2009 Acura TSX

An Accord by Any Other Name

The new Acura TSX is based on the European version of the Honda Accord, but the big news is the available diesel engine, a first for the brand.

The first generation of Acura's entry-level sedan, the TSX, garnered praise for its willing four-cylinder engine and solid reliability, but it seemed to lack soul compared to other sporty compact sedans. For 2009, the all-new TSX borrows some soul from parent company Honda. Instead of designing a TSX specifically for the U.S., Acura has decided to bring over the European version of the Honda Accord.

The big story for the TSX is the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that will eventually be available. The TSX will be Honda's first diesel-powered vehicle for North America. But it won't be the last, as a diesel Accord is expected to arrive later next year, potentially followed by a diesel Honda Pilot SUV, Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX SUV.

The diesel engine has passed all North American emissions rules without the need for a separate urea injection tank, unlike those in upcoming BMW and Mercedes-Benz diesels. Urea is a chemical added to diesel exhaust systems to further curb harmful emissions by neutralizing the toxic nitrogen oxides that create the black soot old diesels are notorious for spewing.

The 2009 Acura TSX appropriates some of the angular styling seen in Acura’s SUVs, with a signature crease flowing from the front bumper through the door handles.

The new Acura TSX looks different from the outgoing version, but there’s less of a change in power or fuel economy. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine carries over from the current model, although it has just a touch less horsepower (201 hp versus current model's 205 hp) and slightly more torque (172 pound-feet versus 164 pound-feet in the current model). Although top-end power is lower, the improved torque means the Acura TSX will feel peppier to drive at lower speeds around town.