We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
Acura TSX: a small car that delivers big thrills
FREE Catholic Classes
The Virginian-Pilot (MCT) - Call it the girth of a nation.
Highlights
McClatchy Newspapers (www.mctdirect.com)
9/26/2008 (1 decade ago)
Published in Business & Economics
According to the National Institutes of Health, in just 20 years, a cup of coffee has doubled in size and packs an extra 305 calories.
It's a similar story for the Honda Accord.
In that same 20 years, the Accord has grown more than 14 inches longer and added 79 horsepower to its four-cylinder engine. But that is true only for the U.S.-built Accord.
In the rest of the world, the Accord is as petite as a portion of fois gras. It has grown a mere 6.4 inches longer but boasts an extra 103 horsepower. Yet combined fuel economy, as measured by the EPA, remains largely unchanged at 25 mpg.
In the United States, the biggest problem with the new Accord is that it's larger than a TV anchor's ego.
To sample a true Honda Accord, as opposed to the bloated poseur that plies our roadways, turn to your local Acura dealer. There, you'll find the TSX, the four-wheeled bonbon that wears Honda Accord badges on the other side of the pond.
The TSX's styling eschews the Stay-Puft look of the American Accord for a razor-honed sleekness that looks trim and athletic. Just check out the ninja-style door handles. And Acura backs it up with more than looks.
The TSX's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder generates 201 horsepower. It's married to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic that can be shifted manually.
While the manual may be more fun to drive, it carries a lower EPA rating than the automatic: 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway vs. 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Never mind.
Just hop in and head for your favorite road. There, you'll discover the front-wheel-drive TSX's exceptional manners. Body lean is well-controlled, and the car remains flatter than a politician's re-election speech.
You'll also find that the TSX has a firm ride that transmits the worst road shocks forcefully back to the driver. Hey, blame the state Department of Transportation, not Acura.
The electric power steering is responsive and has the perfect amount of weight. Handling is precise, and the car has a lively, alert feel.
There's plenty of power on hand from its four-cylinder mill. Unlike other entry-level luxury cars, this one is fairly frugal while providing the sort of 0-to-60-mph times that make daily commuting fun.
Stopping is as good as going, at least when it comes to this car's performance. Four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution is standard.
The TSX has some road noise in its cabin, but that can be mitigated by turning up the audio system.
Roominess is more than sufficient for four full-sized Americans. The seats are firm, comfortable and hold passengers tight.
Oodles of luxury items are crammed in the interior, including XM satellite radio, a navigation system, heated leather seats and a traffic alert system.
In short, the TSX is smaller than the Accord but blessed with better handling and a look that's truly distinctive.
Imagine if this had been the new Accord with the smaller four-cylinder engine used overseas: We would be driving just the sort of family car everyone desires right now.
Even so, the TSX boasts the best fuel economy in its class, with lots of gear to make the most hedonistic driver happy.
___
WHAT WE SAY: TASTES GREAT, LESS FILLING
Pro: Handling, fuel economy, looks
Con: That large buck-toothed grille
Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder
Wheelbase: 106.4 inches
Length: 186.1 inches
Weight: 3,484 pounds
Cargo space: 12.61 cubic feet
EPA rating (city/highway): 21/30 mpg
Fuel economy: 25 mpg
Fuel type: Premium unleaded
Base price: $32,060
___
© 2008, The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.).
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Pope Francis Encourages Youth to Follow Blessed Carlo Acutis' Devotion to the Eucharist
-
Bringing Christ into Your Family's Fall Traditions
-
Ancient Mosaic Reveals Early Christian Faith
-
Protecting God's Temple: The Hidden Chemicals in Our Food and How to Choose Safer Alternatives
-
How Toxic Chemicals are Leaching into Your Food
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Friday, September 20, 2024
- Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions: Saint of the Day for Friday, September 20, 2024
- In Time of Danger: Prayer of the Day for Friday, September 20, 2024
- Daily Readings for Thursday, September 19, 2024
- St. Januarius: Saint of the Day for Thursday, September 19, 2024
- Lord Let Me Walk With You: Prayer of the Day for Thursday, September 19, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.