THE BOTTOM LINE
When Acura launched the new TSX last year, many speculated that there would be two optional engines–and both of them would be four-cylinder. The 2.3-liter, 240 hp turbocharged four-cylinder from the RDX seemed like one powerplant Acura would choose. However Acura's Watts mentioned to us that not only did this engine not fit into the bay of the TSX without serious modification, but its fuel economy hasn't been as good as the company had hoped and wouldn't deliver the consumption consumers would expect in sedan like the TSX.
Speaking of fuel consumption, Acura had announced that it would include a diesel option in its lineup soon. And since the European Accord comes with a diesel option, the plan was to use the 148 hp 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel in the TSX too. With consumer demand for diesel in state of flux due to fluctuating fuel prices and the still-nagging perception among US buyers that diesels are either dirty or noisy, Acura has decided to wait. However, Watts eluded to the fact that if the company perceived a stable demand, a diesel TSX could move into the product plan relatively quickly.
The 2010 Acura TSX four-cylinder starts at $30,120 and the V6 model begins at $35,660. That extra five grand is no small sum in this economy. But the larger, smoother engine does make the TSX a more compelling sport sedan. And even at its fully loaded $38,760 price point, the V6 model still undercuts many of its competitors. Now if we could only get that diesel option too.
More on the acura sedan.....
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