Despite the TSX being a top choice in its class, Acura has not rested on its laurels, as a host of major updates have been made for 2011. Topping the list, the TSX receives a freshened exterior look alongwith a wide array of new features and technology- with particular attention being paid to further improving quality and cabin quietness. In addition, significant improvements have been made to both the 2.4L I-4 and 3.5L V-6 engines that yield improved fuel efficiency and longer engine life.
While the TSX sedan receives significant updates for 2011, the big news is an all-new TSX variant- the TSX Sport Wagon. With crisp styling and added utility, the TSX Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those considering a compact SUV. Besides offering better fuel economy, the TSXSport Wagon provides comparable cargo area to many compact SUVs. Plus, the TSX Sport Wagon offers a multi-configurable rear cargo area (with numerous hidden storage areas), a low lift-over height allowing for easyloading and unloading, and an available power actuated tailgate.
“The all-new TSX Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those needingadded utility,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With the Sport Wagon, the customer simultaneously enjoys the benefits of sports-sedan performance along with SUV-like cargo capacity.”
Acura’s philosophy of smart luxury is well evidenced by the combination of great looks, a luxury interior available with a wide variety of technology features, and excellent safety- all for an exceptional level of value. Thanks to this great mix of attributes, the TSX has the largest percentage of buyers under 30 among all luxury sedans and has remained the volume leader within its segment according to Global Insight.
Exterior
On the outside, all TSX models receive a new front fascia, revised chinspoiler, new fog light garnish assembly and an updated grille. The updated front end teams with new underbody panels to improve aerodynamics. At the rear, revised taillights and a rear license plate garnish add more visual appeal for the TSX.
With the new Sport Wagon model, sport-sedan styling and added utilityare combined- a perfect mix for those who lead an active lifestyle. Forsuch customers, the TSX Sport Wagon reflects their passion for performance and athleticism while also supporting their active social lifestyle with roomy, comfortable seating for five.
Incorporating a unique high-rigidity rear body structure with a special hoop-style cross section, the TSX Sport Wagon simultaneously provides excellent body strength.
The standard 17-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels for the 2.4L 4-cylinder models (sedan and Sport Wagon) now incorporate a machined lip on the face of the spokes. Split 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels remain standard on the TSX sedan with 3.5L V-6 engine.
Interior
Inside, all 2011 TSX models receive a host of visual upgrades in the form of revised styling for the center console, darker trim pieces, brightly finished door handles, an updated parking brake handle and new garnishes for the steering wheel. In addition, contrasting-color stitching is new for the leather seats, door armrests and center console. Rear seat occupants will enjoy added comfort thanks to the addition of heating/cooling vents mounted at the rear of the center console, and the TSX’s center console cargo compartment is now climate controlled.
The all-new TSX Sport Wagon features an even greater level of utilityover the TSX sedan. Besides offering a generous 60.5 cu-ft of rear cargo area (with rear seats folded down), the wagon’s rear opening height of approximately 28-inches allows for the stowage of bulky items such as large boxes, furniture, bicycles, four full-size golf bags and even surfboards.
In addition, the Sport wagon features four hidden compartments for out-of-sight storage. A 2.4 cu-ft storage area is cleverly located beneath a lift-up hatch within the load floor. Smaller items can be placed in a 0.2 cu-ft storage area (hidden by a removable panel) locatedin the side panel on the driver side, or in one of two 13-inch long storage areas near the main in-floor storage area. With a low lift-over height of about 24-inches, loading heavy items is simplified. For increased security, standard is a retractable cover that prevents rear cargo items from being seen should a passer-by look into the rear windows.
Even with the second row seat in use, there is generous cargo space available in the Sport Wagon. The rear seats have a 60/40 fold-down design, so one section can be lowered to generate more cargo room while the other section can remain in the up position to accommodate a rear seat passenger. Or, both seats can be folded down to attain the maximum cargo area replete with a load-flat floor that is nearly 70-inches long.As expected, the Sport Wagon incorporates a variety of tie-down hooks for keeping cargo items secure.
The TSX Sport Wagon’s 60.5 cu-ft (rear seats folded down) of rear cargo area is more than most other wagon in the category- including the BMW 3 Series (54.7 cu-ft) and the Audi A4 (56.5 cu-ft). The TSX Sport Wagon also rivals (or beats) the cargo capacity of some compact SUVs. Thus, the Sport Wagon is a smart alternative for those who are considering the purchase of a compact SUV- but who value the better fueleconomy and the performance of a sports sedan.
Acura is known for its outstanding array of user relevant technology,and the 2011 TSX further expands on this concept. New for 2011, the TSXwith available Technology Package now includes an LED backlit full VGA navigation screen (that generates 400-percent higher resolution than before), improved navigation system functions (faster performance, improved search ability and expanded map coverage), Song By Voice™ (SBV)user interface, a 60-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD), and the ability todownload 15-gigabytes of personal music to the TSX’s HDD. With the ability to store more than 3,500 songs*, there is no longer a need to carry around bulky CDs.
Acura has always put much emphasis on building an interior that is exceptionally quiet, and for 2011 the TSX has even greater cabin serenity thanks to items such as a new acoustic glass front windshield, even thicker side glass, increased use of sound-deadening insulation, improved floor mats and new underfloor covers.
Drivetrain
The 2011 TSX remains fun to drive thanks to two powerful engine choices; a spirited 2.4L inline four cylinder engine and a torquey 3.5L V-6. For 2011, both engines receive numerous improvements to reduce internal operating friction which help improve fuel economy and increaseengine life. As a result, the friction reduction measures are a significant element to improve fuel economy as evidenced by improvementsin the EPA city, highway and combined fuel economy for both the 2.4L I-4 and the 3.5L V-6 engines.
2011 TSX estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings**
TSX Model Engine/Trans EPA rating Improvement (versus 2010 model)
Sedan 2.4L I-4 (5AT) 22/31/26 mpg +1 city, +1 highway, +1 combined
Sedan 2.4L I-4 (6MT) 21/29/24 mpg +1 city, +1 highway, +1 combined
Sport Wagon 2.4L I-4 (5AT) 22/30/25 mpg New model
Sedan 3.5L V-6 (5AT) 19/28/23 mpg +1 city, +1 highway, +2 combined
New automatic transmission programming helps maximize the engine output by allowing for Shift Hold Control during cornering along with “smart shift” functionality that allows for semi-manual operation when in Drive- not just when in Sport Mode. In addition, the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission now features a fluid warmer that helps improve shift quality, transmission durability and engine fuel economy for TSX owners who live in colder climates.
Pricing
On sale at Acura dealerships on November 23, the 2011 TSX sedan with 2.4L I-4 engine has an MSRP of $29,610 for both manual and automatic transmission models. Equipped with the available Technology package, theMSRP is $32,710. The TSX sedan with 3.5L V-6 engine has an MSRP of $35,150, or $38,250 when equipped with the Technology Package.
The 2011 TSX Sport Wagon goes on sale December 21 with a base price of $30,960. When equipped with the available Technology Package, the TSXSport Sedan will have an MSRP of $34,610.
Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxuryvehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The2011 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
Along with every new Acura, the 2011 TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits ofownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For additional media information, please go to www.acuranews.com.
*Approximate capacity based on an average size of 4.0 MB per song at a 128kbps bitrate
**Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
