CSX to Replace Popular EL Range
Anyone questioning whether Acura would continue forward with its EL with the dawn of an all-new Honda Civic, despite it only being
available in Canada, can rest assured that a revised version of popular model will be part of the 2006 lineup. But this said we can all say goodbye to the EL nameplate, a designation that's been part of the Canadian auto industry since its inception in model year 1997.
Although the premium Japanese brand has never gone overboard trying to disguise the entry-level car's compact Civic roots, with restyled headlamps, an Acura grille and reshaped taillights 'transforming' the look, the upcoming CSX, once again exclusive to Canada, should do a better job differentiating the model from its second cousin.
"Acura's new CSX sedan is designed as a gateway product to Acura's family
of six luxury vehicles, from the RSX sports coupe to the RL luxury-performance sedan," commented Jim Miller, executive vice president, Honda Canada. "This vehicle offers consumers the class leader in Canada's luxury compact market segment," he added.
While no photos are yet available, said to be coming next month when we'll do a full preview or road test, whichever comes first, for the time being Acura has released a few details that should be of interest.
Under the hood is a 155-horsepower 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder featuring i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control systems, which combines VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) with VTC (Variable Timing Control). As it does in the new Civic, the i-VTEC system improves performance across a broader power band while reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
Anyone questioning whether Acura would continue forward with its EL with the dawn of an all-new Honda Civic, despite it only being
 |
| We can all say goodbye to the EL nameplate, a designation that's been part of the Canadian auto industry since its inception in model year 1997 (1997 model shown). (Photo: Honda Canada) |
Although the premium Japanese brand has never gone overboard trying to disguise the entry-level car's compact Civic roots, with restyled headlamps, an Acura grille and reshaped taillights 'transforming' the look, the upcoming CSX, once again exclusive to Canada, should do a better job differentiating the model from its second cousin.
"Acura's new CSX sedan is designed as a gateway product to Acura's family
 |
| No photos of the CSX are yet available, said to be coming next month, but don't expect it to deviate too much from the 2006 Civic which is just arriving at Honda retailers now (2005 EL shown). (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
While no photos are yet available, said to be coming next month when we'll do a full preview or road test, whichever comes first, for the time being Acura has released a few details that should be of interest.
Under the hood is a 155-horsepower 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder featuring i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control systems, which combines VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) with VTC (Variable Timing Control). As it does in the new Civic, the i-VTEC system improves performance across a broader power band while reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions.