Autoblog

Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video]

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Safety, Videos, Acura, Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen

2011 Consumer Reports best cars for teens - Click above for high-res image gallery of the picks

Letting a 16-year-old loose on the world behind the wheel of a couple of tons of metal is a terrifying thought. Statistically, teens are more likely to die in a car accident than by any other means, and, most of the time, those accidents are avoidable.

To make picking a car for your teen easier, Consumer Reports has come up with a list of relatively new, relatively cheap options to keep your kids safe while they ~~bomb around with five of their friends~~ make the commute between school, work and home.

As you may imagine, CR recommends a family sedan that packs in as many modern safety features as you can afford, including stability control, ABS, traction control and side curtain air bags. They eschew trucks and SUVs due to their comparatively poor handling, high centers of gravity and bad gas mileage. Don't even go there with sports cars.

Consumer Reports prime choices are as follows: the Acura TSX, the 2009 and up Ford Focus, the 2007 and up Hyundai Sonata or Hyundai Elantra, 2007 and up Mazda3, 2008 and on Scion xB, and both the 2007 and up Volkswagen Jetta and Rabbit/Golf. Click past the jump for a video of CR's choices.

Gallery: 2011 Consumer Reports best cars for teens

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video]

Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura mulling TSX coupe, Civic-based sedan?

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Acura, Rumormill

Acura is planning a host of product updates in the very near future, and along with the launch of the TSX Wagon, two new models could come down the pike. According to Autoweek, Acura is considering a coupe built atop the TSX platform and a compact sedan to capitalize on the States' newfound love of smaller vehicles.

A TSX-based coupe would fill the gap left by the CL after its demise in 2003, and while Acura already produces a compact sedan for the Canadian market - the Acura CSX pictured above - it's simply a re-badged Civic with an upgraded interior. Obviously, Acura would need to do more to woo buyers into a smaller vehicle, and its best bet is to leverage one of Honda's other platforms for the task. An Acura Fit? Not so much...

[Source: Autoweek]

Acura mulling TSX coupe, Civic-based sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda recalling 167,000 Acura TSX sedans

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

Acura TSX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has put out a recall of around 167,000 Acura TSX sedans to fix a power steering hose and o-ring gasket which could deteriorate prematurely. Previous generation (2004-2008) models are affected by the issue, which involves the hose cracking due to high underhood temperatures resulting in the power steering fluid leaking, contacting the exhaust components and potentially creating smoke or a fire.

Owners can expect to receive notification in the mail late next month, but you can get all the details in the release after the jump.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Acura TSX

Continue reading Honda recalling 167,000 Acura TSX sedans

Honda recalling 167,000 Acura TSX sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Acura, Luxury

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's quite a phenomenon at this year's New York Auto Show. Two - yes, two wagons have debuted. The first was the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon (our current pick for Best In Show, we might add), and the second is from Acura. The U.S.-market Acura TSX is the Honda Accord overseas, and the wagon variant that other markets will finally come to our shores to fill out the TSX lineup.

From all appearances, the only differences between the Euro Accord wagon and the TSX Sport Wagon are the addition of Acura badges and a slightly more upscale interior. Powering the Sport Wagon is the same 2.4-liter inline-four found in the sedan, mated exclusively to a five-speed automatic transmission. Official fuel economy numbers haven't been finalized just yet, but Acura claims that the wagon will achieve around 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Sadly, the TSX wagon is only available with front-wheel drive, as Acura says that it has no plans to offer its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system in the TSX range. A pity, since we're big fans of this grips-at-all-paws setup. This could prove to be a sticking point for some consumers, however, especially since Acura's claimed competitive set (BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, namely) both offer all-wheel drive.

Still, we're always pleased to see another wagon on the road, and we're hoping that consumers will feel the same when the TSX Sport Wagon hits dealerships in late Fall. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in Acura's press release and click through our attached galleries to see the new wagon from all angles.

Gallery: New York 2010: Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Gallery: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming

New York 2010: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is lovable, but somewhat underwhelming originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Acura TSX first in line to get hybrid powertrain

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Acura, Luxury

Closely following Honda CEO Takanobu Ito's admission at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month that the Acura brand would soon jump head-first into the deep end of the hybrid waters comes a report from Automotive News suggesting that the entry-level TSX sedan would be the first such model from Honda's luxury brand so equipped.

AN's source is an unnamed Acura dealer who says the hybrid technology will grace the TSX's engine bay starting in 2011. TSX not your cup of tea? Fret not. John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. executive vice president for auto sales, says that there will be more Acura hybrid models to follow - though, for what it's worth, there won't be any V8 engines any time soon.

Ironically in light of Acura's recent addition of giant metal beaks, company spokesman Gary Robinson adds, "The idea of the big, bad luxury sedan with the shiniest grille has become a little uncouth." Robinson adds that Acura isn't in the business of "making compromises," insinuating that future cars from the automaker will combine fuel efficiency with appropriate performance and luxury.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: 2011 Acura TSX first in line to get hybrid powertrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura, Audi, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's best to aim high, right? While most of the automotive world (ourselves included) are busy comparing the rather wonderful Suzuki Kizashi with logical competitors like the Volkswagen Jetta - not to mention larger cars like the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion - it seems the Japanese automaker itself has its sights set a bit higher... all the way up to the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, point of fact.

Called the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" incentive program, Suzuki is offering sport sedan buyers $100 if they test drive the Kizashi first and still end up purchasing either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or four-cylinder 2010 Acura TSX within 10 days of the test drive. The program ends runs through January 31, 2010. Says Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations:

With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we're excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We're definitely putting Kizashi's premium without the premium moniker to the test.

Like we said, aim high. Read the full set of terms and conditions in the complete press release pasted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers

Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry, Acura Dealers: V8, RWD reportedly dropped for "low-growth period"

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Acura, Luxury

2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the luxury segment, Acura has always been a bit of a lost puppy: Tempting to bring home and full of rewards to the owner who does, but never quite sure of where it is or where it's supposed to be. Over the past few years, Acura dealerships across North America - at the behest of Acura itself - have spent big bucks constructing glitzy new showrooms in anticipation of new products coming down the pipeline that would be capable of competing with other big luxury marques. But those heavily-invested franchises may find themselves holding their hats as the premium Honda division is changing its course again, and in the interim will be delaying significant model launches.

Part of the shift in strategy for Acura - which still markets exclusively in North America and China - is to put the final nail in the coffin for a rear-drive platform and V8 engines, two components seen as vital for going toe-to-toe with the European brands. Instead, Acura will reportedly focus on a more sensible approach to luxury vehicles during a "low-growth period" of new models, returning to the entry-level luxury segment to combat the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, along with luxury hybrids. But it'll take the Japanese automaker a good few years to remake itself, and in the meantime sales are likely to continue declining as the TSX sport wagon (nee Honda Accord Tourer) and the new ZDX crossover (low-volume models both) hold down the fort as the only new arrivals in the pipeline.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Sorry, Acura Dealers: V8, RWD reportedly dropped for "low-growth period" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.

Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?

Gallery: Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising

Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Acura considering TSX wagon for the U.S.

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Japan, Acura, Luxury

Conventional wisdom says that you can't sell station wagons in the States, but that type of thinking is so 2002. Back then, why would a manufacturer sell a low profit-margin wagon when they could instead sell you an all-profit SUV? Two kids under the age of six? You need a Denali. These days, now that SUVs have largely been exposed for what they always were -- rarely necessary -- station wagons are making a lot more sense. Take for instance the coming real soon Cadillac CTS SportWagon (and the possibly/maybe we-can't-believe-it's-actually-going-to-happen CTS-V SportWagon).

And why not an Acura wagon, specifically a TSX five-door? According to our broheims at Car and Driver, Acura is close to giving the TSX Wagon the green light. Think about the market for a moment. Audi sells lots of wagons, BMW has the both the 3 and 5 Series wagons, Mercedes-Benz has the C-Class wagons and now Caddy has the CTS Wagon. What's missing? Japanese luxury wagons. Until now, the Infiniti and Lexus (and Acura) have been putting all of their eggs in the luxury CUV segment. But if Chrysler and GM's bankruptcies have taught us anything, it's ABD -- Always Be Diversifying. Now we just have to see if Acura pulls the trigger.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Accord - Euro spec

[Source: Car & Driver]

REPORT: Acura considering TSX wagon for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Acura has a good thing going in the luxury segment. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi - but like Lexus - Acura's best selling car is not its entry-level model: Acura moves more TLs than anything else in its line-up. And unlike those other brands, Lexus included, all of Acura's offerings carry five-star safety ratings from NHTSA, are rated as top safety picks by the IIHS, and the Automotive Lease Guide has declared that Acura offerings have the best resale value among luxury brands. Now, Honda's premium division has grown by one with the addition of the TSX V6, and Autoblog was invited to find out if the new, more powerful sedan could keep the brand's good thing going. Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Shot with a Nikon D70 and Nikon 18-200 lens

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car

First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more power, performance... more car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura delays diesel due to business conditions, not technical hurdles

Michael Harley — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:29:00 EST

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX

Early last year, Acura announced that we would see a 2.2-liter diesel in its lineup in the 2009 model year with a V6 diesel expected to follow in 2010. According to a conversation with AutoblogGreen yesterday, Acura's diesel program has been put on hold - indefinitely. Honda of America spokesperson Sage Marie said the program is in "wait and see" mode due to commercial, not technical, reasons (it was just two months ago that the program was rumored to be shelved when the engine couldn't pass emissions). Honda says a combination of factors, including plummeting car sales and the high cost of diesel fuel (especially now that gasoline is down below $2/gallon) are solely to blame. While the 2.2-liter diesel is already available in Europe (in the Euro Honda Accord - our Acura TSX), the Acura diesel is expected to be a low-volume model on our shores. With that in mind, the automaker has decided to re-evaluate where the market is heading before making a significant investment in oil-burners for this country.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Acura delays diesel due to business conditions, not technical hurdles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the Acura TSX diesel DOA?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX

At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and announced it would debut a production version in 2009. Informed speculation says that the oilburner would be equipped in the new TSX, a re-badged version of the European Honda Accord that currently offers the engine. Honda engineers have even presented documents outlining the new exhaust developed for the engine in the last two editions of the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress.

Unfortunately, it looks like we might not get a chance to sample a diesel TSX in the U.S. after all. An anonymous poster on the MotorTrend forums is claiming that Honda has not been able to pass emissions certification with the automatic transmission TSX diesel. The manual transmission version is fine, but the poster claims there wouldn't be enough demand in the U.S. market for the manual-only model and Honda will therefore drop the diesel altogether. We don't know if this is true, and Acura has not yet responded to our request for a comment. It will most like be a "no comment" anyway.

For what it's worth, we're suitably dubious about the source and the information, particularly considering that modern cars with electronically controlled automatic transmissions typically perform better on emissions and fuel economy. This is primarily due to the engineer's ability to have more control over the interaction between the engine and the transmission, and less to do with the person behind the wheel. Hopefully the story is untrue, because it would be nice to finally get a Honda/Acura with some low end torque.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

[Source: Motor Trend Forum]

Is the Acura TSX diesel DOA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Acura, First Drives, New Car Reviews

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX.

2008 is shaping up to be a very busy year for Honda's up-market Acura division. With the unveiling of a new diesel engine and the revamp of their entire sedan lineup, Acura is attempting to reinvent itself as a credible player in the premium sedan segment. But ever since Acura's birth in 1986 as the very first premium Japanese brand, the automaker has suffered from an identity crisis. Acura has always been a mixed bag, as if Honda wasn't sure what it wanted it to be, and with a lineup that spanned the enthusiast-friendly Integra/RSX, the rebadged Isuzu-built SLX and the competent but anonymous RL, consumers were equally confounded.

After complaints that the previous generation of Acura sedans were utterly devoid of style, the automaker decided to give all of its vehicles a bold, new face for the 2009 model year. However, as anyone who has ever followed the follies of cosmetic surgery knows, it's far from a sure bet. Although surgeons claim to be able to take years off a patient's face, the result is often just some weird mutation that looks like a bad photoshop job. Case-in-point: the 2009 Acura RL that debuted at this year's Chicago Auto Show. The new shielded fascia Acura applied to its "flagship" was greeted with howls of pain from virtually all who laid eyes upon it. The RL was followed a month later by an all-new TSX, and on the smaller sedan, the overall look was better received, but many of Acura's aesthetically astute critics remained. Now that we've had a chance to spend some serious time living with the 2009 TSX, we were prepared to move beyond its controversial exterior and see how it faired in the real world. Hit the jump to see how it did.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura, Honda

Acura is in the middle of a total makeover, and while we've already seen the RL and TSX, the Japanese automaker's bread and butter TL has been out of the spotlight, until now. Spy photographers have snapped up a couple shots of the 2009 TL sans the requisite crazy patterns and without most bras, leaving some poorly fit panels to throw us off.

Up front, the grille is covered, but the basic shape looks very much like the buck-tooth treatment given to the RL and TSX. The front wheel arches bulge out like the TSX to give the TL a more aggressive stance, and the concave line stretching from the A-pillar to the tail lights has been replaced by a muscular character line expanding from the front arch, helping to further accentuate the sedan's stance. Out back, a prominent V shape at the bumper and spoiler gives the TL a little more style, while the tail lights wrap to show off the TL's angles.

So far, Acura's new-look lineup has been a mix of hits and misses (more misses depending on who you ask), but the TL is the high volume stud that absolutely has to be a home run for Honda's luxury lineup to keep up with the competition. Thanks for the tip, Jose!

[Source: VTEC]

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro Accord Tourer wins Red Dot Award for design

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Acura, Honda

Click above for gallery of the Euro-spec Honda Accord

Honda's Euro-spec Accord Tourer (a.k.a. wagon) has taken home the the 51st international Red Dot Award for high quality design, marking the third time that Honda has managed to win this award. Back in 2001, the S2000 brought home the trophy and in 2006, it was the current-generation Civic nabbing the honor. The Red Dot Award for design is a big deal in international circles, and while there are awards for products in 11 categories, there's only one Transportation award. Honda winning three times, including two-in-a-row, is remarkable.

While our Accord is a different animal entirely, the Euro-model Accord is available here, albeit in sedan form only, as the 2009 Acura TSX. It's amazing that an award-winning design as classy and elegantly understated as that of the European Accord could share so much in common with the polarizing lines of the redesigned 2009 Acura TSX.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Accord - Euro spec

Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX

[Source: Car Pages]

Euro Accord Tourer wins Red Dot Award for design originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: 2009 Acura TSX revealed... again... but LIVE

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Click above for high-res live gallery of the 2009 Acura TSX

The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX was revealed live at the New York Auto Show just a few moments ago, and despite the new face of Acura, the TSX isn't nearly as ugly in person as we suspected. We've found that the key to the new nose is partnering it with lighter colors (silver, white, etc.) and avoiding the darker hues that don't do much to blend with the bright metallic mug.

While we've already covered details of the TSX in our previous post, a few of the high points are worth repeating. The new 2.4-liter four is making 201 hp and a much-needed 176 lb.-ft. of torque, while still doing extremely well on the fed's sniffer test. The track has been widened and the wheelbase lengthened, but the emphasis on the TSX's sportiness was lost in the list of standard and optional equipment.

The TSX gets standard Bluetooth, a USB port, iPod integration, a seven-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, HID headlamps and a moonroof. Option up for the Technology Package and you get an additional three speakers, a rear-view camera, plus voice-activated navigation with Acura Link, traffic rerouting and real-time weather. Aiming at the well-to-do youth market is Acura's plan for the TSX and execs hope to "dramatically increase" the 30,000 or so TSXs they've unloaded per year since the car's introduction. And in an effort to raise the high-class status of the entire Acura brand, the automaker has also partnered with the W hotel chain to have Acura vehicles as the preferred whip at the high-end urban enclaves.

Hit the jump for Acura's full press release.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TSX - Live Reveal

Continue reading New York 2008: 2009 Acura TSX revealed... again... but LIVE

New York 2008: 2009 Acura TSX revealed... again... but LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NY '08 Preview: 2009 Acura TSX heads for the Big Apple

Alex Nunez — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Click image to enlarge

Never mind the spy shots, Acura's gone and released the first official photo of the 2009 TSX in conjunction with its announcement that the car will make its big debut in the Big Apple next month. No specifics about the car itself were released other than the usual boilerplate telling us that the next-gen TSX represents a "significant advancement" and that it will go on sale this Spring. One of those "significant advancements" is almost sure to be the availability of Honda's new i-DTEC clean diesel, which we're all anxious to try in the new sport sedan. In terms of its appearance, Acura has gone the evolutionary route, applying its current design language to a shape that should still be easily identifiable as the TSX. A modest application of the shield grille is in place, the wheel wells now have more pronounced flares, and the reshaped headlamps still retain that skinniness that was one of the calling cards of the last-gen car. The new face is definitely more conservative than that of the freshened RL, and better for it. We'll get a really good idea of what to expect before the New York Auto Show in late March when the car is unveiled as the new Euro Accord earlier in the month at the Geneva Motor Show.

UPDATE: Honda Europe has unveiled the new Accord Euro in sedan and touring (wagon) bodystyles. Since the TSX and the Accord Euro sedan are the same car, you can get a very clear idea of What to expect the Acura's rear end and interior will look like now as well.

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading NY '08 Preview: 2009 Acura TSX heads for the Big Apple

NY '08 Preview: 2009 Acura TSX heads for the Big Apple originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Euro Honda Accord spotted on transporter

Alex Nunez — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Honda

Click image to enlarge

While we're all awaiting the Euro-market Honda Accord's debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, Honda appears to have already begun shipping examples of its new machine. At least that's the impression we get thanks to readers Zane and Bojan P., who sent the accompanying shots of the new Accord on a Japanese transporter. While the taillamps are mostly obscured on the white car, the dark one in front of it leaves nothing to the imagination, and overall, you get a pretty good sense of what to expect when we see this car unveiled as the new Acura TSX (probably in New York). In any case, we don't have much longer to wait. Thanks to Bojan and Zane for the tips!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord (Euro)

Gallery: European Honda Accord - teaser images

Spy Shots: New Euro Honda Accord spotted on transporter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Redesigned Acura RL coming to Chicago Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Acura

Our friends over at the Temple of VTEC got a hold of a communiqué from Acura regarding the automaker's plans for the 2009 TSX and RL. While it doesn't divulge the rumored drivetrain upgrades, both vehicles are apparently going to receiving several enhancements inside, including the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System and a premium sound upgrade on the TSX, while the RL will get an improved HVAC system and a few other bells and whistles.

TOV's forum members have been posting about the '09 RL's future, specifically a 300+ hp, 3.7-liter V6 and a revamped SH-AWD system that will shovel more torque to the rear wheels. The body of the RL will supposedly undergo a massive refresh, with only two body panels carried over from the outgoing model, along with a new interior that boasts more room. We know that changes are coming to the TSX, which, in addition to some new sheet metal, is likely to include some new drivetrains, with the possibility of a V6-powered variant with SH-AWD being considered.

Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[Source: TOV]

Rumormill: Redesigned Acura RL coming to Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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