What is far from disappointing, though, is the plethora of comfort and convenience equipment that comes standard in the RSX. As with

The Type S is a tremendously entertaining and inspiring car to drive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

other Acura products, the RSX is full of premium gear such as power windows, locks and moonroof, climate control, cruise control, AM/FM CD audio and 50/50 split folding rear seats. In addition to extra performance, Type S adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats and 6-disc in-dash audio as standard equipment. Of the four ideals leading the RSX Type S revision for 2005, the one nailed the hardest by the Acura team is, "fun". The Type S is a tremendously entertaining and inspiring car to drive. It transforms instantly from a reasonably economical, practical compact to a "boy-racer" the moment the throttle is mashed and the revs shoot skyward. Look-up the phrase "pocket rocket" in the dictionary and pictured there will be a 2005 RSX Type S. As Hyato put it, "fun, easy, safe and stable".

Specifications:

• Price (MSRP): $33,000 (base RSX starts at $24,900)
• Body Type: 2-door coupe
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 210 hp, 143 lb-ft of torque, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 6-spd manual
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Cargo Capacity (rear seat up/folded): 504 / 716 L (17.8 / 25.3 cu ft)
• Curb Weight: 1,292 kg (2,848 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.4 / 7.0 L/100 km (23 / 34 mpg)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 km comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Hyundai Tiburon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, MINI Cooper S, Toyota Celica GT-S, VW Golf GTI
• Web Site: www.acura.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.