The small parking brake lever is located on the left side of the center console next to the shifter (exactly like in the Civic). Therefore, it’s much more natural to manipulate, especially during winter drifting sessions. On the other hand, it’s a source of discomfort for some who are used to rest their right knee in this spot.
Both the Acura CSX Tech and the Honda Civic EX-L feature leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel. The latter is identical except for the badge over the hub. The front buckets are similarly designed and provide roughly the same level of support and comfort. Plus they’re heated!
Front-seat access is much easier than with a Mitsubishi Lancer thanks to a generous door opening and a low step. Also, finding a proper driving position is easy with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and manual seat height adjustment.
Brrr… it’s cold in here!
Like many other products from Honda/Acura, the CSX Tech comes with automatic climate control. However, the system "skips" from 19 degrees Celsius to the arguably freezing "LOW" setting. In other words, it’s difficult to finely adjust interior temperature during summer.
Elsewhere, the 341-litre trunk is comparable to other compact sedans like the Subaru Impreza and the aforementioned Lancer. The wide and low opening makes loading and unloading easier. Too bad there’s no interior handle to close the trunklid, though. On the plus side, the 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback maximizes cargo capacity and versatility. Who said a luxury sedan can’t be practical?
On the road, this Acura offers pleasant driving dynamics. The power steering is nicely weighed and not overly assisted, while the autobox is good at masking gear shifts. In addition, the manual mode helps drivers make the most of the engine’s power by allowing quick, opportunistic downshifts for punchier corner exits, for example. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel make the whole thing relatively fun and easy.
Oddly enough, the ride felt slightly stiffer than that of a Civic Si Sedan. And while torque steer under acceleration is minimized, the car shows definite understeer in spirited driving conditions.
Better warranty
Some buyers will appreciate the Acura warranty, which is a little more generous than Honda’s (one extra year on the main coverage and roadside assistance).
Ultimately, though, choosing a 2009 Acura CSX Tech over a Honda Civic EX-L is all about prestige, pure and simple. After all, the latter delivers the same goods at a much cheaper price. In fact, even the Civic Si Sedan costs a lot less than my recent tester despite a much more potent engine.
photo:Luc Gagné
Both the Acura CSX Tech and the Honda Civic EX-L feature leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel. The latter is identical except for the badge over the hub. The front buckets are similarly designed and provide roughly the same level of support and comfort. Plus they’re heated!
Front-seat access is much easier than with a Mitsubishi Lancer thanks to a generous door opening and a low step. Also, finding a proper driving position is easy with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and manual seat height adjustment.
Brrr… it’s cold in here!
Like many other products from Honda/Acura, the CSX Tech comes with automatic climate control. However, the system "skips" from 19 degrees Celsius to the arguably freezing "LOW" setting. In other words, it’s difficult to finely adjust interior temperature during summer.
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| The wide and low trunk opening makes loading and unloading easier. |
Elsewhere, the 341-litre trunk is comparable to other compact sedans like the Subaru Impreza and the aforementioned Lancer. The wide and low opening makes loading and unloading easier. Too bad there’s no interior handle to close the trunklid, though. On the plus side, the 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback maximizes cargo capacity and versatility. Who said a luxury sedan can’t be practical?
On the road, this Acura offers pleasant driving dynamics. The power steering is nicely weighed and not overly assisted, while the autobox is good at masking gear shifts. In addition, the manual mode helps drivers make the most of the engine’s power by allowing quick, opportunistic downshifts for punchier corner exits, for example. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel make the whole thing relatively fun and easy.
Oddly enough, the ride felt slightly stiffer than that of a Civic Si Sedan. And while torque steer under acceleration is minimized, the car shows definite understeer in spirited driving conditions.
Better warranty
Some buyers will appreciate the Acura warranty, which is a little more generous than Honda’s (one extra year on the main coverage and roadside assistance).
Ultimately, though, choosing a 2009 Acura CSX Tech over a Honda Civic EX-L is all about prestige, pure and simple. After all, the latter delivers the same goods at a much cheaper price. In fact, even the Civic Si Sedan costs a lot less than my recent tester despite a much more potent engine.
photo:Luc Gagné
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