Car Gazing
Acura RSX is new, but not too new
By Derek Price
Acura's RSX sports coupe didn't really need much refreshing.
Even after four years on the market, it was still a great car in all aspects – style, performance, comfort, price and reliability – but nonetheless, Acura decided it was time for an updated version in 2005.
Instead of choosing to do a massive overhaul to create a new car that looks and feels totally different from the old one, however, Acura simply made lots of small updates that add up to a big change. It's the same ... but different.
For starters, the new RSX has a new body, but most people would be hard pressed to tell the difference. It looks slightly lower, faster and meaner now, with redesigned air ducts, aggressive-looking headlights and a new Acura-family grille. The rear of the RSX was redesigned with new taillight assemblies, a new bumper and larger diameter exhaust tips.
The overall look is just a little sportier, but it retains the old RSX's recognizable wedge shape.
Updates are also evident in the interior, where the seats have been redesigned with more supportive side bolsters and a thicker lower cushion for increased comfort on long drives and support during aggressive cornering. Titanium accents have been added to the headrests and to several places around the cabin, giving the car a slightly more upscale feel.
The car is still available in two versions: the sporty RSX and the high-performance RSX Type-S. Both models are powered by terrific, Honda-engineered engines that rev high and offer plenty of power for pulling the fun, lightweight car through traffic.
The base RSX ($20,175) – which actually comes with some luxurious standard equipment like automatic climate control, power moonroof and keyless entry -- has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 160 horsepower. It's certainly enough power for spirited driving, although an automatic is available for more mundane trips.
For an even better performance kick, the Type-S ($23,570) offers a 210-horsepower engine that feels like it belongs in a racecar. The Type-S comes standard with leather, a six-speed manual transmission with no automatic available, and 17-inch wheels.
The difference in the regular RSX and the Type-S is striking. They feel like two completely different cars.
While the RSX feels like a super nice Honda Civic – with a sporty ride, decent acceleration and relatively quiet cabin – the Type-S is clearly designed more for performance driving than trips to the grocery store.
The Type-S corners almost completely flat, even at wild speeds around bends, and accelerates so fast it's frightening. On the downside, it's much louder than the regular RSX, especially when the engine reaches high RPMs and sends a high-pitched shriek through the cabin. Its firmer suspension is also less comfortable on the highway, opting for razor-sharp handling over a soft, compliant ride.
Overall, the RSX keeps the same near-perfect mix of luxury and affordability in a small car. It has a clean, sporty style and impressive Acura badge that makes it more appealing than many cars in its price range, especially considering the level of standard equipment in the cabin.
It's simply a good value for the money. And that's something that never needs refreshing.
(Derek Price is a newspaper editor and freelance writer living in Texas.
Contact him at dprice@cargazingonline.com)
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