Acuras have always been targeted at a different audience than Lexus or Infiniti. Consciously, Acura has taken a different road from the beginning. If we go back not ten years, Acura's line-up included a medley of cars; from a compact entry-level all the way to a glorified supercar. Between the 1.6 EL and the NSX, buyers could be pampered by a 3.5RL, whisked around in a 3.2TL or carving corners in an Integra.

The CSX Type-S is an all-dressed Civic Si with two extra doors.

Over these last few years, the Integra saw itself replaced by the RSX, only to be dropped 4 years later, both the TL and the RL has become sharper driving tools and the EL, now the CSX, has developed a split-personality. Gone are the pampering and the Supercar. Gone is a portion of the interest for this brand?

My CSX Type-S is, first and foremost, a car that must be carefully examined before being purchased. The spec sheet is very attractive: Navigation, leather, 17" wheels, 197 hp and a nice sound system. This sounds like the makings of a perfect small luxury car. Well, it ain't!

The Type-S is exactly a 4-door Civic Si with added weight and features. It is not a forgiving daily driver for someone looking to relax at the wheel. No, the CSX Type-S is a driving tool in nearly its purest form. To get the maximum out of this car, you must be prepared to be pushing it almost always. In these circumstances, the car shines.

The ride is rough-ish, power only comes on at a filling-rattling 6,000 rpm, you have to love shifting because 6-to-3 downshifts are commonplace and you cannot mind a loud exhaust note. These are the workings of a car that I would prepare for myself. The thing is that my CSX would do without all the fancy expensive bells and whistles, shed the leather and sunroof, keep the 4 doors, be called a CSX Type-R and sell for $5,000 less than its $33,400 price tag. Now you are talking.

The Type-S includes navigation, leather covered seats, cross-drilled pedals and a 6-speed manual transmission.

I love the Type-S, but only in doses. If this car interests you, make sure you know what you are getting into. While you are at it, take a very good look at the Civic Si.


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Alexandre Joyal