This 2011 Acura TSX Tech is Exhibit A on how small-displacement engines can still add up to a lot of fun. The 2.4-liter four-banger under the hood makes just 201 hp, but because of a terrific short-throw six-speed manual, a great chassis with a (sometimes overly) firm suspension and direct steering, you maximize every last pony at your disposal. Really, if I could change one thing about this car, it would be to have that great powerplant drive the rear wheels instead of the front ones.
The overall balance of this Acura is terrific, and the handling is as good as any front-driver on the market. This is a fun car to grab a lower gear, toss into a corner and put the power down, look for the exit and then hopefully, another corner just around the bend. This is one of those cars that rewards aggressive driving, letting you know at all times exactly where you are at on the road.
Combine all of these great handling attributes with what is arguably one of the best sound systems on wheels, and you have a rather compelling overall package. As a daily driver, you could certainly do a whole lot worse for your $35,000.
You're right, Roger. You could do a whole lot worse for a daily driver. In fact, if I was looking for a daily driver of my own, the Acura TSX would be it. It's no secret that I'm a Honda/Acura fan (though, it's becoming more difficult with each passing year) and I love this K-series engine and six-speed manual drivetrain combination. The shifter is precise and clutch take-up is tuned to my liking in the middle of the pedal stroke.
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is smooth and revs effortlessly to its 7,000-rpm redline. As is standard procedure with these high-strung Honda engines, you need to keep the revs up to stay in the power and that's something I enjoy doing. This coming from someone who autocrossed my brother's Integra Type R (8,400-rpm redline) a lot before and currently has a S2000 CR (8,000-rpm redline) in the garage.
Besides the drivetrain, the chassis tuning is also something I like a lot. The steering is hypersensitive and will catch people by surprise in the beginning, but you get acclimated to it easily and will end up enjoying it when placing the car wherever you want, whenever you want is so easy. The suspension is stiffer, while not punishing you during normal commutes. The overall result is a car that feels eager and light on its feet even weighing in at 3,400 pounds.
As much as I like this car, I'm not under the illusion that the blade/beak front grille looks good. I will say that the TSX is probably the best integration of the hideous front end, though. The rest of the exterior is clean and sharp-looking with the subtle wheel arches.
Inside, the cabin is great with supportive and comfortable front bucket seats. It's easy to find a good seating position, and the minefield of buttons on the center stack to control radio/climate/navigation functions is overwhelming at first glance but is easily picked up. Would you rather have an iDrive-like system, a touch screen or a bunch of buttons? I'll take buttons every time.
On our Technology package model, the ELS audio system sounds great and is one of my favorite setups. The navigation system is also intuitive, and the rearview camera projects a nice, clear image on the center screen.
My best piece of advice to those shopping a TSX is to resist going with the more powerful V6 model and get the four-cylinder with the six-speed manual. However, if you want the technology stuff with that drivetrain, you best run to the dealership now to find a leftover 2011 model. Acura won't be offering the Technology package with the I4 and manual for 2012, which I think is a shame. Instead, it will only be offered on the more performance-oriented Special Edition models, which I do look forward to driving.
2011 Acura TSX Tech
Base Price: $35,595
As-Tested Price: $35,595
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 201 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 172 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,400 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 24/24.1 mpg
