At heart, the 2004 Acura TSX is a true sports sedan. True,
it has a sculpted interior with leather-trimmed seats and
all sorts of standard features for driver and passenger
comfort, but where it really focuses its attention is on
the driving experience.
As a brand new model, the 2004 Acura TSX will have its
share of growing pains as it tries to compete with other
sporty, near-luxury sedans. Based on the European-market
Honda Accord and between Acura's RSX coupe and TL sedan
in size and price, the TSX at least comes from a strong,
respected family. With this in mind, it is hard not to envision
at least some success for the 2004 TSX.
Available Models
The all-new 2004 Acura TSX is offered in one model trim.
Interior Features
Five passengers fit nicely inside the four-door Acura TSX
sedan. Engineered under the hood for drivers, the TSX is
also given a driver-oriented interior to maximize the experience.
With a deeply bolstered, 8-way power driver's seat and a
leather-wrapped, tilt & telescoping steering wheel,
drivers have the poise and confidence needed to hit the
road.
Of course, the rest of the cabin certainly isn't neglected
either. Eight speakers hooked up to a 6-disc in-dash CD
changer will wrap everyone in a cocoon of sound. A tilting
power moonroof opens up the night sky and carefully placed
storage spaces maintain that practical, functional feel.
The dual-zone automatic climate control system of the new
TSX is quite impressive in itself. Atmospheric sensors keep
the automatic function highly accurate and heat-rejecting
tinted window glass contributes to its efficiency. It also
features an air filtration system that removes pollen and
contaminants, as well as a manual override switch that lets
you take control.
Exterior Features
Acura is very particular about its body panel gaps. It highlights
them with the 2004 RL, and it makes another point to mention
them with the TSX. No larger than 4mm, the body-panel gaps
are actually larger than those gaps along the door handles
and trunk lid. This is particularly useful at high speeds,
where the TSX still maintains a quiet stability.
Performance
The engine used to drive the 2004 Acura TSX is a 2.4-liter,
4-cylinder model that has specs of 200 horsepower at 6800
rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The front-wheel
drive TXS offers either 5-speed automatic transmission with
manual-shift capability or 6-speed manual.
The Acura TSX features a steering-torque sensitive, variable-assist
rack-and-pinion steering system that, though complicated
sounding, essentially adjusts itself according to the driving
situation. Standard Vehicle Stability Assist corrects both
understeer and oversteer for equally smooth handling.
Safety and Security
The 2004 Acura TSX has a safety system that arose as a direct
result of its performance ability. The standards involved
include traction control, dual front airbags, front side
airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes,
an antiskid system and high-intensity discharge headlamps.
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