Acura is Honda’s upper division, and the TSX sedan has been available in the U.S. since 2004.
So what does the five passenger four-door 2012 Acura TSX sedan have to offer?
The engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder providing 201 hp and 170 ft. lb. of torque. An optional 3.5-liter V6 is available providing 280 hp and 254 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with manual shift paddles on the steering wheel. The car’s 0-60 mph time with the 2.4-liter engine is in 7.7 seconds.
On the exterior the TSX’s windshield is well raked. At the front the car has a highly futuristic look with long slit headlights. Additionally, the grille is also thin (slit like) with much chrome at the top. The car’s most conventional front feature is the large lower air intake flanked by driving/fog lights at the corners.
The TSX’s side profile is wedge shaped and looks solid. It includes cut lines at mid door and at the door handles with chrome outlining the windows.
The rear includes a high trunk, well defined lines and sleek well integrated taillights. Lower dual chrome exhaust pipes complete the look. The wheelbase of this Acura measures 106.6 inches and the trunk volume measures 14 cubic feet.
The interior of the TSX provides an upscale driving environment. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. The controls are logically positioned and work with precision. The rear leg room is adequate and the 60/40 split seat folds down.
The brakes are discs at each corner measuring 11.8 inches at the front (vented) and 11.1 inches at the rear (solid). The TSX’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is in 120 feet. The tires measure 225 50 17 inch. 18 inch tires are also available.
The suspension at the front includes double wishbones, coils springs, gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. At the back it has multi-links, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.
Standard features on the TSX include leather, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic controls, interior air filter, tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with transmission, cruise and audio controls, 8-way power and heated driver’s seat and 4-way power and heated passenger seat, heated power mirrors, power steering, windows, door locks and sun roof, remote keyless entry, universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.), 12 volt power outlet, rear ventilation ducts with fan control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with seven speakers, digital media connection and USB port, XM Satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, Bluetooth wireless data link for hands free phone, outside temperature indicator, variable/intermittent wipers, rear defogger and more.
Safety features on the TSX include ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction and stability control, driver and passenger air bags, front side air bags, side curtain air bags, child seat anchors, rear door child safety locks, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring and more.
On the road the Acura TSX provides a well planted drive with responsive and nimble handling. The driver really feels connected to the road as the steering provides good response and feedback. The ride is taunt but smooth and refined. The four-cylinder engine is smooth and high revving. The TSX is fun to drive on twisty back roads and it is comfortable and quiet to drive on the highway.
The fuel rating of the TSX is 22 city and 31 mpg highway.
The 2012 Acura TSX price starts at $29,810. This is somewhat expensive, however, the TSX is a well-finished entry-level luxury/driver’s car. It is worth your test drive to measure other cars you might be considering.
View the slideshow to see the 2012 Acura TSX inside and out!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.drivethebestbook.com or www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
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