[align=http://h.wieck.com//pv/2003/01/05/HON2003010558438_pv.jpg]left[/align]With a front wheel drive and inline-4 engine layout, other luxury marques have tested these waters only to not even make a splash. One much forgotten, yet beloved contender was the Infiniti G20. However, where the G20 went belly up with its average handling, underpowered engine, and overall vanilla wrapping, the TSX may prove to be a much stronger swimmer. Driving performance aside, the 2004 Acura TSX will boast a 360 watt, 8 speaker/subwoofer, six CD stereo system (including an optional in dash MP3 player), and looks to match its loudness. Aside from its good looks and great stereo the TSX is loaded with such standard features as aluminum door sills, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, power moonroof, dual zone automatic climate control, power leather seats (8 way for driver and 4 for passenger), leather wrapped 3 spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons, keyless entry system, floor mats, illuminated LED gauges, and a 12V outlet in the center console. One notable factory option available is the $2,000 in-dash DVD navigation system. To make things better, Acura has announced that the TSX will be priced from $25k to $29k making it affordable to young lead foots who sink and can’t swim.

Now to the goods of why Honda followers keep coming back. The TSX boasts a 2.4-liter DOHC, 3 rocker i-VTEC inline 4 that has a peak output of 200 horsepower at 6,800 RPM and 166 ft-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. Like all other i-VTEC engines, the torque curve on this K24 engine is a plateau, giving you a flat torque curve throughout the RPM range. As with other VTEC inspired engines, Honda doesn’t need forced induction or displacement to make power, surprising even the staunchest of critics as to how fun small displacement, normally aspirated engines can be. But, Honda doesn’t stop there with just the engine, because it comes paired to either a 5 speed SportShift automatic or a 6 speed manual transmission both offering traction control, Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), drive by wire throttle, F1 derived 4 wheel independent double wishbone suspension, and 215/50/R17 wheels/tires fitted at each corner. With such backing the TSX should be competitive with most of its competition, including the BMW 325i, Saab 9-3, Audi A4 1.8T, and Nissan Maxima.

Those knowledgeable of Honda’s overseas offerings or familiar with Acura’s lineup will ask is a Type-S model in Acura’s future? Acura has made no suggestion of a Type-S, but early rumors hint at a release date in Sprint 2004.

The answer to why the TSX can be considered such a low risk model compared to the G20 lie under its skin, as the TSX shares everything except interior design and badges with the European and Japanese Accord. While not the most often used method by Honda, most other manufacturer’s use similar tactics such as with the next Ford Taurus being heavily based off of the Mazda 6. The benefit of using another platform means it takes less time and money when compared to completely redesigning a vehicle from scratch. One stigma aside; we all think of the Accord as a well behaved reliable family sedan but, since 1994, European and Japanese Accords have been smaller, lighter and sportier, and to fit such a vehicle into Honda’s lineup, it was placed as an Acura model befitting to its sport, luxury image.

But chances are, the TSX will be an able swimmer ready to embarrass more expensive makes and models requiring owners to beg for more displacement to satiate their bruised egos. On the flip side, the TSX as a high value, sporty, and affordable alternative to its competition, readers can see a land shark in the making.

--Acura is a registered trademark of American Honda Motor Company

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