Looking at the 2011 Acura TSX

One of the major improvements of the 2011 Acura TSX lineup is the brand new wagon body style. It’s an entry-level front-wheel drive car that has a basic design similar to the Honda Accord.

This sedan, as well as the Sport Wagon, runs on a 201 hp 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine. The 280 hp 3.5 liter V6 – similar to that of the bigger Acura TL – is also in the sedan. Its 4-cylinder sedan can come in either automatic or manual transmission, but the V6 sedan and the wagon have it in automatic only.

Another difference between the V6 model and the 4-cylinder is that the former has 18-inch wheels while the latter has 17-inch wheels.

The sedan has for its standard features a wireless cell phone, link, leather upholstery, a sunroof, heated front seats, and auto-climate control. For safety features it has traction control, antiskid system, ABS, and front and curtain-side airbags.

Also available as a separate model is a Technology Package, which comprises real-time traffic and weather navigation system that’s voice activated, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, and a 415 watt surround-sound system with 10 speakers. This package is available for the 4-cylinder and the V6.

Experts tested the model with the 4-cylinder and manual transmission that had the Technology Package as well as the model with the V6 engine and Technology Package. The former got a rating of 64 and the latter a rating of 65, implying that both are close to the average rating of vehicles within its class (which is at 65.5).

The TSX’s highest rated aspects include the steering, handling and braking, its details, front room comfort, and its value within class.

In terms of steering, handling and braking, the premium compact makes great turns without losing its grip. You’ll experience driving with little or no effort when you’re on low speeds and the vehicle’s steering and control remains firm even when on highways and mountain roads. Brakes are also good at making controlled stops. This is the highest rated aspects of the vehicle, with a rating of 8.

Nothing says assembly quality like the TSX, considering its nicely textured trim and plastic apparel. While some of the interior panels seem cheap, they don’t necessarily affect the vehicle’s neatness and smooth atmosphere. Thus, the design and details of the vehicle are rated at 7.

While there’s not much to say with the rear seating of the car, the room comfort for the front gives great legroom and headroom, with its seats nicely bolstered, giving you great visibility from where you’re seated. The front seat comfort gets a rating of 7.

Considering the criteria above and more, the assessed value of the TSX is a 7, making it a competitive vehicle within its class.