When pressed, the engine resists frenetic hysteria, preferring to smoothly ascend the long ladder to its 7,100-rpm redline while playing a polished, heartfelt tune sure to initiate a smile of contentment from the purist of performance-minded drivers.

The stronger pull of the improved engine is a wonderful complement to handling dynamics.

Balance and poise on the road
The stronger pull of the improved engine is a wonderful complement to handling dynamics that are tenacious, neutral and most of all, predictable. This car can be tossed-about with wild abandon without it losing composure or overreacting. This sort of on-road forgiveness is a sure sign that the chassis is properly balanced and perfectly engineered.

While infusing the TSX with high-spirited handling qualities, engineers managed to retain ride comfort beyond what the vehicle's prowess in the corners would suggest is possible. Yes, the TSX suspension calibration is somewhat firm yet the car delivers a suitably comfortable ride over road decay typical of poorly maintained city streets.

Quite noteworthy is the car's overall solidity; potholes and the like do not generate discord such as suspension thump or body shudder. Often, high-end vehicles costing considerably more than the TSX fail to provide this level of structural integrity.

Driving pleasure
I currently have a 507-horsepower German supercar parked next to the TSX. Which one do I prefer to jump into for plebeian chores? You guessed it, the TSX. This compact sedan offers, in my view, class-leading operational refinement. I can't think of another similarly-priced, four-cylinder luxury sport compact that meets or beats the smoothness of the TSX's powertrain.

Plus, this naturally-aspirated mill doesn't incur the non-linear production of power that many turbocharged four-bangers are notorious for. It's a remarkably rewarding engine to administer through Acura's tightly spaced six-speed manual transmission. The short, direct throws of this gearbox are pulse-quickening. I actually found myself needlessly shifting gears just for the sheer pleasure of it.

There's plenty of head and legroom along with a tilt and telescopic steering column.