Kelowna B.C. - "Retain current owners and attract new buyers," was the mantra leading the charge to redevelop Acura's luxury sports sedan. In addition to superior curb appeal, the 2009 TSX capitalizes on all that was right with the first generation of this front-wheel-drive compact, rendering it more agile and better refined.

Visual vitality
Without diminishing the TSX's distinctive character, Acura designers imbued it with flair worthy of its spirited personality. Immediately apparent is a dramatic front grille and fascia symbolizing Acura's new "Keen Edge Dynamic" design theme that will guide all Acura styling exercises.

The 2009 Acura TSX capitalizes on all that was right with the first generation.

The eyes are also drawn to sharply creased sculpting around the fenders and a new chiseled taillight arrangement. Overall, the exterior projects more attitude than the restrained lines of the previous generation. A similar approach has been applied to renewing the vehicle's cabin architecture, improving its ergonomics and visual appeal without loss of character.

The instrument panel houses a cluster of analogue gauges that are mounted higher than previously, making them easier to read at a glance. Seating is more spacious in the new cabin, which boasts larger overall dimensions. In keeping with the spirited soul of the TSX, a solid dead pedal is in place to keep the left foot athletically planted.

An enlarged cabin supplies occupants with more room to call their own. Those up front are afforded ample real estate to accommodate long limbs. Rear seat occupants are less fortunate, but given the TSX's small mid-size rating, the dimensions are not disappointing.

Improved torque distribution
Acura engineers reworked the car's 2.4-litre DOHC 4-cylinder i-VTEC powerplant to maximize torque output within the most usable rpm range. To acquire the flattened torque curve, the compression ratio was increased while valve timing was revised to take advantage of intake and exhaust flow improvements. Dual balance shafts have also been added to enhance operational refinement.

The modifications increase peak torque by 8 pound-feet to 172 @ 4,400 rpm, resulting in stronger throttle response and better acceleration from the 201 horsepower four-banger. However, it consumes premium nectar in doing so. The hearty mill is connected to either a 5-speed autobox featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Fuel economy was also on the radar during the TSX makeover. It's now rated at 9.6 and 6.5 liters per 100K of city and highway driving respectively when equipped with the automatic transmission. Interestingly, results for the manual gearbox are not quite as attractive at 10.5 and 7.0 liters.

The hearty mill is connected to either a 5-speed autobox or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Newly suspended
The goal in re-engineering the chassis and suspension system was to improve ride quality along with its eternal nemesis, handling ability. The strategy to achieve this lofty ideal was built around raising the roll center of the new TSX (the geometric axis on which the body rolls or leans during cornering). The outcome reduces roll and equalizes the workload of all four tires, keeping the vehicle better planted and more stable during enthusiastic cornering.

Dual-mode shock dampers have also been introduced, the first for any Acura product. Unlike conventional dampers, which are tuned to find compromise between slow speed comfort and high-speed performance, the dual dampers are designed to match damping needs to the vehicle speed.

The exterior projects more "attitude" than the restrained lines of its predecessor.

On the road
All the modifications in the world are of little meaning if they don't reward the senses once the car is in motion. The TSX rewards handsomely. Simply sitting in its driver's seat and absorbing the surrounding cockpit is sufficient to recognize that this is a "driver's" car.

After the obligatory mirror and seat adjustments, I found the driving position ideal for my 5'-11" frame. All controls and switches fell predictably to hand. The front perch holds the human form snuggly, and after a full day behind the wheel I felt no ill will or discomfort from the heated, leather-clad roost.

Pulling away from the curb was sufficient to garner a head nod to the improved operational refinement of the new TSX. Although the previous generation could be accurately described as a highly refined sedan, the new generation better suits the accolade.

The first portion of my day was lived-out behind the wheel of an automatic TSX. I wondered whether the autobox would rob the small engine of its vigor. A drive through town and onto the open highway proved that not to be the case. The engine is at ease in all but the most demanding scenarios such as passing big rigs on the open road, which the TSX does with commendable results that include an inspiring sprint to the engine's generous 7,000-rpm redline.

Along a desolate back road, I put the TSX through what seemed to be a never-ending series of twists and turns of all description. The paddle shifters performed flawlessly, quickly inserting the chosen gear in preparation for the next transition. A 6-speed manual box concluded the afternoon drive. This short-throw mixer gratifies with every gear change, moving with clarity and pleasing definition.

A point worthy of emphasis is the compliant ride quality of the new TSX.

Deft handling ability produces grins without groans
The 2009 TSX seems to thrive on an insatiable appetite for cornering. There are vehicles with outstanding handling capabilities and those with outstanding handling capabilities that are also easy to handle (a bit of a paradox I know); the TSX falls into the latter grouping.

Tossing this tight little sedan into the most challenging course changes brings plenty of reward. The vehicle holds a chosen line through a curve without fuss. Body lean is pretty much non-existent. The electronic power steering setup responds with precision and immediacy while dispensing valid feedback.

The electronic power steering setup responds with precision.

Complex algorithms in the steering system's computer brain reduce the lock-to-lock ratio while incrementally increasing steering resistance dependent upon vehicle speed. Overall, the setup works remarkably well however ultra-sensitive drivers may notice some minor feedback peculiarities when moving the wheel off-center.

A point worthy of emphasis is the compliant ride quality of the new TSX. This is an important factor, and not one to be undervalued in the luxury sports sedan market. Without feeling in any way sloppy, the TSX absorbs road irregularity in taut yet supple manner. Perhaps most pleasing to this cynic, is the sense of solidity imparted by the TSX. No suspension thump is heard, and the vehicle is free of squeaks and rattles.

Safety and comfort combined
Acura engineers ensured the new TSX would be as safe as possible, both in avoiding crashes and protecting occupants when they occur. The vehicle is equipped with powerful, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) program augmented with an Electronic Traction Control (TSC) system.

Standard airbags include the usual along with front seat side-mounted airbags and side curtain airbags that protect craniums in all outboard seating positions. And because this is an Acura, the TSX is loaded with the comforts and conveniences we have come to expect in premium-level vehicles.

A navigation system is optional, and for the first time, a cloth upholstered TSX will be available reducing the vehicle's entry price, which will reside somewhere in the low $30K range. The 2009 TSX is expected in the showroom April 21st.

TSX is loaded with the comforts and conveniences we have come to expect in premium-level vehicles.