Acura's compact bundle of energy impresses with handling and refinement
Sometimes a car has to do it all: be comfortable enough for family trips, safe for the kids, attractive enough to fit in nicely with the parking lot
hierarchy at work, and quick enough to satisfy Ma or Pa when they get a few minutes behind the wheel alone.
Of course, for most families mileage is a concern, so a monster V8 engine with economy measured in minutes-per-tank is also going to be out of the question.
That being said, the $40,000-ish performance-luxury market is anyone's game. In the past few years, many a carmaker have shown the world that you don't have to part with excessive amounts of cash to have a vehicle which ignites that part of the motoring enthusiasts soul in ways only a taut and nimble sport sedan can.
Acura's TSX appears positioned best to appeal to the very entry-level of this market. After all, it's only got two trim levels and very few options, but carries an impressive list of standard equipment. There isn't even an optional engine or all wheel drive system.
Seems as though this machine might just be ideal if you've got more things to worry about than features, option kits and powerplants.
Choose your transmission, decide if your sense of direction is up to par, or
whether you need a navigation system (like me), pick a color and away you go.
It couldn't really be any less stressful a shopping experience, and the driving experience is similarly laid back. The cabin is roomy enough for four grown ups, with front seat passengers treated to plenty of head and leg room. Even in the rear quarters, there is plenty of room for a car of its size.
It's a relaxing drive, well suited to touring country roads or for long stretches of highway. The suspension keeps the bumps and ruts out of the car's interior sufficiently well, and the soft pitter-patter of the Michelin tires flicking over damaged pavement is about as loud as it ever gets. Inside, you'll find a level of passion and enthusiasm has gone into the styling which is not present among much of its competition. The dark colors are separated by an aluminum slash, with a very brave and angular look to the dash assembly that conveys a sense of pent-up energy.
The Navi package adds Honda's very user friendly navigation system to the centre stack. Featuring a touch-screen and voice recognition, it's easy to use and very precise. I'm about as tech-savvy as a potted plant, and I
was navigating like a pro in just seconds.
A Hands Free Link system is also fitted, allowing use of your Bluetooth equipped cell phone through the entertainment system. Speaking a few words is all that is needed to summon up the nearest burger joint and then call it to see if it's open late for those midnight cravings. A few more words to call up your buddies to join you for the trip. It worked flawlessly with my Motorola Razr phone all week long.
This is all topped off with plenty of storage space and an auxiliary jack for your MP3 player hooked up to the 360 watt stereo system.
Sometimes a car has to do it all: be comfortable enough for family trips, safe for the kids, attractive enough to fit in nicely with the parking lot
 |
| 2006 Acura TSX (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Of course, for most families mileage is a concern, so a monster V8 engine with economy measured in minutes-per-tank is also going to be out of the question.
That being said, the $40,000-ish performance-luxury market is anyone's game. In the past few years, many a carmaker have shown the world that you don't have to part with excessive amounts of cash to have a vehicle which ignites that part of the motoring enthusiasts soul in ways only a taut and nimble sport sedan can.
Acura's TSX appears positioned best to appeal to the very entry-level of this market. After all, it's only got two trim levels and very few options, but carries an impressive list of standard equipment. There isn't even an optional engine or all wheel drive system.
Seems as though this machine might just be ideal if you've got more things to worry about than features, option kits and powerplants.
Choose your transmission, decide if your sense of direction is up to par, or
 |
| 2006 Acura TSX (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
It couldn't really be any less stressful a shopping experience, and the driving experience is similarly laid back. The cabin is roomy enough for four grown ups, with front seat passengers treated to plenty of head and leg room. Even in the rear quarters, there is plenty of room for a car of its size.
It's a relaxing drive, well suited to touring country roads or for long stretches of highway. The suspension keeps the bumps and ruts out of the car's interior sufficiently well, and the soft pitter-patter of the Michelin tires flicking over damaged pavement is about as loud as it ever gets. Inside, you'll find a level of passion and enthusiasm has gone into the styling which is not present among much of its competition. The dark colors are separated by an aluminum slash, with a very brave and angular look to the dash assembly that conveys a sense of pent-up energy.
The Navi package adds Honda's very user friendly navigation system to the centre stack. Featuring a touch-screen and voice recognition, it's easy to use and very precise. I'm about as tech-savvy as a potted plant, and I
 |
| 2006 Acura TSX (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
A Hands Free Link system is also fitted, allowing use of your Bluetooth equipped cell phone through the entertainment system. Speaking a few words is all that is needed to summon up the nearest burger joint and then call it to see if it's open late for those midnight cravings. A few more words to call up your buddies to join you for the trip. It worked flawlessly with my Motorola Razr phone all week long.
This is all topped off with plenty of storage space and an auxiliary jack for your MP3 player hooked up to the 360 watt stereo system.