The TSX sports deeply-bolstered, perforated leather seats, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls, dual-zone climate control, a power glass sunroof, power windows and power locks with remote keyless entry. An 8-speaker 360-watt premium audio system with a 6-disc, dash-mounted CD player should be sufficient for pumping out the tunes while a DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition will also be available.

Safety features include disc brakes all-round, enhanced with 4-channel ABS. Dual front airbags work in tandem with a side-impact and side curtain supplementary restraint system to fully protect occupants involved in an MVA.

Designed to slot in between the compact 1.7 EL and midsize 3.2 TL sedans, the TSX looks primed for success. Its reliability should be next to perfect, par for the course with Acura products, while fuel economy and noxious emissions live up to the brand's lowest in class reputation - 9.7 L/100 km (25 mpg) combined city/hwy and LEV-2 emissions rating respectively.

If you like what you see the 2004 TSX will be arriving in Acura dealerships come April of this year. Considering its impressive performance credentials, good looks and expected dependability Acura's new sedan should make for a good investment, at least better than the index that goes by the same name.