First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6

December 14, 2009

As you would expect, acceleration from a standing start is formidable, and passing power is equally capable; the transmission readily downshifting to an appropriate gear when required (or you can shift using the paddle shifters). Torque-steer was not evident on our drive route from Santa Barbara to Pebble Beach, mostly following the Pacific Coast Highway.

2010 Acura TSX V6. Click image to enlarge

Fuel economy for the TSX V6 is rated at 11.3/7.4 L/100 km, city/highway; 9.5 L/100 km combined. Premium fuel is recommended.

One question that does emerge after driving the TSX V6 for a while is “What does one gain (or lose) by purchasing a TSX rather than its larger sibling, the TL? The TSX V6, after all, is effectively the same price as the front-wheel drive TL, so there isn’t a significant price differential between the two models. The two cars share the 3.5-litre engine, as well, and are close in weight. Both have leather-trimmed interiors, cargo capacity is virtually the same, weight is similar, interior room is very close, too.

The option of all-wheel drive is the immediate answer, available with the TL SH-AWD for $44,990, and 25 additional horsepower is another (AWD TLs get the 305-hp, 3.7L V6). But forego the TL’s technology package, and you can have that as well (again; same price).

Perhaps it simply comes down to model preference, but this does suggest to me that the TSX V6 is overpriced, especially in comparison with the TL, and also when considering competition from other makers in the luxury segment. The better Acura choice is the lively four-cylinder TSX or, if you want to spend more, the TL.

Something that will be very different indeed is the recently-announced TSX SportWagon, arriving in fall 2010. In the meantime, Acura continues to build its identity, with all vehicles in the lineup – CSX, TSX, TL, RDX, MDX and ZDX — now wearing the same grille and key styling cues, and the ZDX leading the way.

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is available in showrooms now.

Quick Drive: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT

2010 Acura TSX V6 6MT . Click image to enlarge

Pebble Beach, California – For 2010, Acura has added a V6 option to its TSX sedan, making it smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder models. In a contrasting move, the TL is now available with a six-speed manual transmission, offering owners of this luxury sedan a sportier and more engaging driving experience.

The six-speed manual (6MT) is only available on the top-of-the-line, $48,490 SH-AWD Technology model, as a no-cost option to the five-speed automatic. It’s the first time a manual transmission has been paired with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, and it shaves about 50 kilograms (110 pounds) from the TL’s curb weight when equipped with the automatic transmission.

The manual transmission is well matched to the 305-horsepower, 3.7-litre V6 engine, although the clutch is too light in operation, and has little feel. The stubby shifter, however, is a pleasure to use; positive and precise through the gears.

The engine spins freely, emitting a rorty sound under hard acceleration that is emphasized by the manual transmission (when cruising, however, the engine is all but inaudible). The SH-AWD system provides superb road handling, making this car feel smaller than it is.

The Acura TL with manual transmission is available now.

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