First, a slew of spy shots spread around enthusiast web sites like the word "hope" at an Obama rally. Now Honda pulled the trigger and sent out the first official shot of the new TSX. And while this writer is usually one of the first to slate new cars when they deserve it (especially when they were solid the first time around), the TSX looks pretty good. That said, it certainly suffers from some of the mace-in-the-face effect, with squinty new headlights and a bigger gaping grill. But overall, it's easy to call this better looking than Acura's other recent efforts. There are three reasons to be especially excited about this car. First, it's available with Honda's new diesel engine. Second, I don't care what the TL and MDX sales numbers say, the TSX is the most authentic Acura since the Integra and Legend were prematurely aborted. Third, the past TSX was one of the better fun-to-dollar ratio autos extent. We've got to hope this one carries the enthusiast flag in the next gen. The Euro Accord (its nearly identical twin) bows at Geneva in a few weeks. We'll see the TSX for the first time at New York's Auto Show in late March.
28 Comments on “Honda Unveils New TSX...”
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Too bad when I saw the first picture I thought it was a Saturn…
The grille has to go but I like the overall stance, it could just be the angle of the picture though
carm:
Ditto
Thirded. Definately a Saturn.
Without RWD or AH-AWD it fails. Most enthusiasts prefer RWD or AWD. Acura has a great AWD system why only make it available on the RL?
I sat in several Acura’s yesterday at the auto show and was very impressed with the interior quality. It’s just too bad they are all CUV’s or FWD.
If you want sporty FWD buy an Accord or Altima coupe/sedan.
make that a fourth !!
Fifthed!
It’s also too bad their CUVs have a massive thirst for fuel, even the turbocharged four-cylinder which slurps it like a dog at a water bowl.
Honda released images of the Euro Accord from all angles and an interior shot. Very nice – buy the TSX and get a Euro Accord grille.
“Acura has a great AWD system why only make it available on the RL?”
It is also on the RSX their version of the CRV.
Will the diesel be available on it?
You can see pics of the new Euro Accord here:
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=740462
Lich is right, the grille looks better. I wonder how difficult it would be to do a conversion.
They should officailly rename the company as Blanda Motor Co in line with their designs.
I think the profile (mainly the side character line and wheel design) is extremely Altima-like in nature. The grille is also fugly.
I don’t know what Honda is thinking with Acura these days. Their SUVs are decent, the cars are of almost-irreproachable quality, but the styling is getting worse and worse. The RL went from one of the most understatedly handsome luxury sedans to something that looks like it stepped out of an early-1990s futuristic action flick! The nasty-huge overhangs, “Euro” tail lamps, and tacked-on grille scream “cheap” to me. If the extremely attractive RL wasn’t selling before, why would an uglified version of the same car sell with slight price hikes? Idiocy in its purest form.
They’re acting like GM – seemingly wanting to commit corporate suicide.
Note: that doesn’t include Honda, who, despite some odd styling turns, has kept strong in nearly all categories (aside from the drawn-out death of the S2000). I’m just referencing Honda’s handling of the Acura brand.
LOL, I also thought it was a Saturn, err.. Opel.
At first glance I thought it was a Saturn.
Maybe the 2004-05 models will finally start depreciating now?
Steve_S:
“Without RWD or AH-AWD it fails.”
Yea right…..the ‘04-’08 version was a total flop with FWD. Some/most are perfectly happy with a economical 4cyl/FWD “sporty” sedan. I don’t care how many so-called “enthusiasts” tell me I need RWD. As a daily-driver street car driven in a law abiding manner, the TSX is fine.
Do hate the grille on the ‘09 though.
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?image=740462/09acc_eu-10.jpg
Jesus, that’s a lot of buttons. It seems like “Advance” or whatever the new Acura brand signature is doesn’t mean so much the sharp edges on the outside as the baroque gadget-geekery on the inside.
As a four-year owner of the original TSX, I was extremely satisfied with the car. An always-satisfying-to-drive car, with superb interior quality and design. And a complete list of standard amenities.
My lease ran out in Sept of last year, and I have been biding my time, waiting to see the ‘09.
I’m disappointed in the look. What’s with the grill? Who, within Acura, thinks this is a good corporate face? It’s ridiculous.
I will still wait to see the engine-drivetrain combos they end up providing. Diesel would be great, and I would like it with SH-AWD. The more likely scenario, as I see it, is a three-model lineup:
1. Standard TSX: FWD, 2.4L four ~220-230hp
2. Diesel TSX: FWD, diesel engine
3. Type-S: 2.3L Turbo Four, SH-AWD.
I also imagine that the first two models will be released together at launch, with the Type-S released several months later.
Looking at more pictures, especially the new Euro Accord, it looks good.
Yes it does look like a Saturn, but it also looks kind of like the Lexus IS.
@ Kman: Put me in line for a
SaturnTSX Type-S.The grille doesn’t bother me, but the fact it looks just like an Altima does.
I wish the new Euro-Accord was the NA Accord, but with the bigger NA 4-cyl.
How come the Yurrupeons always get all of the good stuff?
What is it with sedans and huge wheel arches these days? The front fender is nearly a dead ringer for the Camry. That’s not a good thing.
The current TSX, with its crisp lines, looks nice and tidy – well proportioned.
This thing looks a bit bloated by comparison. It needs to get back to the gym and tone up a bit. It’s like it just ate half a box of donuts and is realizing that that was a mistake.
Anybody have any information on what the mileage figures will look like for the Diesel TSX? I imagine if Acura decides to put the SH-AWD on the TSX, that will exact a MPG penalty.
Looks cool! I wish I could buy one!
There is something slightly Saturnine about it, but the details are far crisper. It’s one of the better looking cars on the road. I wish to hell they’d offer it with RWD and less weight though. If they did, I’d probably buy one.
I actually find the car’s styling to be quite attractive. Well done Acura, you have brought back the zing to the TSX. I felt the ‘08 was a little lacking in the style department. I do agree that the sheer number of buttons in the interior is a bit much, but I am a techo-toy lover so it looks fun. Add the new style and features with a diesel and oh what fun (it appeals the nerd and the gas saver within).