When Acura launched this second-generation TSX in the summer of 2008, fuel prices averaged four bucks a gallon and the economy was tanking. Talk about perfect timing: Acura was well-positioned with a luxury sport sedan wearing a starting price under $30,000, and powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. Not only is the 2009 Acura TSX a timely arrival, but it also comes equipped with a larger interior, bigger proportions, and what the automaker refers to as Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body architecture for improved safety.

Here is a summary of the changes to the 2009 Acura TSX:
• Completely redesigned, inside and out
• Bigger outside with more interior room
• Broader power range
• Better fuel economy
• Lower emissions
• More modern technology
• Additional safety features

The 2009 Acura TSX is available in a single level of specification. Standard equipment includes heated perforated leather seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free communication system, a 360-watt audio system with a USB port and auxiliary input jack, a free 90-way subscription to XM satellite radio, Xenon headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Two options are offered on the TSX. Buyers can choose a six-speed manual transmission to replace the standard five-speed automatic, a no-cost option. Buyers can also equip the TSX with the Technology Package, which adds about $3,000 to the bottom line and includes a navigation system, an Acura/ELS surround sound audio system, a GPS-linked solar sensing climate control system, a voice recognition system, a rearview camera, and services including Real Time Traffic, Traffic Rerouting, Real Time Weather, and Zagat Survey restaurant ratings. Additionally, Acura dealers can add numerous items like upgraded interior trim, unique alloy wheels, trunk organization features, and a racy body kit.

The 2009 Acura TSX is equipped with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear changes. The four-cylinder engine generates 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of torque between 4,300 and 4,500 rpm, with the available manual transmission delivering a smidge more. Fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with a manual transmission and 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the automatic. Our review vehicle, a TSX automatic, averaged 23.4 mpg in mixed driving.

Standard safety equipment on every 2009 Acura TSX includes dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seating positions, and side-curtain airbags for each outboard seating position. Additionally, the TSX comes standard with four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; traction control; and stability control.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2009 Acura TSX competes against other entry premium vehicles such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G-Series, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volkswagen CC, and Volvo S40.