Acura TSX: a small car that delivers big thrills

The Virginian-Pilot (MCT) - Call it the girth of a nation.

According to the National Institutes of Health, in just 20 years, a cup of coffee has doubled in size and packs an extra 305 calories.

It's a similar story for the Honda Accord.

In that same 20 years, the Accord has grown more than 14 inches longer and added 79 horsepower to its four-cylinder engine. But that is true only for the U.S.-built Accord.

In the rest of the world, the Accord is as petite as a portion of fois gras. It has grown a mere 6.4 inches longer but boasts an extra 103 horsepower. Yet combined fuel economy, as measured by the EPA, remains largely unchanged at 25 mpg.

In the United States, the biggest problem with the new Accord is that it's larger than a TV anchor's ego.

To sample a true Honda Accord, as opposed to the bloated poseur that plies our roadways, turn to your local Acura dealer. There, you'll find the TSX, the four-wheeled bonbon that wears Honda Accord badges on the other side of the pond.

The TSX's styling eschews the Stay-Puft look of the American Accord for a razor-honed sleekness that looks trim and athletic. Just check out the ninja-style door handles. And Acura backs it up with more than looks.

The TSX's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder generates 201 horsepower. It's married to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic that can be shifted manually.

While the manual may be more fun to drive, it carries a lower EPA rating than the automatic: 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway vs. 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Never mind.

Just hop in and head for your favorite road. There, you'll discover the front-wheel-drive TSX's exceptional manners. Body lean is well-controlled, and the car remains flatter than a politician's re-election speech.

You'll also find that the TSX has a firm ride that transmits the worst road shocks forcefully back to the driver. Hey, blame the state Department of Transportation, not Acura.

The electric power steering is responsive and has the perfect amount of weight. Handling is precise, and the car has a lively, alert feel.

There's plenty of power on hand from its four-cylinder mill. Unlike other entry-level luxury cars, this one is fairly frugal while providing the sort of 0-to-60-mph times that make daily commuting fun.

Stopping is as good as going, at least when it comes to this car's performance. Four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution is standard.

The TSX has some road noise in its cabin, but that can be mitigated by turning up the audio system.

Roominess is more than sufficient for four full-sized Americans. The seats are firm, comfortable and hold passengers tight.

Oodles of luxury items are crammed in the interior, including XM satellite radio, a navigation system, heated leather seats and a traffic alert system.

In short, the TSX is smaller than the Accord but blessed with better handling and a look that's truly distinctive.

Imagine if this had been the new Accord with the smaller four-cylinder engine used overseas: We would be driving just the sort of family car everyone desires right now.

Even so, the TSX boasts the best fuel economy in its class, with lots of gear to make the most hedonistic driver happy.

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WHAT WE SAY: TASTES GREAT, LESS FILLING

Pro: Handling, fuel economy, looks

Con: That large buck-toothed grille

Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder

Wheelbase: 106.4 inches

Length: 186.1 inches

Weight: 3,484 pounds

Cargo space: 12.61 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 21/30 mpg

Fuel economy: 25 mpg

Fuel type: Premium unleaded

Base price: $32,060

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© 2008, The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.).