Acura takes TSX to new level

When it comes to luxury cars, the price of entry is still about $30,000.Remarkably, that threshold has held pretty steady since the days of the previous President Bush, as luxury cars took giant strides in safety, performance, fuel efficiency and technology.The innovations that have arrived since the days of the ill-fated "luxury tax" on cars over $30,000 are impressive: Satellite radio and navigation; multiple airbags for front, head and side with adjustments for small passengers; tire-pressure monitoring systems; adaptive cruise control that keeps pace with the car in front of you; video screens to show what's behind the rear bumper; warning systems for obstacles on all sides of the car; traffic alerts that warn of congestion miles ahead of you; lane-departure warnings that keep you from straying into another car's path; DVD entertainment systems; voice recognition software; light-emitting diodes; drive-by-wire linkages for accelerator and brake pedals. And much more.Over the years, too, the value of the dollar has declined. Still, the "entry-level" luxury car is priced around $30,000.Acura's second-generation TSX for the 2009 model year carries a base sticker of $28,960, despite a nice load of standard equipment, though not everything on the list above. To buy the full menu, you'll need $32,060, which includes the Technology Package.Even cell phones were in their infancy when Acura brought the first Japanese luxury brand to North America in 1986. Digital cell phones were introduced in 1991, and the first one with Internet connectivity came in 1996. Today, there are more than 3 billion in use worldwide, and no one gives much thought to the TSX's Bluetooth, HandsFree cell phone interface or its USB port for iPhone, iPod or memory stick.As a successor to the pioneering Integra, the TSX was introduced in April 2003. The smallest car in the Acura fleet, it shared engineering with Honda's Accord. The larger 2009 model debuted at this year's New York International Auto Show.As always, the competition is relentlessly overachieving.The TSX faces the Audi A4, BMW 328i, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS 250 and Mercedes-Benz C300 for entry-level supremacy.Early indications show the new model to be a winner with June sales soaring nearly 28 percent to a record 3,869. And that was in a month when Acura's overall sales fell, along with those of most other nameplates. TSX sales have averaged about 30,000 per year, and the entry-level luxury segment is projected to grow by nearly 10 percent by 2012.TSX targets young professionals who are previous owners, conquests from other luxury brands such as Audi, BMW and Lexus or other upwardly mobile sophisticates, typically ages 28 to 34 years old with a college degree (earning mostly A's and B's). Buyers are expected to split evenly between male and female, and slightly less than half are married.In the 2009 redesign TSX grew 2.4 inches longer with a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase at 106.4 inches. The track expanded by 2.6 inches, with the width gaining 3 inches.Engineers stiffened the chassis, providing a higher roll center to keep the sedan flatter during cornering. Rear brake discs were also enlarged from 10.2 inches to the current 11.1 inches.With a fuel efficiency rating of 21 city and 31 highway miles per gallon, the 2.4 liter, 201-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine is fuel efficient while providing refreshingly brisk responses via six-speed stick or five-speed automatic, available at no extra charge.The performance characteristics of the front-drive TSX are generally very sporty, with nice athleticism in the curves and splendid passing power.While the styling of the TSX falls far short of breathtaking, the lines are clean and well proportioned, with a suitable amount of jewelry inside and out.With leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats as standard equipment, the sedan comforts the driver and front passenger, while giving back-seat riders adequate head and legroom.Designers earn extra credit for the steering wheel mounted controls and intuitive placement of other switches and controls. The premium seven-speaker sound system can be upgraded in the Technology Package to a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Premium Audio System with XM radio and a "Note" function that can capture 10 seconds each of up to 30 songs with song title, artist's name and XM channel.The Technology Package also includes Navigation System with voice recognition and the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System.The system covers 76 major metropolitan markets with traffic rerouting to guide drivers around slow-downs.Yes, we have come long way from the Electro Gyrocator.-- WHAT'S NEW: Second gen new for 2009, larger body with longer wheelbase, wider track; new standard features.-- PLUSES: Peformance, fuel efficiency, comfort, technology.-- MINUSES: Smallish side mirrors, ho-hum styling.BOTTOM LINE: Big step up at luxury market's entry level.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)