Acura's TSX sedan

The first V-6 version of Acura's entry-level TSX sedan joins the lineup for 2010 with a list price of $34,850 (plus $810 freight) for the base model, and $37,950 for the version with the Technology Package.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine, with 280-horsepower and 254 foot-pounds of torque, gives the compact TSX a big boost in power. Until now, only a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine has been available.

With the V-6, the only transmission is a five-speed automatic, which the four-cylinder comes with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

For 2010, four-cylinder models begin at $29,310, and with the technology package, the price is $32,260. Either transmission is available at the same prices.

“With strong V-6 power, the 2010 TSX can go toe-to-toe with the top sports sedans in its class,” said Jeff Conrad, Acura's vice president for sales.

The V-6 comes with unique 18-inch wheels and a revised suspension, he said.

EPA fuel-economy estimates for the V-6 are 18 mpg city/27 highway, compared with 20/28 for the four-cylinder with manual transmission, and 21/30 with the automatic.

The V-6 adds to the choices for the second generation of the TSX, which went on sale in April 2008 as an early 2009 model. With the re-do, the TSX was updated throughout.

The V-6 model, on sale now, falls between the highest-priced four-cylinder model and the midsize Acura TL sedan, which also was redesigned for 2009.

With that redesign, the TL was moved farther upscale, with the starting price raised to $34,955 from 2008's $33,725. No prices have been announced yet for the 2010 TL. But the 3.5-liter engine in the base TL is the same one used in the new TSX model, while the TL's all-wheel-drive model comes with a 3.7-liter V-6.

As for the TSX V-6, it comes with Acura's Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with such features such as grade-logic and shift-hold control. The transmission can be operated in full automatic mode, or the driver can shift it manually, although without having to use a clutch, of course.

For sporty handling, Acura uses a specially tuned double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system, and the car has five-spoke aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot all-season tires.

Also different from the four-cylinder model is a revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk lid, Acura said.

Acura called the new TSX exterior design “Keen Edge Dynamic,” which it said was intended to give the car “a cutting-edge appearance” to resonate with the youthful consumers the car is intended to appeal to — typically, young, single professionals or couples.

It's 2.4 inches longer and three inches wider than its predecessor, and it has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase. For greater stability, it has a 2.6-inch wider track, which adds to the car's sporty driving experience.

The inline four-cylinder engine offers 201 horsepower and 172 foot-pounds of torque with the manual transmission, and 170 foot-pounds with the automatic.

For 2009, the TSX got a new suspension system engineered to give the car great handling along with improved ride quality — two features that often are at odds with each other. Tuning a suspension for crisp handling usually means making the ride rougher, and premium cars often have to emphasize handling or comfort, rather than embracing both fully.

Even the four-cylinder model is well equipped. Standard amenities include leather interior, a power moon roof, high-intensity headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone link, and a great audio system with standard XM satellite radio and USB connection point.

The TSX also comes with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering front body structure, designed to minimize damage to other vehicles and injury to pedestrians hit by the car.

Nighthawk Black Pearl 2005 Acura TSX Sedan with Parchment interior