2009 Acura TSX Miami FL
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2009 Acura TSX
October 27, 2009 By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor
2009 Acura TSX
DriverSide Overview
The 2009 Acura TSX is everything is aspires to be: cool and sporty, but with a clear sense of stability and reliability. It's designed for people who revel in the knowledge that their car can provide excitement and luxury without sacrificing ease of daily use. Edgier than its predecessor, the 2009 TSX feels more in tune with the driver than ever before. From the roomy interior space to the sleek exterior styling, it's a car that will connect to the people inside of it and beckon to people looking in. The changes Acura has made to this car are impressive and elevate the superior feel of the 2009 model.
What's to Like
The TSX remains firmly entrenched in the entry-level premium class, yet its tone is more sporty and fun than over the top luxury, which is a good thing. The interior cabin has a finished and modern feel, and the ride quality and exterior design have improved significantly from the outgoing 2008 model.
What's Not to Like
The base stereo sounds great, but plug in your iPod and you'll be annoyed by the time lag between song changes and the lack of easy scroll functionality. Additionally, the steering wheel has too many buttons, all of which can be accidentally pushed during a hard turn.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
This is a fantastically easy car to drive and it's perfect for your daily commute. The short throw gearbox provides crisp and tight shifts and the handling is responsive enough to make it fun even around the most mundane of corners. While the engine is somewhat buzzy in 4th and 5th gear, shift up into 6th and the TSX settles into silence giving highway driving an almost elegant feel for such a small car. Downshift, and it seems Acura has certainly made the most out of its engine. The automatic comes equipped with a 5-speed Sequential SportShift, letting the driver use the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters to blip through the gears for a more exciting and surprisingly reactive drive.
Engine and Drivetrain
The 2009 model has 4 less horsepower than the 2008; however, the current 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque feel larger than their numbers. An overhauled 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine gives the TSX more torque than the previous model's 164 lb-ft of torque, and the transmission has been geared to maximize the engine's mid-range torque.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
It seems that Acura's goal in restyling the TSX was to improve convenience and comfort for the driver. Speed-sensing windshield wipers, side mirror turn signal indicators and a telescoping steering wheel are just a few of the accessories that make driving the TSX more hassle-free. Raise and lower all four windows, plus the sunroof, simply by holding the unlock and lock buttons on the keyless remote for quick ventilation on hot days.