Motor Trend First Test: 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition

Motor Trend Editor Nate Martinez gives his take on the 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition 6-speed in this First Test review. While Nate is not totally convinced it’s “special” enough, the extra interior and exterior upgrades as well as the optional 6-speed manual transmission are welcome additions to an already solid vehicle.

“Torque can be hard to find at the bottom half of the 7100 rpm spectrum, so calling on lower gears during a hasty canyon charge usually is the norm. Be they calm rows or under-pressure yanks, the short-throw six-speed gearbox consistently proves its mettle — it’s as smooth and clearly gated as they come, with engagements met by assured metallic clicks.” - Nate Martinez, Motor Trend

For the full review and gallery, head over to www.motortrend.com.

[Source: Motor Trend]

2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon by Jeff Glucker of Hooniverse.com

Jeff Glucker of Hooniverse.com recently uploaded some crisp shots of a Crystal Black Pearl 2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. The gallery is a combination of exterior and interior images, with some really great macro photos that show off some of the TSX’s interior detail.  

Check out a few of them below or head over to Hooniverse.com for Jeff’s full review which includes video and additional photos.

[Source: Hooniverse.com, Jeff Glucker via Flickr]  

Official release from www.acuranews.com:

Best selling Acura TSX, TL and MDX receive IIHS accolades

12/15/2011 – TORRANCE, Calif.

Acura today announced that three of its best selling models received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more-stringent testing guidelines implemented last year.

The Acura TSX sedan and wagon, TL and MDX earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test. According to the IIHS, vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute’s evaluations.

All 2012 Acura models utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE™ is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

Standard safety equipment on all Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seats with integrated active head restraints, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, the MDX luxury SUV and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

[Source: Acura]

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon © Motor Trend

Hauling new Ikea furniture has never been so easy thanks to the Acura TSX Sport Wagon’s 60.5 cubic feet of cargo space and high revving four-cylinder engine. “Practical and Fun” is how Motor Trend describes the TSX in the latest update of their Long Term Road Test.

“Furniture packed, navi set, it was time to hit the freeway and head home. The circular, tight radius on-ramp near the local Ikea is always a great way to exercise the sport wagon’s ability to out-handle its crossover competitors, and is a solid reminder why wagons are better cargo-carrying alternatives for driving enthusiasts. Roll onto the throttle, suck into the radius, and be amazed that a car carrying this much stuff also has noticeable chassis tuning running through its veins.” – Alex Nishimoto, Motor Trend

Visit www.motortrend.com for the rest, including the full image of the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon under the gorgeous California sunset.

[Source: Motor Trend]

2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Edmunds revealed their top wagon picks in the recently published 2012 Wagon Buying Guide. The Acura TSX Sport Wagon topped the Under $35,000 category as the first recommendation in that price bracket.

Here is what Edmunds had to say:

“The no-doubt winner here is the Acura TSX Sport Wagon. It features a sizable number of standard and technology features, sporty handling and, befitting Acura’s reputation, excellent build and materials quality. It also delivers on interior space, since there are nearly 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. That’s better than both the pricier Audi A4 Avant and the BMW 3 Series wagon.” – Edmunds

Visit www.edmunds.com for more wagon buying tips and guides.

[Source: Edmunds]

New TSX Special Edition adds sporty appeal to the TSX line-up

09/16/2011 – TORRANCE, Calif.

Acura today announced pricing for the 2012 TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon. Increasing $200 (or 0.6%) across the line-up, the 2012 Acura TSX continues to offer exceptional value and serves as the entry-point into the Acura brand. In addition, a new Special Edition model delivers added sportiness in the form of unique interior and exterior enhancement.

“With a sub-$30,000 starting point, the Acura TSX represents a great value for customers entering the luxury market,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “Recently named US News and World Report’s Best Upscale Small Car for Families, the TSX is great for families and with a sporty new Special Edition, it now has even more appeal for youthful, performance-minded buyers.”

The 2012 TSX Special Edition package consists of numerous upgrades to the exterior including a more aggressive front spoiler, rear bumper fascia and side sills, 17×7.5-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels with a dark grey finish and a “Special Edition” badge on the trunklid. Inside, the TSX Special Edition makes use of exclusive seating surfaces with perforated black Lux Suede® inserts and red backing. Unique red stitching and red-lighting are used throughout the interior, and aluminum pedal covers add a race-inspired look. Finally, a black headliner material replaces the standard grey headliner used on other TSX models.

Pricing for the TSX sports sedan starts at $29,810. The new TSX Special Edition, available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, is priced at $30,810. The TSX V-6 is priced at $35,350 and a Technology package, consisting of items such as Acura’s award-winning ELS audio system and hard-drive based navigation system, is available on the TSX and TSX V-6 for $3,100.

For 2012, the TSX Sport Wagon now features a compact tire repair kit that allows for a significantly larger underfloor storage area. The TSX Sport Wagon starts at $31,160 and an available Technology Package is priced at $3,650, including a power rear tailgate. Destination and Handling charges for all TSX models are unchanged at $885.

The TSX and TSX Sport Wagon go on-sale today with the new Special Edition model available at the end of the month. The TSX Special Edition makes its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 22nd.

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $885.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 271 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For additional media information, please go to www.acuranews.com.

[Source: Acura]