Acura TSX

This article is about the North American model. For the Japan/Euro-spec model, see Honda Accord (Japan and Europe eighth generation).
Acura TSX

2010 Acura TSX
Overview
Manufacturer Honda
Also called Honda Accord Euro
Honda Accord Tourer
Honda Accord Saloon
Dongfeng Honda SPIRIOR
Production 2003-2014
Model years 2004-2014
Assembly Sayama, Japan
Body and chassis
Class Compact executive car
Layout FF layout
Related Honda Accord (JDM)
Chronology
Predecessor Acura Integra (sedan, US only)
Successor Acura TLX
Acura ILX

The Acura TSX was a compact executive car manufactured by Acura. Introduced in April 2003 as a 2004 model,[1] it was sold only in the United States and Canada, but since the 2009 model year it has also been available in Mexico. It is also sold in Guam and Puerto Rico. It is sold in North America under the Acura luxury marque, where it filled the gap as Acura's 4-door, entry-level sedan when the Integra sedan was discontinued in 2001 (1996 in Canada since the EL was the Integra sedan's replacement there). The TSX would also eventually replace the Acura RSX in the US (which in turn succeeded the Acura Integra coupe). From 2008 until 2013, the TSX was the smallest vehicle in the Acura model line, other than the Civic-based CSX (and the preceding 1.6/1.7EL) sold only in Canada. In 2013, the smaller ILX was introduced in both the United States and Canada, based upon the Civic platform (replacing the CSX in Canada). All TSXs were built in Sayama, Saitama, Japan.

The TSX is badge engineered from the CL-series Accord (also known as the European Accord or JDM Accord) sold in Europe, Japan, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.[2] The TSX initially had a restyled interior and different suspension tuning than the European Accord when it was introduced. However, since 2008, the interior is now standardized for all three markets. In Australia & New Zealand, the CL-series is sold as the Accord Euro in the smaller mid-size bracket, where the American-market Accord is sold in the large car category. In North America, the TSX is sold alongside the mid-size luxury Acura TL, which is based on the American-market Accord. The Accord Euro was launched in China at the end of 2009, where it is built by Dongfeng Honda, and is called the Honda Spirior.

Honda announced plans to discontinue the TSX and the larger TL during 2014 with the introduction of the TLX, which replaces both vehicles.[3]

First generation (2004–2008)

First-generation (CL9)

2004-2005 Acura TSX
Overview
Production 2003-2008
Model years 2004–2008
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine K24A2 205[4] hp (153 kW) @ 7000 rpm and 164 lb·ft (222 N·m) @ 4500 rpm I4
Transmission 5-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 105.1 in (2,670 mm)
Length 183.3 in (4,656 mm)
Width 69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height 57.3 in (1,455 mm)
Curb weight 3,318 lb (1,505 kg)

Overview

Named as Touring Sportscar eXperimental, the Acura TSX was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show as a production model. The 2004 model year TSX's powertrain consisted of a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission (which featured a special casing, to reduce weight), and a front wheel drive layout.[5] A five-speed automatic transmission was a no-cost option in the U.S. based on MSRP;[6] however, such was not the case in Canada.

2006-2008 Acura TSX

2005 was the second year of the TSX and Acura updated it with XM Satellite Radio,a four-way power passenger seat and illuminated the steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.[7] In 2006, the TSX was updated with slight tweaks to the engine (adding 5 hp); a sportier exterior styling featuring a slightly new front and rear treatment, standard side skirts, and standard, integral fog lights; and restyled wheels.[8] Interior tech features were added, including a Multi-information Display (MID) in the instrument panel, and luxury features such as a two-position memory for the driver's seat adjustments which adjusted according to which of two keys were being used, auxiliary MP3 player input and Bluetooth-compatible HandsFreeLink (for cellular phones).[9] In 2007, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and an improved electronic rear view mirror were added, and the 2008 model year brought a new color option.

In testing conducted by the United States-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Acura TSX received an overall rating of "Good" for frontal offset testing,[10] an overall rating of "Poor" rear crash protection,[11] and an overall rating of "Acceptable" for side impact testing.[12]

Engine

The K24A2 engine used in the TSX was related to the engine in the Honda Accord (7th generation), the Honda CR-V, and the Honda Element. The K24A2 featured intelligent variable valve timing (i-VTEC) and produced 200 horsepower (150 kW) in this iteration. Another feature of the i-VTEC system on the TSX and RSX-s was that, unlike other Honda K-series motors, variable timing was used on both the intake and exhaust cams in its three rocker design.

For the 2006 model year, the K24A2 was updated to produce 205 hp (153 kW). The diameter of the throttle body and intake valves were slightly increased, along with the cam duration and valve lift.

Second generation (2009-2014)

Second-generation (CU2)
Overview
Production 2008-2014
Model years 2009-2014
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Powertrain
Engine 2.4 L K24Z3 201 hp (150 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) I4
3.5 L J35Z6 280 hp V6 (2010-)
Transmission 5-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 106.5 in (2,705 mm)
Length Sedan: 185.6 in (4,714 mm)
Wagon : 189.4 in (4,811 mm)
Width 72.4 in (1,839 mm)
Height Sedan: 56.7 in (1,440 mm)
Wagon: 57.9 in (1,471 mm)
Curb weight

3,470 lb (1,574 kg) AT

3,400 lb (1,542 kg) MT

Overview

2011 Acura TSX sedan

The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX made its debut at the New York International Auto Show on March 20, 2008 before going on sale on April 24.[13] In terms of size, the TSX is larger than its predecessor with 3.0-inch (76 mm) greater width, a 2.6-inch (66 mm) wider track and a 1.3-inch (33 mm) longer wheelbase, and the length grew by 2.4 inches (61 mm). Curb weight increased by approximately 100 to 150 pounds (45 to 68 kg).[14]

Making its debut on the new TSX is Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which is designed to reduce accident impact on occupants. In the United States, the TSX comes standard with luxury features like leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat with memory, sunroof, Xenon headlights, and adds a USB port music interface;[15] in Canada this configuration is known as the "Premium Package" as there is a base trim available with the four-cylinder TSX that has cloth seats and halogen headlights, and without the USB connector, memory seat function, and fog lamps. The TSX has an optional technology package, which includes a navigation system real-time traffic and weather, and a 10-speaker premium sound system with DVD-audio capabilities.

Acura also added a "Sport Wagon" version of the TSX in Fall 2010 as a 2011 model[16] The wagon is available with the I4 engine and 5-speed automatic.[17]

The 2010 model year TSX added an optional 3.5L 280 hp V6 engine, shared with the Acura TL.[18] It comes standard with the five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and 18-inch alloy wheels, and is available in either Premium or Technology trims.[19]

For the 2011 model year, the TSX received a facelifted grille with horizontal slots.

For the 2012 model year, Acura introduced an all new Special Edition model. The exterior features a more aggressive front spoiler giving it a sporty look, reminiscent of their old sports coupe, the RSX. Other cosmetic upgrades include a rear bumper fascia, side sills, and a "Special Edition" badge on the trunklid. In the cabin, Acura made sport-minded appointments including suede seat inserts with red backing. There is red stitching on the shift knob, seats, and steering wheel, along with red ambient lighting featured on the gauge cluster, overhead lighting, and footwell lighting. The pedals have also been upgraded to aluminum.

In late 2013 Honda announced that the TSX would be replaced with the Acura TLX sedan and that they will discontinue sales of the TSX model in 2014.[20][21]

Engine

The new TSX uses a base engine similar to that of the previous TSX. The engine is a 2.4-litre in-line 4-cylinder engine reaching 201 hp (150 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) torque.[22] While the rated power of the new TSX engine is 4 hp (3.0 kW) lower than that of the 2008 model, Acura says the new engine distributes power across a much wider rpm range, which along with the increased torque, provides an increased feeling of power for the driver. The transmission choices remain 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual, though the automatic version now comes with steering-wheel paddle shifters for optional manual shifting.

The TSX was slated to receive a high-performance 2.2-litre i-DTEC clean turbodiesel engine in the 2010 model year; however, it was later announced that Honda had abandoned its plans to bring diesel engines to the U.S. and Japan in favor of hybrid gasoline-electric powertrains.[23] Instead, a 280 hp 3.5-litre V6 became available in the 2010 Acura TSX.[24] The TSX V6 is only available with the 5-speed automatic transmission.[25][26]

The Acura TSX has a narrow price elasticity, as the base model four-cylinder TSX is considered a good deal for a luxury car. However, higher trims (particularly the V6 powered models) compete directly with more expensive sport luxury cars such as the Audi A4 and Infiniti G and Acura's own TL.[27]

2011 TSX Sport Wagon

Acura TSX Sportwagon

2011 TSX Sport Wagon is a version of Honda Accord Tourer, with 60.5 cu-ft of rear cargo area (with rear seats folded down; 25.8 cu-ft with the seats up), rear seats with 60/40 fold-down design.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 New York Auto Show.[28] The Acura TSX Sportwagon is powered by the same 201-horsepower Honda K engine 2.4L DOHC inline four-cylinder engine and suspended on the same four-wheel independent sports suspension as the sedan.

US model of 2011 TSX Sport Wagon went on sale in 2010-12-21 with a base price of $30,960 USD ($34,610 USD with Technology Package). Early models include 2.4L I-4 engine, Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission.[29]

Acura Canada has decided not to sell the TSX Sport Wagon until an unspecified later date, citing market conditions as the reason for the delay.[30]

2012 TSX Special Edition

2012 TSX Special Edition is a version of the TSX commemorating 25th anniversary of Acura, with 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, a more aggressive front spoiler, rear bumper fascia and side sills, 17x7.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with a dark grey finish, a "Special Edition" badge on the trunklid, perforated black Lux Suede inserts and red backing upholstery, unique red stitching and red-lighting throughout the interior, aluminum pedal covers, a black headliner material replaces the standard grey headliner used on other TSX models.[31]

Technology package includes ELS audio system and hard-drive based navigation system.

Changes to 2012 TSX Sport Wagon include a compact tire repair kit that allows for a significantly larger underfloor storage area.

TSX Special Edition was unveiled in 2011 Orange County International Auto Show.[32]

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the 2009-11 TSX to have an overall driver death of 7 deaths per million registered years.[33][34]

IIHS scores[35]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Marginal
Side impact Good
Roof strength (2012–14) Good

Awards and recognition

Racing

Realtime Racing prepares a factory TSX to compete in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GTS class. The factory TSX is refashioned to be stiffer and lighter, and includes motor work with raised compression, and a custom built sequential transmission. Acura won the Manufacturer's Championship for the Touring class in 2005 with the RTR TSX, as well as the Driver's Championship for Peter Cunningham. Acura returned in 2006 and won the Manufacturers' Championship of the Speed World Challenge Touring Car class for the second year in a row, running both RSXs and TSXs. TSX drivers finished in 3rd and 4th in the Drivers' Championship.[44] More success followed as Pierre Kleinubing won the Championship in 2007, and Peter Cunninghm took it in 2008. Driving for RTR in 2009 is Peter Cunningham, Pierre Kleinubing, Toby Grahovic, Kuno Wittmer, and Jeff Courtney.[45]

Sales

Calendar year US sales
2003 18,932[46]
2004 30,365
2005 34,856[47]
2006 38,035
2007 33,037[48]
2008 31,998[48]
2009 28,650
2010 32,076 (incl 126 wagon)[49]
2011 30,935 (inc 3,210 wagon)
2012 28,865 (incl 4,234 wagon)[50]
2013 17,484 (incl 1,976 wagon)[51]
2014 6,287 (incl 640 wagon)[52]

References and footnotes

  1. ↑ "Acura TSX Reviews & News". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  2. ↑ "2011 Buick Regal vs 2010 Acura TSX". Auto Rivals.
  3. ↑ http://acuranews.com/channels/acura-automobiles-headlines/releases/2015-acura-tlx-prototype-to-debut-at-the-2014-north-american-international-auto-show
  4. ↑ "2008 Acura TSX Base Sedan". Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  5. ↑ "2004 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  6. ↑ "Acura web site". Acura.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  7. ↑ "2005 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  8. ↑ "2006 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  9. ↑ "2006 Acura Lineup Summary of Changes". Temple of VTEC. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-22.
  10. ↑ "IIHS ratings". Iihs.org. 2007-10-24. Archived from the original on 6 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  11. ↑ "Head restraints: Acura". Iihs.org. Archived from the original on 4 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  12. ↑ "IIHS ratings". Iihs.org. 2007-10-24. Archived from the original on 6 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  13. ↑ Garrett, Jerry (2008-03-20). "A Techno-Nerd's Dream Come True". The New York Times.
  14. ↑ "2009 Acura TSX Specs & Features". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  15. ↑ "2009 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Archived from the original on 5 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
  16. ↑ Hellwig, Ed (2009-10-28). "2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon To Join Lineup Next Fall". Blogs.insideline.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  17. ↑ "Car News: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Priced from $30,960". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  18. ↑ "2010 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  19. ↑ "2010 Acura TSX V6 vs. 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo, 2010 Volkswagen CC 2.0T R-Line - Comparison Testspublisher=JB car pages".
  20. ↑ 2015 Acura TLX Prototype to Debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show
  21. ↑ Steven J. Ewing. "2015 Acura TLX prototype to debut in Detroit, TSX to be discontinued". Autoblog.
  22. ↑ "All-new 2009 TSX". Acura Media Newsroom. Retrieved 2008-02-23.
  23. ↑ "Honda abandons diesels in favor of hybrids". Leftlanenews.com. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  24. ↑ Korzeniewski, Jeremy (2009-02-11). "Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010 — Autoblog". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  25. ↑ "2010 Acura TSX Specs & Features". JB car pages. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  26. ↑ "2010 Acura TSX V6: 2009 Chicago Auto—Modern Muscle, 280 HP in Acura's Smallest Sedan". Popular Mechanics. 2009-02-11. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  27. ↑ "Driven: 2010 Acura TSX Tech V6". Autoblog.com.
  28. ↑ "All-New Acura TSX Sport Wagon to Debut at New York International Auto Show". Acura.com. 2010-03-31. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  29. ↑ "Acura Prices 2011 TSX Sport Wagon". Automoblog.net. 2010-12-08. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
  30. ↑ "TSX wagon will not be coming to town". auto123.com. 2010-10-18. Retrieved 2010-12-24.
  31. ↑ "Acura". Acura.com. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  32. ↑ "Acura". Acura.com. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  33. ↑ "Death rates fall as vehicles improve". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  34. ↑ "Driver death rates". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  35. ↑ "Vehicle details". iihs.org.
  36. ↑ "AutoWeb article on Euro 2008". Autoweb.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  37. ↑ "article on 2008 Car of the Year award". Honda.com.au. 2010-09-28. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  38. ↑ "2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The Contenders are revealed, what's your pick?". Motor Trend Blog. Motor Trend. 2008-09-25. Archived from the original on 29 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-01.
  39. ↑ "Best resale value cars". Money.cnn.com. 2006-11-29. Archived from the original on 29 October 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  40. ↑ "Consumer Reports rates Acura TSX Best Overall In Tests of Four Sport Sedans". Consumer Reports. October 2004. Archived from the original on 2007-10-18. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
  41. ↑ "Family Cars With Zoom". Consumer Reports. November 2004. Retrieved 2007-08-06. (may require online subscription)
  42. ↑ "Iihs-Hldi: Acura Tsx". Iihs.org. 2009-11-18. Archived from the original on 23 November 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  43. ↑ "Iihs-Hldi: Acura Tsx". Iihs.org. 2009-11-18. Archived from the original on 23 November 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  44. ↑ Laguna Seca press release Archived September 28, 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  45. ↑ 2009 57th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Entry List Archived March 24, 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  46. ↑ "Honda Media Newsroom Release: American Honda Sets New All-Time Sales Record". Hondanews.com. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  47. ↑ "Honda Media Newsroom Release: American Honda Posts 10th Consecutive Year of Record Sales in 2006". Hondanews.com. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  48. 1 2 "Honda Media Newsroom Release: American Honda Reports 2008 Annual and December Monthly Sales". Hondanews.com. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  49. ↑ "Acura Announces December and Year-End Sales Results - TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/". California: Prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  50. ↑ "Acura Sales 2012 - Acura Connected". acuraconnected.com.
  51. ↑ http://www.hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles-headlines/releases/honda-sets-all-time-december-sales-record-to-earn-2nd-best-annual-sales-total-for-american-honda-acura-light-trucks-post-best-year-in-brand-history
  52. ↑ "Honda Division Breaks Annual Auto Sales Record as Honda and Acura Brands Set Numerous New Sales Marks". Honda Newsroom.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Acura TSX.
Acura, a division of Honda, road car timeline, 1986–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
6789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456
Entry-level luxury car Coupé Integra Integra Integra RSX
Sedan EL EL CSX ILX
Integra Integra Integra TSX TSX
Mid-size luxury car Coupé Legend Legend CL CL
Sedan Vigor TL TL TL TL TLX
Full-size luxury car Legend Legend RL RL RLX
Crossover RDX RDX
MDX MDX MDX
ZDX
SUV SLX
Sports car NSX NSX
Note Vehicle sold only in Canada.
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