is a good bet since the Euro Accord will have one. The 17" wheels I'd think are less certain. But, there is always the TireRack and a more unique look for your car.
very interested in the tsx. i think it looks great. i do have a question about the rear deck lid though, will this be changed for our market? the current design is for the wider license plates that are used in europe. it doesn't seem like it would look right with our taller less wide license plates that are used in the usa. any thoughts?
That may be one of the changes that the car will see when it comes here as Acura. Since other Acuras use the rear bumper for the license plate, the TSX could use a similar setup.
As for handling, et. al, TSX will also be the basis for the next Accord Type-R in Japan and Europe. FWD or not, the current ATR is ranked high when it comes to performing on the track. CAR magazine took ten performance cars to a track for comparo, and ATR finished second, behind Audi TTQ, and just ahead of BMW 328Ci Sport followed by Peugeot 406, Lexus IS200, Ford Mondeo ST240 (Contour SVT here), a good mix of AWD, FWD and RWD vehicles.
And here is what AutoExpress has to say about the car in a single sentence... "the 2.2 Type R provides the thrills to better many a BMW."
If TSX can deliver performance thats close to what the current ATR does, it would be good enough for me.
I'd think it would be a good possibility for NA too. It would give Honda an entry into the small wagon set agains the Lexus IS300 Sportcross, Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series, Mazda6, VW Passat, et al.
The wagon is supposed to be built on a longer wheelbase than the sedan. My guess is that rear seat room and trunk room are going to be among the major distinctions between the NA and Euro/JDM Accords. If the wagon is on a longer wheelbase, those differences may be minimized.
Given that the car is set to debut in Paris at the end of this month, I would expect that we would start to see press previews, especially in UK magazines such as Top Gear, Auto Express, or CAR. Time for a trip to BN and Borders...
"The ride quality of BMW's 3-Series was a clear influence on the development of the front-wheel-drive Honda, and enthusiastic drivers should be impressed by the chassis."
The Estate profile looks very plain, not sporty like the IS300 wagon. We've actually seen it already - it was those fuzzy blue spy pictures which turned out to be very accurate for the TSX.
It think its emphasis will be on utility rather than looks. Don't know if that's going to help it in the US market.
The competition: "Honda sees the Accord competing with Alfa Romeo, Audi, Saab and Volvo."
"Improved motors – with a diesel on the horizon – will, Honda says, give better performance, especially when mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox. A five-speed is also available, along with a five-speed auto/sequential unit."
The true motive for not having the manual in the V-6 NA Accord sedan!
I notice that the '03 NA Accord coupe has a 105.1 inch wheelbase. This is probably the same as the Euro/JDM Accord. Hopefully, the Euro/JDM car has more rear seat legroom than 31.9 inches...
Per Car and Driver mag, the JDM/Euro Accord "rides on a wheelbase that's about three inches shorter than that of our Accord sedan, or about the same length as the U.S.-market coupe's (105.1 inches)."
Even if legroom is no better than the coupe's, there should at least be more headroom.
one explaination for the long passenger compartment and short deck on the NA Accord, thus keeping overall length down.
I'm interested in seeing the room in the TSX vs. Passat vs. Mazda6. Mazda especially seems to claim a lot of room in a car not much bigger than the TSX. I wonder if they're using the old GM tricks of a short and low rear bench to increase volume. I haven't read many complaints about the rear accommodations, however. Hopefully the TSX proves just as roomy...
Why did you say using a short bench will increase the volume? I understand a lower seat will increase the headroom and thus the volume.
I am really wondering how these leg room/head room are measured. I can give more than 10 cases where I feel just the opposite when I sit in the car. A quick example, Honda Civic has a larger rear leg room than Toyota 4Runner (36in vs 34.9in). But when I sit on the rear seats, 4Runner seems to provide much larger leg room. Of course, front seat was set to my driving position in both cars, so that we are comparing apple to apple.
I don't know for certain, but I'd guess that rear legroom would be measured from the end of rear seat cushion to the back of the front seat. Variables would be at what vertical point the measurement is taken and where the front seat is positioned.
We actually will not know anything "official" until a couple months before launch. I know a few dealerships are already accepting deposits and a local Acura dealership in Dallas said the TSX will be here in March 2003. In addition, the salesperson added (note I didn't ask) that it would have a 220 HP with a 6MT. With all that said, these pics are official enough for me!
C&D has a little snippet about the TSX in its October issue. Nothing that we don't already know, but they seem adamant that power will be at least 200hp, not 190, when it reaches our shore since it'll probably cost 25K, which is a about 2-3K above the RSX-S.
A Monday article from autoexpress says that the Euro Accord will have 6 air bags and ABS as standard equipment.
For starters, you won't be able to get a 6-spd manual in the Accord sedan, nor can you get the 200+hp 2.4L engine.
Also, the Acura has the better warranty, and will doubtless carry more standard equipment than the Accord. The TSX will also ride on springs with higher rates unavailable in the US Accord sedan.
I would expect Acura to dress the TSX's interior up a bit with some faux carbon-fiber or some brushed aluminum trim in an effort to distance it from the Accord's. Not that there's anything wrong with the new Accord's interior, mind you.
I'd be happy if they just transplated the RSX's interior into the TSX. The light gray interior is handsomely done. Honda can throw in some wood trim here and there if they want.
I happen to find the plastics in the RSX's interior to be very high quality. The silver metallic touches are a bit overdone, I admit, but the rest of the cabin is handsomely done.
I just have a problem with it having the exact same interior as that of the NA Accord, even though I know it itself is an Accord.
The long term wrap up in CAR on the Civic Type-R notes that the faux carbon fibre on the center console looks great but showed lots of scratches and nicks after six months.
The TSX will be offered only with a 200-220HP 2.4L I4, so as to not cannibalize TL sales.
diploid -- compared to the soft-touch materials used on the dash and door panels of the Integra and my Prelude, the plastics in the RSX look and feel cheap. The RSX interior design is good, but it needed to be rendered in better materials.
I don't care for even real CF trim. Too much reflection off the high-gloss surface. They need to use a satin-finish aluminum or nickel-plate material like the trim found in the Jeep Liberty. That stuff both looks and feels NICE!
TOV has a link to a short film of the TSX. It has a rear bumper! Some of the pics made it look as if didn't have a rear bumper (similar to the Corvette).
Good video overall...still no details of what the interior will look like (anyone else also interested in seeing how much room there is in the back? No? Ok...).
uses the NA Accord Coupe's 105.1 inch wheelbase. That should be enough to suggest that it is much smaller than the NA Accord sedan or Mazda6. Hopefully, it closer to a Passat than an Audi A4...
------------- "The 2004 TSX will be formally introduced in January at the Los Angeles and Detroit shows and will go on sale in the spring, priced from about $26,000. Imported from Japan and powered by a 200-bhp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the TSX is slightly smaller than the redesigned U.S. Accord that is just going on sale. The TSX will be slotted between the RSX and the TL in size and price and will be aimed at such near-luxury European sedans as the Audi A4, the Saab 9-3, and the Volvo S60, as well as premium Japanese models such as the Infiniti G35." -------------------
So, really, how does Honda/Acura expect to sell a car with the same interior as the US Accord, but smaller overall and a 2.0L engine for $26K? An EX-V6 is the same price! Admittedly, Honda won't let you get a 4 door EX-V6 WITH a manual tranny.
If this is the engine and pricing they are going to use... they've really got me confused.
that's a good point, but then I could look at a 5spd, 4door, EX-L with a 2.4L engine (granted, lower HP but possibly more torque). And this would cost around $23K.
I really want to like this car, so I'm trying to figure out what the $3K premium is for...? Just handling? (not trying to underestimate the importance of handling, but $3K is significant money).
Also, the article mentioned that this is supposed to compete with the G35 and A4... sounds like some tough company to hang with (G35 has better power, and the A4 has a better interior and available AWD).
Comments
As for handling, et. al, TSX will also be the basis for the next Accord Type-R in Japan and Europe. FWD or not, the current ATR is ranked high when it comes to performing on the track. CAR magazine took ten performance cars to a track for comparo, and ATR finished second, behind Audi TTQ, and just ahead of BMW 328Ci Sport followed by Peugeot 406, Lexus IS200, Ford Mondeo ST240 (Contour SVT here), a good mix of AWD, FWD and RWD vehicles.
And here is what AutoExpress has to say about the car in a single sentence...
"the 2.2 Type R provides the thrills to better many a BMW."
If TSX can deliver performance thats close to what the current ATR does, it would be good enough for me.
Looks pretty decent from this angle.
The Highlights
============
Two models:
2.0 L 155HP @ ?? and 141 lb/ft @ 4500 rpm
5 speed Auto and 5 speed manual
2.4 L 190HP @ 6800 rpm and 163 lb/ft @ 4500rpm
5 speed Auto and 6 speed manual
*2.0L come in two variants: Econo and Comfort models
*A class leading drag coefficient of Cd 0.26.
*2.4 liter models have VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), and all models are equipped with ABS, EBD and brake assist.
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_042552
Separated at birth?
Thank you for the link.
http://www.honda.co.uk/accord/
I wonder if Acura would bring over a TSX sport wagon??
http://www.honda.co.jp/newACCORD/
I'd think it would be a good possibility for NA too. It would give Honda an entry into the small wagon set agains the Lexus IS300 Sportcross, Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series, Mazda6, VW Passat, et al.
The wagon is supposed to be built on a longer wheelbase than the sedan. My guess is that rear seat room and trunk room are going to be among the major distinctions between the NA and Euro/JDM Accords. If the wagon is on a longer wheelbase, those differences may be minimized.
Given that the car is set to debut in Paris at the end of this month, I would expect that we would start to see press previews, especially in UK magazines such as Top Gear, Auto Express, or CAR. Time for a trip to BN and Borders...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_index.php?cp=1
Very possitive comments such as:
"The ride quality of BMW's 3-Series was a clear influence on the development of the front-wheel-drive Honda, and enthusiastic drivers should be impressed by the chassis."
It think its emphasis will be on utility rather than looks. Don't know if that's going to help it in the US market.
"Improved motors – with a diesel on the horizon – will, Honda says, give better performance, especially when mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox. A five-speed is also available, along with a five-speed auto/sequential unit."
The true motive for not having the manual in the V-6 NA Accord sedan!
http://www.itechnology.co.za/index.php?click_id=132&art_id=iol103167098114A263&set_id=4
Even if legroom is no better than the coupe's, there should at least be more headroom.
I'm interested in seeing the room in the TSX vs. Passat vs. Mazda6. Mazda especially seems to claim a lot of room in a car not much bigger than the TSX. I wonder if they're using the old GM tricks of a short and low rear bench to increase volume. I haven't read many complaints about the rear accommodations, however. Hopefully the TSX proves just as roomy...
I am really wondering how these leg room/head room are measured. I can give more than 10 cases where I feel just the opposite when I sit in the car. A quick example, Honda Civic has a larger rear leg room than Toyota 4Runner (36in vs 34.9in). But when I sit on the rear seats, 4Runner seems to provide much larger leg room. Of course, front seat was set to my driving position in both cars, so that we are comparing apple to apple.
-austin powers
A Monday article from autoexpress says that the Euro Accord will have 6 air bags and ABS as standard equipment.
http://www.vtec.net/modelmatrix/
Enjoy!
For starters, you won't be able to get a 6-spd manual in the Accord sedan, nor can you get the 200+hp 2.4L engine.
Also, the Acura has the better warranty, and will doubtless carry more standard equipment than the Accord. The TSX will also ride on springs with higher rates unavailable in the US Accord sedan.
I would expect Acura to dress the TSX's interior up a bit with some faux carbon-fiber or some brushed aluminum trim in an effort to distance it from the Accord's. Not that there's anything wrong with the new Accord's interior, mind you.
Wood trim is gauche unless you're driving a Bentley, in which case who cares what anyone thinks.
I just have a problem with it having the exact same interior as that of the NA Accord, even though I know it itself is an Accord.
But then the interior would resemble something like that of the IS300 (read: stygian).
They could make it plood, but then it would look cheap.
They could use real wood, but then it gets expensive.
Suddenly the faux carbon fiber makes more sense, no?
The TSX will be offered only with a 200-220HP 2.4L I4, so as to not cannibalize TL sales.
diploid -- compared to the soft-touch materials used on the dash and door panels of the Integra and my Prelude, the plastics in the RSX look and feel cheap. The RSX interior design is good, but it needed to be rendered in better materials.
I don't care for even real CF trim. Too much reflection off the high-gloss surface. They need to use a satin-finish aluminum or nickel-plate material like the trim found in the Jeep Liberty. That stuff both looks and feels NICE!
Good video overall...still no details of what the interior will look like (anyone else also interested in seeing how much room there is in the back? No? Ok...).
http://web.madritel.es/personales2/j1234/accord.mov
-------------
"The 2004 TSX will be formally introduced in January at the Los Angeles and Detroit
shows and will go on sale in the spring, priced from about $26,000. Imported from Japan and powered by a 200-bhp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the TSX is slightly smaller than the redesigned U.S. Accord that is just going on sale. The TSX will be slotted between the RSX and the TL in size and price and will be aimed at such near-luxury
European sedans as the Audi A4, the Saab 9-3, and the Volvo S60, as well as premium Japanese models such as the Infiniti G35."
-------------------
So, really, how does Honda/Acura expect to sell a car with the same interior as the US Accord, but smaller overall and a 2.0L engine for $26K? An EX-V6 is the same price! Admittedly, Honda won't let you get a 4 door EX-V6 WITH a manual tranny.
If this is the engine and pricing they are going to use... they've really got me confused.
I would, however, mind the interior if it's exactly like that of the NA Accord.
I really want to like this car, so I'm trying to figure out what the $3K premium is for...? Just handling? (not trying to underestimate the importance of handling, but $3K is significant money).
Also, the article mentioned that this is supposed to compete with the G35 and A4... sounds like some tough company to hang with (G35 has better power, and the A4 has a better interior and available AWD).