Acura gives its TSX model new practicality with its wagon body. This attractive car features middling performance tech, but the cabin has the latest hard-drive-based navigation system and audio.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
The TSX Sport Wagon is based on the standard TSX sedan, with the same engine and cabin tech. The only differences are that the TSX sedan can be had with a V-6 or a manual transmission, neither of which is available for the wagon.
The only engine available for the TSX Sport Wagon is this 2.4-liter four cylinder. Producing 201 horsepower, it feels eager, making the car leap forward quickly.
Acura designers did an excellent job fitting the wagon back to the TSX sedan. The roofline stretches back naturally, with a slight curve, while the side windows remain well-proportioned.
Without an active suspension, Acura tuned the TSX Sport Wagon for a compromise between comfort and stability. The car exhibits a little body roll in the turns, but it can still be fun.
The TSX Sport Wagon is a comfortable car, with a somewhat utilitarian interior. Materials are generally soft touch in the cabin, but it falls short of a real luxury feel.
Acura uses an electric-power-steering unit in the TSX Sport Wagon, which helps fuel efficiency. This unit is also well-tuned, giving lots of road feel.
The only transmission available is this five-speed automatic, which could do with an update. Most other automakers have gone to six-speed gearboxes for improved fuel economy.
The cabin tech in the TSX Sport Wagon is excellent, with hard-drive-based navigation. These maps look much better than those found on older-generation Acuras, and include traffic information.
The cabin tech interface uses this format throughout, each screen showing menu items in a circular design. The graphic treatment also looks quite nice.
