Head office: CAA-Québec 444, rue Bouvier Québec (Québec) G2J 1E3

2004 TSX

The new four-door Acura is in reality ’s European Accord with high-end equipment and 17-inch wheels. It is powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, with a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic . The TSX is the same height as the North American Accord but smaller otherwise.

Interior and trunk

Front access is good and the front seats are very comfortable though the big side supports may make some people feel hemmed in. The tilt, telescoping steering column contributes to the good driving position.

In the back, space is tight between the seat cushion and the B-pillar, which makes it harder to get out than to get in. The bench seat is comfortable for two adults and has a 60/40 split seatback that folds to reveal a rather small opening to the trunk. Headroom and legroom are generous even for tall people. You have to watch out for the safety lock plate on the wheel well, which can tear or dirty clothing in a flash.

The trunk is quite roomy. It has a flat floor and hooks for a retaining net, but the small trunk opening limits the size of objects you can put inside.

Convenience and safety

As is common with Honda products, road noise is insufficiently muffled. Fit and finish are almost faultless. There are lots of roomy storage spaces.

Instruments and controls are generally well designed, with a few exceptions. The sunroof control is poorly located low and left of the steering wheel, and the steering-wheel-mounted controls and glove box are not lit up at night. The turn signal and windshield wiper levers, on either side and too close to the steering wheel, can be switched on by mistake, especially when wearing gloves. The instruments are hard to read in direct sunlight. In a more positive vein, the air conditioner does its job adequately.

Safety-wise, the TSX comes equipped with front air bags, two side air bags and two inflatable curtains. There are five fairly high head restraints; and visibility is very good on all sides. In the low-beam position, the xenon headlights light a wider-than-average path.

Pictures : www.acura.com Engine and transmission

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine develops 200 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, which would be adequate for a car with no sporty pretensions but disappoints in a self-proclaimed sport . You won’t get a feeling of zip below 3,500 rpm. Like all Honda powerplants, this engine runs smoothly and goes easy on gas. It also meets LEV 2 Low-Emissions Vehicle standards.

As smooth as it is, the 5-speed automatic transmission does not seem an ideal match for the engine as acceleration times put the TSX on a par with some stately compacts. This transmission can shift like a manual in that it can compress the engine when you ease off the accelerator, which not all drivers may like. The tortuous shift lever grill is another source of irritation.

On the road

It’s too bad the engine is so anaemic, because the TSX’s suspension is definitely on a sport sedan level. It provides a tenacious hold and lets you snake through turns. On some bumps, the firm suspension and 50-profile tires can generate a harsh reaction. As a rule, however, the ride is comfortable and the car feels solid.

The power steering is a bit heavy at first but as speed picks up, it is well tuned, stable, precise and reasonably quick. It provides little in the way of road feel, and the turning circle is rather long. Braking is fade resistant and quite powerful.

At the CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre, the TSX appeared to be very well assembled, and sturdy and well rust-proofed underneath.

Conclusion

Generously equipped, comfortable and quite roomy, the TSX should prove an attractive choice. Handling is lively enough to support its sporty pretensions, but to take advantage of the substantial power of this well-behaved engine, sport sedan enthusiasts should opt for the manual transmission. It is really unfortunate to see this car’s otherwise balanced behaviour tarnished by the engine.

PROS CONS Road-holding Perfectible soundproofing Front-seat comfort Just adequate power Powerful brakes Small trunk opening Generous equipment Long turning circle Precise steering Rear egress Headlights (wide path) Rear door lock plate

2004 ACURA TSX

Engine: 16-valve, 2.4-litre 4 cyl. Horsepower: 200 hp @ 6,800 rpm Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 465.7 cm Width: 176.2 cm Height: 145.6 cm : 267 cm Weight: 1,465 to 1,505 kg Tires: 215/50R17 Towing capacity: 450 kg Air bags: standard front plus 2 side air bags plus 2 inflatable curtains

Fuel consumption with automatic transmission:  Transport Canada rating: city: 10.2 L/100 km (27.5 mpg); highway: 7.4 L/100 km (38 mpg)  Test result: 10.5 L/100 (27 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 9.8 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6.8 seconds

Competition: Audi, A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes C Class, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-3, , Volvo S60

Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 4 months/8,000 km; total to 100,000 km: $1,593

Warranty:  Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km  Major components: 5 years/100,000 km  Surface corrosion: 3 years/unlimited mileage  Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage  Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device)

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $708 Front brake disk: $180 Brake pads: $71 Muffler: $800 (including middle pipe) Front fender: $399

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $974 to $1,505 Price according to trim line: $34,800

Main options: Aero kit: $2,195

Price as tested: $34,800 Freight and preparation: $950

Dealers: Quebec: 11; Canada: 41

CAA-Quebec, August 2003