Acura TSX

Impressions: The TSX sedan is definitely in the thick of the hunt as an alternative to entry-level BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The offering from Honda's upscale division provides solid performance, great looks, excellent build quality and a fair sticker price considering everything you get. The TSX's taut lines — revised last year with front/rear styling update — low greenhouse and a hiked-up rear deck, combined with wheel-arch-filling 17-inch rubber, is the visual essence of a true European sport sedan . . . even if it is from Japan. The image is backed up by a standard double-wishbone front and rear suspension setup and stability and traction control connected to a drive-by-wire throttle (there's no physical link between the pedal and the engine). It also hits the mark with an inviting perforated-leather-coated interior with power-operated front seats and contrasting wood tone and silver accents, a theme that actually begins on the exterior door handles. Pop open the hood and you're greeted by a 205-horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or optional-at-no-cost five-speed automatic that's set up for clutchless manual shifting. Every TSX is packed to the roof with features such as anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, dual-zone air conditioning, power sunroof, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 360-watt audio system with CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted accessory controls, keyless remote entry, a built-in garage-door opener and high-intensity-discharge headlights. Dealers can provide extras such as a DVD-based rear entertainment system, aero body kit, MP3 player plus a wider variety of multi-spoke alloy wheels. Base price: $27,900 (2006) Type: Four-door sedan Base engine (hp): 2.4-liter DOHC I4 (205) Optional engine: None Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Six-speed manual; five-speed automatic Mileage (city/hwy): 22/31 (AT) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control Weight (lb.): 3,230 Basic warranty: 4/50,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: acura.com