With a revised front fascia and several less noticeable alterations for 2006, the TSX exhibits a sporty image commensurate with its spirited

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

nature and enthusiastic driving dynamics. Inside the cockpit a new, simplified voice-interactive navigation system is available. I found the technology straightforward to use. The large screen was particularly easy to read. The screen also doubled for viewing and adjusting audio controls and climate settings. Should the process of manually tailoring these functions be too strenuous for the out-of-shape driver, they can be administered through the use of voice commands while sitting in some of the best seats in the industry. Oddly enough, the driver's seat in my tester developed an annoying creak when G-forces were exerted or when the vehicle encountered rough road; at least I think it was the seat and not my bones creaking. I am sure this is a one-off problem that the service department could eradicate in a jiff, if not I've rapidly gone pre-osteo.

Two other oddities were noted during my road test phase. The first was the absence of automatic headlights. I drove well into darkness assuming

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

the lights would switch-on by themselves as they would in many premium-level autos. Nope- I had to twist the end of the stalk to light my way home. The second item missing was rain-sensing wipers. Neither of these convenience installs was available as options either. I know it's nit-picky, but these days most late model premium-level rides arrive with such equipment included as standard fare. In Canada the only TSX option in addition to an automatic transmission is the aforementioned voice-activated navigation system, which I might point-out to be truly Canadian is bilingual. Despite the missing accoutrements, the TSX brings leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof to the game. The Audi A4 uses cloth upholstery, only provides power adjustment to the driver's seat and offers an optional sunroof at its entry-level point of departure. Along with the A4, the TSX gets pretty well the remainder of all conceivable bells and whistles, such as premium audio with 6-disc in-dash changer and memory seats, as standard equipment.

Along with luxury comes sensibility. The TSX is equipped with Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist and traction control programs. These "minders of

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

physics" help keep the TSX properly connected to the roadway when traction is compromised or inertia exceeds grip, which is another way of saying, "when bravado exceeds brains." With that equation in mind, Acura implanted a full array of inflatables into the car's cabin, including front airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags. When properly utilized, these devices are tremendously effective at saving lives and reducing collision-induced injuries; simply put, they make motoring a safer mode of transportation, which in the TSX is fuel-efficient as well. The TSX is rated at 10.8 and 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres of city and highway driving respectively. The vehicle also has a decent amount of cargo room for a compact sedan. Many of you will be familiar with my cargo capacity litmus test, which involves inserting my full-size road bike into a vehicle.

(Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Once the 60/40-split rear seat was folded down, all that remained was the need to drop the bike's front wheel and- voila; she fit snugly into the TSX's trunk. As much as I yearned for time in the saddle this week, I yearned for time behind the wheel. The TSX is a polished performer that delivers a tremendous amount of driving pleasure for a price that closely matches that of a loaded Honda Accord or an entry-level Audi A4. In Canada, the TSX is stickered at $35,900 sans the voice-activated Navigation setup. Few cars in this price range can match the performance, sophistication and refinement delivered by Acura's rewarding little TSX.