After all, the lack of popularity of the TSX in Canada doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad car. For instance, the highly-responsive 2.4L, 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine (derived from the Honda Accord) is designed to deliver plenty of low- and mid-range torque. It also loves to send the tach needle near the redline with the help of a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission (a 5-speed SportShift autobox is optionally available). The throws are precise and the long-stroke clutch offers little resistance. In addition, the TSX gets a drive-by-wire throttle system which maximizes performance based on the driver's habits.
Capable engine
This 205-hp mill pulls the car from 0 to 100 kph in less than 8 seconds with the manual transmission. Meanwhile, it burns on average 10.3 liters of premium fuel per 100 kilometers (as evidenced by my 750-km city-highway road test), which is on par with the competition.
Driving the TSX was quite fun, as it turned out. The suspension is effective at filtering out most road imperfections and delivering a comfortable ride. I noticed a bit of body roll in corners, but that's all. The power steering is precise and the variable assist is nicely calibrated. On the other hand, the fairly significant turning radius (12.2 meters) makes parking maneuvers harder in tight spots.
Braking is handled by four powerful discs delivering linear stops. The smooth, rattle-free ride is a testament to the frame's rigidity. On the flip side, to achieve this result, engineers had to considerably raise the rear-end structure. Consequently, the cargo threshold of the trunk is pretty high and makes loading items much more difficult.
Speaking of which, there are two tiny latches deep inside the trunk for unlocking the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. I'm not questioning their purpose, but their awkward positioning makes them hard to reach and manipulate. This looks to me as last-minute work.
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| Derived from the Honda Accord, the 2.4L i-VTEC engine of the TSX is designed to deliver plenty of low- and mid-range torque. |
Capable engine
This 205-hp mill pulls the car from 0 to 100 kph in less than 8 seconds with the manual transmission. Meanwhile, it burns on average 10.3 liters of premium fuel per 100 kilometers (as evidenced by my 750-km city-highway road test), which is on par with the competition.
Driving the TSX was quite fun, as it turned out. The suspension is effective at filtering out most road imperfections and delivering a comfortable ride. I noticed a bit of body roll in corners, but that's all. The power steering is precise and the variable assist is nicely calibrated. On the other hand, the fairly significant turning radius (12.2 meters) makes parking maneuvers harder in tight spots.
Braking is handled by four powerful discs delivering linear stops. The smooth, rattle-free ride is a testament to the frame's rigidity. On the flip side, to achieve this result, engineers had to considerably raise the rear-end structure. Consequently, the cargo threshold of the trunk is pretty high and makes loading items much more difficult.
Speaking of which, there are two tiny latches deep inside the trunk for unlocking the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. I'm not questioning their purpose, but their awkward positioning makes them hard to reach and manipulate. This looks to me as last-minute work.
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| These two tiny latches deep inside the trunk are pretty hard to reach. |