Acura TSX
– 200 horsepower
– Mileage: 21 city/29 hwy (automatic); 22 city/29 hwy (manual)
– Starting price: $26,490
From upscale suburbs to trendy city neighborhoods, there is no greater status symbol for the moderately well-off than the entry-level luxury car. BMW’s wildly popular 3 series, Mercedes’ C-Class and recently the Audi A4 have eaten up the cash and credit of those looking for high-end quality within a budget.
The Acura TSX hopes to steal a share of that market with a fully loaded, better-powered car at a price that might hold off the creditor.
The list of standard features on the TSX reads like an option plate for others. Sunroof, xenon headlights, leather, 360-watt, 8-speaker stereo with 6-CD in-dash stereo, dual heat and a/c, 17-inch alloy wheels, and on and on. With the 200 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine, the TSX offers more power than the BMW, Mercedes or Audi–for thousands less.
Even with just 4 cylinders, the TSX powers through the high RPMs like a beast. Unfortunately there’s rarely an opportunity to flex that muscle on city streets.
City drivers also will lose any desire for the tempting 6-speed manual transmission after one commute home down a stop-sign-filled street. The demanding transmission and hinged gas pedal set-up require pinpoint shifting in first and second gear, resulting in shudders during bumper-to-bumper city commutes. Even though it’s not as sexy, an automatic would be recommended and will save the knees a world of hurt.
On the highway, the TSX shines as it blasts by other drivers. Hitting that sixth gear against all 5-speed instincts on The Kennedy is exhilarating, and passengers won’t realize what laws you’ve just broken with the TSX’s smooth highway ride. Handling in the city and on wider lanes is more than acceptable, even if not as precise or stiff as the European competition.
But what makes the TSX a real winner is its value. There’s only one option available on this Acura: the slick navigation system. Otherwise, there are no boxes to check but paint color. The sound system is powerful, crisp and clear. Heated seats are more than welcome in the winter. Stylishly hidden compartments are everywhere. And for $26,490, this near-luxury car is a steal, as long as you can handle the unassuming packaging and the lack of a big-name emblem on the grill.
“The European luxury car makers have always been something to aspire to,” says Mark Perleberg, lead auto expert for NADAguides.com, an automotive Web site that stresses value. “But really any car will get you to work every morning. So what are you paying the extra money for?”
Wanting that perceived status, and admittedly better looks and handling, might take car-shoppers right past the Acura dealership. But with a car this good for this price, the TSX seems like Cinderella waiting for the right lead foot.
RedEye road test
Pros: Fully loaded for less money than the competition. Powerful engine.
Cons: Tricky 6-speed manual, sedate styling.
Parking: This sedan is large, but a tight turning radius makes parking almost bearable. Almost.
What a valet says
“I would buy one. This is actually what I’ve looked at for my next car. I like the size, it’s roomy, has a 6-speed and nice leather,” says Brian Myers, a valet at a Lincoln Park store.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and alBerto Trevino (atrevino@tribune.com)
