But Honda and Acura fans aren't swayed to competitors easily. They've been sold over the years by the brand's solid trustworthiness, driver orientation and excellent build quality. For those ready to test its mettle, the TSX arrived in Canada's 47 Acura showrooms last week with an expectation of finding about 4,000 Canadian homes per year. My guess? Acura should have no problem achieving their goal, global economic disasters aside. Or just maybe, given the car's great value, stellar reliability and miserly fuel usage, a poor economy causing repetitive buying patterns to break down and make way for new ideas, would play right into Acura's hands. My advice? Put the TSX on your shopping list either way.

Specifications:

• Price (MSRP): $34,800 (no options except no-cost automatic)
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 200-hp, 166 lb-ft of torque, 2.4-L 16-valve DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 6-speed man (opt 5-spd auto with manual mode)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight: 1,465 kg (3,230 lb)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 374 L (13.2 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.3 / 8.2 L/100 km (21 / 29 mpg) (manual)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 km comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 320i, Mazda 6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Altima, VW Jetta/Passat, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40
• Website: www.acura.ca