The favorite Acura of enthusiasts, the TSX, gets a very minor face lift for 2011, including a few mechanical enhancements to help fuel economy plus a Sport Wagon variation that will arrive in early 2011.
A new front fascia breaks up the lower grille with a smaller, sportier mouth, while the upper grille shrinks ever so slightly; Acura says the reshaped chin spoiler and new underbody aero panels aid slipperiness. The taillamps have been reworked, and new 17-inch wheels have been fitted to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder model.
Inside, Acura has revised the center console styling by replacing a few trim pieces for bits that look darker and slightly more expensive, and also added contrasting stitching on the seats. LEDs take over some interior lighting functions, too. The optional navigation system now depends on a 60-gigabyte hard drive with the ability to accept 15 gigs of personal music and photos. Cabin noise is turned down thanks to a new acoustic-glass windshield, thicker side glass, and more underfloor sound-deadening material.
Engineers attacked friction in the engines and managed to eke out a 1-mpg improvement from both the 2.4-liter four and 3.5-liter V-6 in both the city and highway cycles. The five-speed automatic’s shift mapping has been updated for better economy, as well, and that transmission also gets a fluid warmer to improve cold-weather shift quality and longevity. The fuel-economy figures now look like this: 22/31 for the 2.4 automatic and 21/29 for the 2.4 with the six-speed manual, and 19/28 for the auto-only 3.5-liter.
In early 2011, the TSX Sport Wagon arrives with just one powertrain option: the 2.4-liter four and five-speed automatic, with a 30-mpg highway rating. The six-speed manual may become available later, but not at launch, says Acura. The wagon will be available with the sedan’s interior and comfort options, including the hard-drive navigation and entertainment system.
Prices for the 2011 sedan rise by $300 across the board, to $30,470 for the manual 2.4-liter and $36,010 for the 3.5-liter V-6. Acura says wagon prices will be announced closer to its on-sale date. Whatever they end up charging, we’re just glad to see another wagon on the market.
Thanks to: Car and Driver