No true manual transmission available
Regrettably, only one transmission is available with the V6 powerplant. It’s a 5-speed arrangement featuring shift paddles. This transmission operates efficiently, smoothly, and with deft precision. The paddles supply quick cog changes that mimic but fail to replicate the fun of a true manual gearbox.
As with the base engine, power from the V6 is sent to the front wheels. Now, I’ve never been a fan of front-wheel-drive (FWD), especially on performance vehicles. In the case of the TSX, Honda does a commendable job of safely transferring 280 horsepower to the leading wheels but it’s not perfect.
Hard acceleration on anything but a perfectly flat road while proceeding in an arrow-straight trajectory is met with a torque-induced tug of the steering wheel resulting in unpleasant lateral pull. Albeit the TSX is better than most FWD cars with similar power allotments, some caution needs to be exercised when pressing the engine for all its got.
Hopefully the migration of all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology throughout the Acura lineup will soon find its way into the TSX. Such advancement would literally turn this high-value Japanese-built entry-level luxury/sport sedan into a real contender against some of the AWD machinery of Germanic heritage; it’s certainly got the handling cred to compete.
Ride and handling in-sync with increased power
From its launch in 2004, I’ve always enjoyed driving the TSX. Acura engineers fitted it with a lively chassis that exudes plenty of athleticism, the combination of which is inspiring when confronting a serpentine ribbon of pavement.
The precise steering and predictable handling characteristics of the TSX are not funded by a reduction in ride quality. The car conveys a sense of solidity and composure over rough road that adds to an overall perception of quality and comfort.
Regrettably, only one transmission is available with the V6 powerplant. It’s a 5-speed arrangement featuring shift paddles. This transmission operates efficiently, smoothly, and with deft precision. The paddles supply quick cog changes that mimic but fail to replicate the fun of a true manual gearbox.
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| Only one transmission is available with the V6 powerplant. |
As with the base engine, power from the V6 is sent to the front wheels. Now, I’ve never been a fan of front-wheel-drive (FWD), especially on performance vehicles. In the case of the TSX, Honda does a commendable job of safely transferring 280 horsepower to the leading wheels but it’s not perfect.
Hard acceleration on anything but a perfectly flat road while proceeding in an arrow-straight trajectory is met with a torque-induced tug of the steering wheel resulting in unpleasant lateral pull. Albeit the TSX is better than most FWD cars with similar power allotments, some caution needs to be exercised when pressing the engine for all its got.
Hopefully the migration of all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology throughout the Acura lineup will soon find its way into the TSX. Such advancement would literally turn this high-value Japanese-built entry-level luxury/sport sedan into a real contender against some of the AWD machinery of Germanic heritage; it’s certainly got the handling cred to compete.
Ride and handling in-sync with increased power
From its launch in 2004, I’ve always enjoyed driving the TSX. Acura engineers fitted it with a lively chassis that exudes plenty of athleticism, the combination of which is inspiring when confronting a serpentine ribbon of pavement.
The precise steering and predictable handling characteristics of the TSX are not funded by a reduction in ride quality. The car conveys a sense of solidity and composure over rough road that adds to an overall perception of quality and comfort.
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| The precise steering and predictable handling characteristics of the TSX are not funded by a reduction in ride quality. |