Is there enough interior space?
As a 'small' mid-sizer, the dimensions of the TSX's cockpit must be compared with those of BMW's 3-Series, Audi's A4 and Subaru's Legacy. Without a doubt, it's a little tight; however, once in place, the car seems to fit like a glove, like an extension of our limbs. In back, two adults will be at ease, but a fight will be imminent with three across.

The navigation system is one of the most intuitive available on the market.

The cockpit's ergonomics are a mix of hits and misses; the wheel-mounted controls are perfect and the instrumentation is very legible. The operation of the navigation system is inspiringly simple, with its touch-screen as well as its clear and precise indications.

However, the radio, the climate control system and the navigation are combined on the screen. We must always switch display modes before fiddling with most settings, which becomes very irritating. It's a distractive system, and we must often look at it to use it; no need to tell you that it's hazardous while driving.

I'm not really a fan of voice-recognition systems. I have to admit that such a gadget takes time to tame, and you have to read the accompanied guide to learn all the possible commands. English or French, the system had trouble understanding what I was asking it. If I have to repeat three or four times, I'm better off just reaching out and turning down the volume of the radio myself; two seconds and it's over with.

In my opinion, I'd rather opt for the base TSX, which offers a simpler, easier-to-use instrument panel. One last complaint: the aluminum-trimmed shift knob may be cool, but it freezes your palm in winter and scalds it in summer.

Magnificent engine... if you like driving fast
The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is both silent and racy, yet powerful and frugal. My fuel economy average is 10.4 L/100 km, not bad for a luxury sports sedan; you can inch down to under 8.0 L/100 km while driving like a senior citizen on the highway.

The 205 horsepower make for brilliant performance, since acceleration is quick and passing times are, with a little downshifting, very acceptable. Solicitations of the gas pedal are accompanied with a pleasant soundtrack.

However, you must rev the engine all the way to 7,000 rpm to get maximum power. With its variable-valve timing, you feel a kick in the posterior at around 5,500 rpm.

As a result, the engine must be ringed silly to squeeze out its maximum output, a practice that doesn't please everybody, and that burns up super unleaded. The powerful V6 of the American Accord is much more flexible and spins on regular unleaded.

The rest of the car handles extremely well; the ride is acceptable despite the firm suspension and excellent handling. You can drive fast in utter confidence behind the wheel of the TSX: like I previously mentioned, when you and your car are one, you can exploit it without concern, as is the case with this Acura.

The 6-speed manual gearbox works flawlessly.