It's good, but there's something missing

2006 Acura CSX Premium (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)

Diehard fans of The Simpsons TV series will recall when Homer's ruined half-brother, Herb, knocks on the Simpsons' door and asks for money. Previously the head of a car manufacturer, he was forced to bankruptcy thanks to--who else?--Homer, who was asked by half-brother to design his latest vehicle.

Herb wanted to borrow $2,000 from the Simpsons family in order to build and showcase his latest idea, a machine that interprets baby talk, which should help parents figure out what their kid is babbling about. Homer's reaction, predictably, was: "I don't know, Herb, maybe you should just take something that already exists and add a clock to it."

And let's face it; there really are companies that do just that. They will take a successful product, incorporate additional features, and raise the price. We can purchase toothpaste that prevents cavities and can now whiten teeth. We can buy a printer that can also scan, fax, and copy. And, we can get a Civic sedan that can also be equipped with leather seats, a navigation system and more horsepower.

Behold the CSX. This is Acura's entry-level offering in Canada, it replaces the discontinued EL sedan, and it's not available in the USA.

Styling

2006 Acura CSX Premium (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)

OK, it's obvious that the CSX is a Civic in a tuxedo. It has the same overall modern shape, but with different front and rear fascias, and some luxury features you can't get in the Honda. In front, the headlights and grille of the CSX have a slightly different design than the Civic, and the nose also sports a light crease running down the hood and bumper. The front corners look like they're barely stretched out more, but maybe that's an optical illusion. The flanks of both cars are pretty much identical, including the lower-body crease and high beltline. The CSX has chrome trim on its door handles, as well as turn signals integrated in the side mirrors, a feature only the Civic Hybrid has. The rear of the Acura looks classier, with its taillights that include circular lighting patterns and dual chrome exhaust tips.

The choice of colours is limited to the same 6 available on the Civic so, once again, not much exclusivity. There is so little difference between the CSX and the Civic that I can't really decide which one I prefer in regard to its looks. I'll say the Acura looks best, maybe only because they'll be a lot less on the road than the Honda.

Mechanical

At last, something notably exclusive. Under the hood is a DOHC, 16-valve 2.0-liter engine that produces 155 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The Civic sedan, by the way, makes do with a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter single-cammer. This CSX Premium test car is also equipped with the optional 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel spokes. This powertrain is good for 0-100 km/h times of 10.2 seconds. It could be better. The engine is typical Honda; a good amount of horses, but a modest amount of low-rpm torque. As for the paddle shifters, they're useful when burning up back roads, because you

2006 Acura CSX Premium (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)

can hold a gear to keep the engine in its rev range. In city or highway driving, however, you won't squeeze more performance by shifting yourself. Expect a fuel consumption average of about 9.5 L/100 km.

The suspension setup, recalibrated for a sportier ride, is fairly competent on winding roads, but is still a tad soft. Drive quickly in a tight curve with imperfections in the pavement, and you'll step off the gas. Otherwise, the car is comfortable and stable during highway and city driving. Also, the 205/55R16 tires on the CSX are the same size as on Civic LX and EX models; a little fatter rubber would've been nice.