Fast and Furious, and value too! Honda Civic Si infuses Acura CSX Type-S At its 8,000-rpm redline, the scream from the sport-tuned exhaust piping channeled under the four-door body of the
CSX Type-S is wild enough to launch Acura's hopped-up entry-level sedan onto the big screen in a "Fast and Furious" sequel. By incorporating the drivetrain and suspension from the
Honda Civic Si , Acura has morphed the otherwise sedate CSX into a "tuner" sled, replete with tarmac-searing handling and pulse-quickening acceleration.
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| The CSX Type-S is essentially a 4-door Civic Si. |
Type-S for Type-A The latest generation of CSX is a great platform on which to produce the fortified Type-S. It's a surprising spacious compact sedan capable of second glances thanks to its dramatic but not over-the-top styling. The significant upgrades accompanying "Type-S" tagging include a 197-horsepower, 2.0L i-VTEC four-cylinder mill affixed to a six-speed manual gearbox, accompanied by a limited-slip helical differential. As with the conventional CSX, power is fed to the front wheels, however Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), combining traction control and a vehicle stability program, will intervene to keep a suitable level of decorum when emotions and horsepower run high. For either aspect of VSA to activate, the CSX Type-S must be pushed very aggressively. The Civic Si underpinnings impart highly-reactive, easily-controlled handling dynamics to the baby Type-S. These parts feature stiffer springs, firmer damping and beefier stabilizer bars than the non Type-S model. The Type-S also receives 17-inch alloy wheels and a restrained rear deck spoiler, not to mention embossed leather seating highlighted with white stitching. A full array of airbags arrive as standard equipment, along with a dual-language (English/French) voice-activated navigation system and a mind-blowing 350-watt 7-speaker audio unit with a digital audio card reader.
Behind the wheel The CSX Type-S is an entertaining ride for those who seek gutsy performance, or a little "show with their go." It merges all the benefits associated with Acura ownership -- such as outstanding build quality and well-appointed luxury -- with rebel attitude and sizzling performance, all without outlandish over-spending.
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| From 6,000 rpm on, the Type-S seriously begins to boogie. |