When the TSX bowed as a 2004 model, it earned a modest reputation for sporty, agile behavior. Sales edged upward through five seasons, easing past the original target and attracting the relatively youthful audience Acura sought. Still, the first-generation TSX, meant to draw entry-level near-luxury customers, never achieved the kind of popularity enjoyed by the BMW 3-series or Audi A4.

Acura engineers say the original TSX benefited from European flair but lacked unique character. More tangibly, road noise and fuel economy needed improvement.

Led by Acura’s signature “power plenum” grille, bold fender flares, and sharply chiseled lines, the redesigned compact sport sedan now appears larger, even though its dimensions aren’t radically changed. TSX length increases by almost 2.4 inches, and wheelbase is up by 1.3 inches. Shoulder space is up 2.5 inches. Track dimensions and body width have expanded by 2.6 and 3.0 inches, respectively. Looking a little portly, the 2009 TSX has gained about 160 pounds.

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Magazine Issue: Winding Road Issue 32