Motor Authority
Back in August we brought you news that Acura was considering a TSX wagon for the
U.S., and today, Acura has confirmed that it will indeed be bringing the car Stateside
by late 2010.
Known elsewhere in the world as the Accord Euro Touring wagon, the Acura version
will be called the TSX Sport Wagon. The TSX Sport Wagon will join the slightly larger
2010 Acura ZDX crossover as a new form factor for the notoriously small brand.
Adding a bit more utility to the already very good TSX sedan makes a lot of sense,
especially as crossovers and their spiritual ancestors--wagons--worm they way back
into the hearts of Americans.
Though the TSX is a notch down in size from cars like the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport
Wagon and the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, it's premium positioning and slightly
lower pricing might make it more attractive to younger buyers looking for an aspirational
purchase.
Left Lane
The TSX Sport Wagon will be offered in just one powertrain configuration: A five-speed
automatic transmission mated to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which
Acura says is good for 30 mpg on the highway.
Acura did not specify the exact dimensions of the TSX Sport Wagon’s cargo bay, although
the automaker did say that the cavernous area will contain under-floor bins for
hidden storage. The TSX Sport Wagon will not offer a third row of seats.
Motor Trend
Like the TSX sedan, the SportWagon is essentially a well-equipped version of the
European Honda Accord wagon rolling on special 17-inch, five-spoke rims. In North
American trim, it's 3.3 inches longer than the sedan, but otherwise identical in
dimensions. Special features aren't specific to bodystyles, either; including power
glass moonroof, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, Bluetooth capability,
USB and auxiliary jack connections, and the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)
body structure.
A hard-drive based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, and Acura's
impressive ELS Surround Premium Audio System are optional.
Unlike the TSX sedan, but like the A4 Avant, the TSX Sport Wagon will be available
here with only one powertrain, the 2.4-liter, 201-horsepower, 172 pound-foot twin-cam
inline four mated to a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters (the A4 Avant also
is four-cylinder/automatic only, but with a TFSI turbo). EPA fuel economy should
be unchanged from the four-cylinder/automatic sedan's 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway
numbers. Whether the TSX Sport Wagon can generate big sales numbers for Acura is
another question. American consumers who shop Acura wagons are much more likely
to stick with the RDX and MDX.
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