On the road

The base form of the 2.0L is peppy and fantastically mechanical. The noise and the vibrations speak to the driver: We are working for you. The engine really comes alive around 5 000 rpm when the i-VTEC system shows its teeth. Acceleration is brisk but for a real kick in the pants, I dare you to hold the Type-S' gas pedal against the floor until 8 000 rpm. The downside, you can find out about it when taking off from a stop sign in second gear... Average fuel consumption was a reasonable 10.5L per 100 km.

The brake pedal is fine and firm however it takes a short moment before the pads start really gripping hard on the discs. Handling is quite good overall thanks in part to its compact size and short font and rear overhangs. The only shortfall has to do with the rear end becoming twitchy in curves. Even so, the car is very tight and feels securely fixed to the road. The ride is stiff but not uncomfortable for most. The suspension can still soak up bumps and dips without messing up your hair.

Hatchbacks like the RSX are great. One moment, they are a sporty 2-door for the girlfriend and me to go cruising in. The other, after stopping at Reno Depot, it almost turns into a station wagon swallowing boxes, chairs and bags of stuff.

Safety

The RSX has standard dual front and side air bags, ABS brakes and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) in a frontal impact for both front passengers. It also received 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the front passengers in a lateral impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet crash tested the RSX.

Conclusion

The Japanese have reserved the Type-R, called Honda Integra Type-R, for themselves. Using the same 2.0L block, Honda has been able to massage a total of 220 hp and 152 lb/ft of torque. It also receives Z-rated 17" tires, Brembo brakes and the mother of all rear deck-lid spoilers. The moment Honda introduces this bad boy to the North American market; the RSX will receive the respect that it deserves.

The RSX is a nice, convincingly comfortable coupe. I for one am not a fan of 2-door automobiles, however I would probably find myself being a taker for this little Acura. As always, Honda/Acura and reliability go hand-in-hand which makes the RSX the wisest choice in its category.

Good stuff:
Great seats
Honda reliability

Not so good stuff:
Rear seat room
Rear 3/4 visibility

Competitors:
Toyota Celica
Hyundai Tiburon
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Volkswagen GTI