2010 Acura TSX V6

2010 Acura TSX V6
When the Acura TSX first hit U.S. shores, it was immediately branded as Acura's entry-level sport sedan. As with any new car, reviews blanketed magazines and internet sites and the nit picking began. While most writers praised the new offering, citing its long list of positive attributes, the negative points seemed to echo one another. Many would complain of a lack of torque and what they refer to as "peaky" performance. There's no question that most of the Honda engines introduced over the last fifteen years have revolved around high revving screamers, and that's what makes them so unique. Nevertheless, there's a sea of potential buyers in America who are looking for the low-end grunt they probably grew up with. Add to that a growing number of sport sedan consumers who begin salivating at the very thought of more muscle under the hood and you can understand why the TSX received two more cylinders for its spec sheet.

First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6

2010 Acura TSX V6

The Acura TSX packs a 201-horsepower punch from its four-cylinder engine, but there are many consumers who will always prefer the smoothness and refinement of a V6 under the hood. Targeted at this “performance-oriented luxury buyer,” the new 2010 Acura TSX V6 delivers 280 hp and 254 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-litre, VTEC engine, which Acura expects will broaden the appeal of this midsize sports sedan.

Additional features of the $39,790 TSX V6 (the I4 TSX starts at $32,990) include a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter (18-inch) wheels, and brake system upgrades. A manual transmission is not yet offered.

All TSXs are very well equipped, even in standard trim, featuring an eight-way power driver’s seat, four-way power front passenger seat, automatic headlights, sunroof, automatic climate control, stability control, Bluetooth and heated seats.

2010 Acura TSX V6.

Like the four-cylinder TSX, the TSX V6 is available in Premium and Technology trim levels, although for the TSX V6, there is no “base” specification. The standard “Premium” trim level includes perforated leather seats, HID headlights, fog lights. USB input, XM satellite radio and two-position memory for the driver’s seat.

The $4,279 Technology Package adds a navigation system, rear camera and Elliot Scheiner (ELS) 10-speaker audio system, as well as steering-wheel mounted remote controls. Total price for the TSX V6 Navigation: $44,069.

Exterior differences between the four-cylinder and V6 models are limited to the wheels, the trunk-mounted V6 badge, and a slightly revised front fascia for the TSX V6, with functional openings to aid with engine cooling. Inside, the tachometer wears model-specific calibrations corresponding to the performance of the V6 engine.

As mentioned above, the TSX V6 has exclusive suspension upgrades. Specifically, these include firmer front springs and revised damper calibration (due to the increased weight and output of the engine). Additionally, the programming to the steering system is revised for all 2010 TSX models to enhance steering response and “on centre” feel.

2010 Acura TSX V6.

TSX V6 brakes are also upgraded in comparison with the four-cylinder model, with larger rear pads, a larger brake master cylinder, revised pedal ratio and a new brake booster.

Exterior styling is pleasing, with the TSX proportions working well and the new “face” of Acura doing its job of identifying the brand. As a sidenote, before driving the TSX V6, along with the new TL six-speed manual, Acura Canada invited journalists for a rare tour of the Acura Design Center in Torrance, California, where stylists are working to further refine the Acura “look,” described as “keen edge.” Designers there acknowledge that the Acura grille is “polarizing,” but are committed to owning a look that won’t be mistaken for other brands. On the TSX, the grille is more restrained, compared with the new Acura ZDX and TL sedan, for example.

The TSX is what you could call a “small” midsize car, but only because the midsize car segment now features vehicles that a few years ago would have been considered “large.” In truth, the cabin environment of the TSX doesn’t feel appreciably different than that of the Acura TL.

2010 Acura TSX V6.

The cabin’s fit and finish is immediately impressive; the leather finely trimmed, and the panels and carpeting of a high quality. The seats are very comfortable and supportive, with an excellent range of adjustability in all directions. The “twin-cockpit” design of the driver and front-seat passenger area has become a signature feature for Acura, and is appealing in its appearance and execution.

2010 Acura TSX V6 Review

So, with the addition of an optional V-6 the new TSX erases the last significant division between itself and the TL sedan that sits above it in Acura's lineup. In fact, all three Acura sedans are now V-6-powered, with front- or all-wheel-drive, or about as easily distinguishable as their names (TSX, TL, and RL). This is not the way to build a hierarchy.

Last year's redesign already had the TSX shading the TL's turf, as the car became considerably larger. With premium marques at last showing a dawning awareness that small entries might be palatable to the American consumer, the repositioning of the TSX seemed like a retrograde step.

Although the TSX V-6 strikes me as a strategic blunder, the car itself is hardly unpleasant. Yes, the wider body makes for a more spacious interior. The cabin is suitably plush, although Acura's recent interior designs have been a tad overwrought. The V-6 is strong and (mostly) silent, and torque steer is even well-suppressed.

But I miss the old trim and nimble, four-cylinder, stick-shift, and far more affordable TSX. And judging from the old car's strong resale value, others do too. It's a proposition whose time has come again; although I'd argue that it really never left.

2010 Acura TSX V6

Let’s be honest. We can be a jaded bunch at times. Having the privelidge of driving various makes and models of cars goes a long way in not being impressed by a lot of things automotive. But every so often, an unexpected surprise arrives at our doorstep and we find ourselves wondering why a certain manufacturer hadn’t done something earlier. This was certainly the case with the 2010 Acura TSX V6. We’ve had plenty of exposure to the TSX – our Feature Editor Daniel Lewis owns a 2004 edition – and although it is a dependable, well-built car, the 200hp K24 engine in stock trim does not elicity the kind of rise in blood pressure we relish.

The 2010 Acura TX V6, however, is a completely different kind of vehicle. Whereas the inline-4 version is in the same segment as many of the most popular mid-sized 4-door sedans in the market, the addition of the bigger engine elevates the TSX into a completely differentsegment altogether. We’re talking about Audi A4 3.2, BMW 328 and Lexus IS350 territory. So does the V6 have what it takes to compete head to head with these luxury sport sedans?

First Impressions

Whereas the previous generation TSX possessed bodylines unlike any in sister brand Honda’s line up – although it was known as the Honda (Euro) Accord on the Continent – the current generation’s design bear closer resemblance to the very popular Accord. Dimensions have increased as well, providing a much more spacious cabin than the previous generation. Leg room, shoulder room and head room all have gone up, coming close to the dimensions of the previous generation Acura TL.

• The interior space seems cavernous by the previous generation TSX standards and fit two 6+ footers in the front quite comfortably with decent leg room left for rear passengers

• The dash, instrument cluster and center console were constructed of quality materials; fit and finish was excellent and really on-par with those of Audi, a make that’s well known for their excellent interior finishing
• One of the biggest changes is the steering wheel – gone is what seemed like a 380mm unit in the previous generation TSX; the new steering wheel is smaller – probably about a 350mm from what we could tell – thick and solid, really communicating a very sporty vibe

• Our tester, with the optional technology package, offered virtually every in-car convenience known to man – satellite radio, satellite-based traffic routing & information, Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bluetooth A2DP stereo output (so that you can play tunes directly from your iPhone without using a cable) and more
• The short-side to all that technology is that you have a pretty steep learning curve involved in figuring out the controls – there is a button practically for every control, making especially the center console look more like the Kennedy Space Center
• We did appreciate the matte, slightly textured finish on all the buttons – great tacticle feedback – but wondered if that finish would wear off with use
• We would have appreciated a keyless entry and start system to elevate the level of convenience – and frankly, a car at $38,760 should come with one
• The sound system is GREAT – as Feature Editor Daniel Lewis noted; unlike TSX’s of the past, the new generation seems to have gotten it perfect according to him
• Speaking of the sound system, we appreciate having the thin strip of LED-based radio and temp control information that is separated from the navigation screen; not having to switch back and forth between the navi and radio just to figure out which song is playing is a great idea

Driving Impressions

The TSX’s 3.5L SOHC V6 is silky smooth even under wide open throttle conditions. Stoplights are disposed with ease with a stab of the throttle, eliciting an acceleration that is quick but not abrupt nor harsh. Even with the right foot buried deep under the dash, there wasn’t any noticeable torque steer or drama through front wheel hop. We surprised more than a few drivers with quick getways and passing speed. Perhaps they should have taken greater notice of the discrete V6 badging out back.

It’s safe to say that the addition of the V6 has completely changed the character of the TSX. Whereas we would have viewed it as the now-defunct RSX’s 4-door brother in the past, the bigger engine changes things completely. Smaller displacement Honda / Acura engines have been traditionally known for their high-revving nature, producing horsepower figures that belie their displacement, but the weak link has always been torque. But with an available 254lb-ft of torque on tap, the TSX doesn’t need to rev very high to attain the level of acceleration to put smiles on our faces.

The 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting is a perfect compliment to the V6. Although we have never been big fans of automatic slushboxes with wanna-be manual shifting, the TSX’s unit does an admirable job with quick shifts and engagement, even blipping the throttle on downshifts. The paddles on the steering wheel reminded us of those found in DSG-equipped Audis with its feel and design. Imitation, in this case, was a great call to make.

Taking the V6 around bends and corners was pretty eventless. Although it is a front-wheel drive car, we never noticed any significant understeer that took us outside of where the steering wheel was pointed. We suspect that most TSX V6 owners will never take their cars to the limit, but it’s certainly reassuring that there is a margin of error built into the car.

On the fuel economy end of things – sure to come up when you consider the large difference in displacement between the standard 4 cylinder engine and our TSX V6 – we achieved a combined average of 21.8mpg, which is slightly above the EPA estimate 21mpg. When we took our lead foot off the throttle and practiced smooth acceleration with minimal braking , however, we were able to generate 30.8mpg on freeway-only driving. Even a V6 can be quite the gas miser when driven efficiently.

Conclusion

There’s really not much to say. The 2010 TSX V6 handily beat our expectations and solidly convinced us that something good is going on at Acura. When stacked against its primary rivals from Europe, we feel it stands up pretty darn well. Sure, Audi might edge ahead slightly in brand cache, but Acura is honestly darn close. Putting product against product, the TSX V6 represents a pretty convincing argument and we consider it a legitimate contender for your purchase and ownership consideration.

Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.

Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?

The 3.6-liter V6 in the TSX lineup joins the 2.4-liter inline four in the present lineup. It offers a significant increase in power that is palpable. For example, while the four offers 201 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, the V6 pumps out a healthy 280 hp and 254 lb.-ft. of torque.

We could feel the additional horsepower immediately. Acceleration was brisk, if somewhat noisy from a tuned exhaust. Under normal driving conditions, however, there’s little noise coming from the engine compartment. The new engine, that is also available in some other Acura vehicles, has an 11.2:1 compression ratio, integrated exhaust manifold and high-flow exhaust with dual tips, among other features.

Coupled to the engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel if you choose to do the shifting yourself. There is a sensor-controlled return to full automatic if you’ve been cruising for a while, but we found that it will also return to full automatic after maybe 10 seconds in any gear.

Chassis enhancements include an independent double-wishbone front suspension that has been beefed up to accommodate the heavier engine and to give the TSX a sportier feel. There’s a revised electric power steering as well that gives more precise feedback.

Brakes have also been beefed up. The TSX V6 wears 18-inch tires, while the four-banger has 17-inch rubber.

It will be hard to tell the V6 from the 4, except for a “V6” badge on the trunk. There’s also a slight change to the front fascia, but without the two cars side-by-side, it’s hard to find.

Standard technology packages on the TSX include an AUX jack outlet, USB port connectivity, and a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. Acura’s Technology Package also includes real-time weather, real-time traffic and a note function for the XM radio that tells you what’s playing and the source of the tune.

Pricing for the TSX ranges from $29,310 to $32,410, while the TSX V6 ranges from $34,850 to $37,950.