CarSeekBlog

The 2009 Acura TSX will feature a wider stance (3 inches) , but overall, reviewers are calling the image “sporty.” Granted, that’s an over-used term, but there point is that your husband won’t be ashamed to pick up the kids in this sedan. Add a longer wheelbase (1.3 inches) and you’re going to have a roomier interior (94.5 cubic feet) than the first Acuras to hit the lots in 2004.

Here are the basics:

- seats five
- 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder for 201 hp
- 30 mpg highway for the automatic (up from 28 mpg)
- 21 mpg city for the automatic (up a whole 1 mpg)
- standard 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic

Here are the “firsts”:

- fully enclosed cross brace roof construction
- better aerodynamics via frame rails under the car (ups gas mileages, lowers emissions, ditto for noise)
- better front crash endurance via advanced compatibility engineering
- a weather information function as part of the optional tech package (includes nav system, voice recognition, and real time traffic data)

Tech standards include Bluetooth, USB ports, and a Homelink remote control system.

Here’s what Honda has to say: “TSX is the first step in the advancement of our sedan lineup. We have more resources than ever before to advance the Acura brand.”

Here’s what we say: More than worthy of a test drive. The TSX goes on sale in April for about $29,000.

Filed under: Acura, New & Notable by Shorty