Acura RSX earns sports-coupe status
Acura wants the young “tuner” market to sit up and take notice to its RSX sports coupe, which it markets as an introduction to its more luxurious sedans (perhaps for later in life).
Interesting, then, is how Acura gets these performance-oriented buyers to “sit up and take notice.” The company does so by throwing the driver and passengers back in their seats ala torque and acceleration.
Since RSX is aimed at tuners, they’ll appreciate a peek under the hood. We took a good look and were amazed at the incredible organization and sophistication; there’s a technological feel unlike that of most other engine compartments we’ve seen. In design alone, Acura earns its top-tier reputation before a spark ever meets fuel.
As for power, RSX Type-S engines use high-performance camshafts, a large intake duct and a free-flowing catalytic converter to take the base RSX 2-liter, four-cylinder from a respectable 155 horsepower to a thrilling 201 horses. Throw in the six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission, and the race is on.
The two available RSX models have changed little from 2005, with 2006 now the fifth model year for Acura’s front-wheel-drive sports coupe. RSX remains a segment leader, with “10 Best List” (Car and Driver), “Most Wanted Coupe under $25,000” (Edmunds.com) and “10 Best Engines” (Ward’s) among its accolades over the past three years.
As expected from Acura, performance is combined with technology and quality. That 201-horsepower engine, despite its high output, meets stringent low-emissions vehicle-II standards in California (regarded as the nation’s toughest) and is designed to run for 110,000 miles before the first scheduled tune-up.
RSX models feature track-tuned suspensions (stiffer yet on the Type-S) and steering systems for exceptional handling and great cornering grip. We found the back roads were no place for a Sunday drive behind the wheel of the RSX; quickly overcome by the temptation to push the RSX on cornering and acceleration, we found it lived up to its race-like billing.
Acura has a three-channel anti-lock braking system on the RSX to safely get those high speeds back under control. The 10.3-inch ventilated front discs are expanded to a serious 11.8 inches on the Type-S.
However, here’s our beef with the RSX. For all of its power and performance, its looks just don’t stand out. The somewhat pointy front and overall slope of the RSX brought to mind, dare we say it, the Ford Probe. (Really). It’s sharp, for sure, especially the Milano Red that shined brilliantly on our tester, but this is an Acura. Besides, “tuners” like a bit of drama, and we find nothing dramatic about the RSX body. Park it beside a Mitsubishi Eclipse or a tricked-out Chevy Cobalt, and the RSX that costs close to $30,000 is likely overshadowed. (Need we also point out the ultimate in anti-cool — a rear windshield wiper?)
We must say, however, that the 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with Michelin all-season high-performance tires are definitely an aesthetic highlight.
Standard safety features include Acura’s dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag system, which deploys the airbags at different rates depending on the severity of the collision and seat-belt usage; side airbags with passenger seat height and position sensors; and dual seat-belt pretensioners on both front seats.
Standard amenities on the RSX include automatic climate control system, power moonroof, high-output audio system with in-dash CD player, keyless entry with anti-theft engine immobilizer, heated power sideview mirrors, power windows with an auto-up/down feature on the driver’s window, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
All of the extras on the Type-S are in the base price; our jump into the $29,000 range came thanks to the $615 destination and handling charge.
Other important numbers include 27-city and 34-highway EPA fuel mileage, 13.2-gallon fuel tank, 101.2-inch wheelbase and 2,734-pound curb weight.
Considering you can get a base model for right around $20,000, and with everything the Type-S adds, Acura’s RSX earns its sports-coupe status, and plenty of people obviously find appeal in its looks, even if we’re a bit critical. That said, we give it the RSX an 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Likes: Short of a racecar, this is among the most exhilarating experiences we’ve had for quickness and cornering.
Dislikes: Maybe some chrome or black trim would add drama to the nothing-but-paint doors and quarter panels. And that rear windshield wiper?