Road and Track: 2011 Acura TSX Wagon Review

Hatching a plan for sporty, stylish and practical transport.
By Douglas Kott

What’s Hot:
Tight handling
Swoon-worthy styling
Crossover carrying capacity
What’s Not:
No V-6 offered
No manual gearbox offered
Inline-4 merely adequate

Small, sporty wagons are a little like Elvis or Colin Chapman: By most accounts they’re dead, but occasionally there will be sightings. Truth is, we wonder why there aren’t more of them as they’re likable adversaries to sport utes and crossovers, lacking the tippy “command” seating position and pretense of off-road capability yet endowed with car-like handling and truly useful cargo capacity. Consider that Acura’s latest here has a storage volume aft of the rear seats that’s roughly the same as its RDX crossover, albeit differently shaped. With its 60/40-split rear seats folded down, there’s a full 60.5 cu. ft. of space, which slots the TSX slightly ahead of marketplace rivals Audi A4 Avant and BMW 328i Sport Wagon.

Acura chose not to compare acceleration times in its presentation, as the TSX Sport Wagon comes just one way, with a 201-bhp 2.4-liter inline-4 paired with a paddle-shift torque-converter 5-speed automatic. Let’s just say the combination makes for, er, adequate acceleration with, um, reasonable roll-on torque, the quick-reacting gearbox doing its best to keep the engine in the feel-good upper half of the rev range. Shifts are snappy….with the selector in S, both kickdown reaction and throttle response are really crisp, and shifts summoned by the paddles are laudably fast. The only transmission demerit? There’s no auto-blip on downshifts.
On a twisty road, the TSX Sport Wagon carries its additional 130 lb. and 3.5 in. of length well, the extra rear overhang reducing the nose-heaviness by a couple of percentage points…now 57/43 front/rear, versus roughly 59/41 for a comparably equipped TSX sedan. The electric-assist steering weights up nicely as more steering angle is cranked in, and roll control is excellent, with spring/damping rates definitely skewed toward the sportier end of the spectrum.

The same could be said of looks. With its wedgy beltline, snazzy 17-in. alloys (with P225/50R-17 Michelins) and brightwork for both the sturdy roof rails and side window trim, the Sport Wagon appears anything but utilitarian. Up front, the oft-criticized “Power Plenum” grille has been tastefully toned down—it now has a platinum-look horizontal element ringed with chrome.

Inside, all the standard TSX trimmings are there—thick-rimmed sport wheel, futuristically styled center stack, and great seats with perforated leather inserts and substantial up-high shoulder bolstering. The cargo area is well finished also; dual brushed stainless sill plates for the hatch are a nice touch, as are chrome tie-down hooks and a total of four hidden storage spaces beneath and to the left side of the load floor. The main compartment is square and quite shallow, perfect for shady types involved in the pizza smuggling trade.

Across the model line, all TSXs for 2011 benefit from slightly better fuel economy (the Sport Wagon’s numbers are 22/30 city/hwy) through measures such as low-friction engine coatings, lower-viscosity ATF, an ATF heater (!) and underbody fairings that improve aerodynamics. A noise-insulating windshield and thicker rear side glass are said to further reduce cabin noise. And the Sport Wagon featured here has a generous roster of standard equipment including a power moonroof, heated leather seats, a 360-watt 7-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, etc. Opting for the Tech Package ($3650 dearer than the base Sport Wagon’s MSRP of $30,960) buys the excellent nav system/high-def display screen, the 460-watt ELS sound system with hard drive storage for roughly 3500 songs, and a power tailgate.

Acura’s sales goals are modest for the Sport Wagon, about 4000 units for the 2011 model year. With its slick styling, sporty road manners and considerable utility, this tailgated TSX might jump-start the resurgence of the small sporty wagon. Is it possible that Elvis has re-entered the building?

Source;
http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/impressions/2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon

Car and Driver: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon - First Drive Review

A charming new chapter in the station wagon revival.
BY TONY SWAN December 2010

At first glance, a traditional mid-size station wagon is unexpected from a company that’s scoring its best sales numbers with a crossover, the MDX. Considering there hasn’t been a conventional wagon in the U.S. Honda and Acura lineup since the fifth-generation Accord, which ended its run at the conclusion of the 1997 model year, the TSX wagon seems even more surprising.

But Acura knows not all the young, affluent small-family types out there are smitten with crossovers. There are at least a half-dozen traditional station wagons in the entry premium category—base prices range from about $30,000 to $40,000—and there’s potential for great growth if, well, if people would just realize how much better wagons are than SUVs.

Sport with a Small S

Acura didn’t create this car from scratch. Like the TSX sedan, the new wagon is a luxed-up version of the European Honda Accord. But there’s an asterisk. Unlike the sedan, which has charmed C/D staffers through two generations now, the wagon comes up a little short on the sporty score sheet. Agile: check. Competent: check. Quick, communicative steering: check. Excellent brake-pedal feel: check. No surprises: check. Comfort, quiet operation, and lots of standard features: check, check, and check.

Acceleration: not so fast. When it goes on sale December 21, the TSX wagon will offer a single powertrain—the base 201-hp, 2.4-liter four mated with a five-speed automatic. No manual transmission option. No V-6 option. With its modest torque, the 2.4-liter four isn’t an engine that’s likely to provoke acceleration brownouts or smoky burnouts. Paired in the sedan with the six-speed manual gearbox, a very slick unit in the best Honda tradition, it provides acceptable go amplified by the pleasure of engaging the right gear for the rather narrow power band.

Bolted to the automatic, though, the four-cylinder produces forward progress that’s distinctly more deliberate. And adding mass to the equation—Acura lists the wagon’s curb weight at 3599 pounds, 129 more than the four-cylinder automatic sedan’s and 199 more than the manual sedan’s—doesn’t make the going any quicker. Two-lane passing requires careful planning, and it’s hard to see the wagon as a weapon of choice for the free-for-all commuter.

If the absence of a manual transmission is disappointing, Acura’s rationale is hard to dispute. For one, even though most of the wagon’s major competitors offer do-it-yourself shifting, the take rate for the manual TSX sedan has dwindled to less than 3 percent, according to Acura. Second, Acura’s business case for the wagon is tentative—4000 units for 2011—making it important to keep the build orders simple. Four of the car’s prime competitors offer traction at both ends, but Acura has no plans to offer all-wheel drive on the TSX sedan or wagon.

The Good News

Although blistering performance may not be part of the deal, there is nevertheless a lot about the car to like. The wagon is 3.6 inches longer than the sedan and delivers far more cargo capacity. There are 26 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a flat load floor, several tie-down points, and more storage under the floor. With the seats folded flat, the cargo well expands to 61 cubic feet, as good as anything in this class and bigger than most.

And, like other Acuras, the TSX wagon is well equipped. The base price of $31,820—that’s near the low end of the competitive spectrum and $1350 more than a sedan—includes a satisfying array of standard luxo features. There’s only one option, the Technology package, which adds $3650 to the sticker and navigation and ultra-high-end audio to the equipment list. The wagon is a tad thirstier than the four-cylinder sedan—22 mpg city and 30 highway, according to the EPA, versus 22/31—but is still near the top of the competitive charts.

The final plus: This is arguably the best-looking member of the TSX lineup and is close to the Audi A4 for visual leadership in the class. Acura has toned down the TSX’s lamentably beaky chrome grille for 2011, and the canted rear hatch adds a zoomy look to the package in addition to enhancing rear cargo access. A manual-transmission choice would make the station wagon more entertaining in our view, but the other TSX virtues are intact—and simply being a station wagon is a virtue unto itself.

Source (with a ton of pic's);
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_acura_tsx_sport_wagon-first_drive_review

Rendered Speculation: Reader-penned Acura TL Sportwagon

With the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon now on sale and the Acura TSX wagon coming this fall, Autoblog reader Andrew decided to try his hand at producing a five-door version of the larger TL sedan.

By merging the roofline of the seven-seat MDX crossover with the body of the midsize sedan, Andrew has created what to our eyes is a fairly handsome sedan... well, at least those of us in the minority that actually like the look of the standard TL. The D-pillar does look a bit heavy in this application, so perhaps a more forward sloping rear window in the manner of some of Audi's Avant wagons would give the car a sleeker look. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/rendered-speculation-reader-penned-acura-tl-sportwagon/
Andrew Stump

All-New Acura TSX Sport Wagon Debuts at New York International Auto Show

2011 TSX Sport Wagon to arrive at Acura dealerships in late Fall
The all-new 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The TSX Sport Wagon offers a smart solution to modern utility needs with its balanced and efficient driving performance coupled with bold styling and versatile cargo capabilities.

"The TSX Sport Wagon represents a smart choice for those seeking a vehicle with utility," said John Mendel, executive vice president, sales. "It's practical, fun to drive, luxurious and technically advanced, all while achieving an outstanding estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon*."

The TSX Sport Wagon delivers flexible utility and generous interior space- perfect for those with a growing family or an active lifestyle. The TSX Sport Wagon boasts an innovative and highly functional rear cargo space that includes a removable side panel to accommodate wider items such as golf clubs and integrated under-floor bins for hidden storage. Along with this sizeable cargo space, the TSX Sport Wagon features a comfortable and spacious cabin with seating for up to five adults.

The TSX Sport Wagon's practical utility is cleverly masked behind crisp lines and a sleek, European-inspired exterior. Bold wheel arches frame the 17-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, giving the Sport Wagon an aggressive stance. The chiseled, muscular body and sloping roofline emphasize its performance capabilities while making it more aerodynamic.

Powering the TSX Sport Wagon is a 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC®, inline four-cylinder engine paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission fit with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The TSX Sport Wagon delivers brisk performance while achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg* on the highway. Drawing from its sports sedan roots, the TSX Sport Wagon features agile handling and quick off the line acceleration, allowing it to easily tackle a twisty mountain road or swiftly navigate through city streets.

To enhance the driving experience, the TSX Sport Wagon features the latest in advanced technologies including an available hard disk drive-based Acura Navigation System™ with an all-new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ featuring radar image mapping. For the audiophile, the TSX Sport Wagon will be available with an Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System and a hard disk drive (HDD) for media storage. Additionally, the TSX Sport Wagon is equipped with an impressive list of standard features, including a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, a premium sound system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface. Like all Acura vehicles, the TSX Sport Wagon will come with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

The 2011 TSX Sport Wagon will be an entry luxury utility offering when it arrives at Acura dealerships in the late fall. The Sport Wagon will join the TSX lineup, which already includes the popular 4-cylinder and sporty V-6 powered sports sedans.

For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.

TSX Sport Wagon Specifications:
Length: 189.4 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Wheel: 17x7.5- inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
Seating capacity: 5-passenger

*Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. You actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/745/releases/5403