy wheels. The subtle front, rear and side skirts add some attitude to a car that is otherwise blandish. Panel alignment is very good and the paint application is better than average.
Interior styling
The cabin of the RSX is of absolute simplicity all the while retaining all of its
 |
The driving position is spot-on and one of my favourite points about it is the proximity of the shifter to the steering wheel; it is less than the distance between my thumb and pinky. Speaking of the shifter, its action is precise and very light and is complemented by a very user-friendly clutch pedal action. The steering wheel itself has a smaller that average diameter and is thick and grippy.
Kudos to Honda/Acura for always having great seats for the front occupants. With their phenomenal support, they could literally be dropped into a full-out race car. The 50/50 split folding bench is fair however head and legroom are non-existent. The RSX really is a 2+2. Visibility towards the front is good however the rear ¾ view is obstructed by the front seats and restricted by small windows.
Technical
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