ROAD TEST ~ 2010 Acura CSX

Acura CSX made in Canada for Canadians

Canada is such a small market compared to our neighbours to the south that we have very few cars exclusive to our side of the 49th.
But one that is a Canada-only car is also built right here in Alliston, Ont. alongside the Honda Civic.
It's the Acura CSX, a premium compact sedan that serves as the "gateway" to the Acura lineup here in Canada.
The Alliston factory has been a successful venture for Honda over the past 23 years. Earlier this year, the five-millionth vehicle, a Honda Civic, rolled off the line.
Good things often come in small packages and the CSX is a perfect example of that. And while some would hesitate to pay a premium price for what they may consider a "gussied up" Honda Civic, the CSX has a more of a luxury feel to it when compared with the Civic and let's face it, many people are brand-conscious and would rather be seen in an Acura than a Honda.
Starting at $26,990 the CSX comes in three trim levels; my tester was the 2009 CSX Technology, priced at $29,990.
For 2010, the CSX will be basically unchanged but the package will be called I-Tech and priced at $27,490, only $500 above the base CSX and a full $2,500 below the 2009 price.
The CSX Technology comes with a five-speed manual transmission and is pretty well the base model with the $3,000 Technology package added in. It includes an upgraded 160-watt audio system with AM/FM/CD capabilities along with MP3 and WMA compatibility. It also has XM satellite radio and a voice-recognition navigation system with an LCD screen plus Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity.
Three trim levels (CSX, Tech, Type S) are offered in the CSX, all with a 2.0-litre DOHC iVTEC four-cylinder engine. The engine in my tester (and the base model) cranks out 155 hp and 139 lb/ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Type S has a high-performance 197 hp engine, the same engine as in the Civic Si.
The CSX is slightly longer than the Civic and underwent a minor styling change for 2009, getting a new grille treatment up front that has a distinct Acura look to it.
Also new for 2009 are 17-inch wheels on the base CSX and Technology, fog lights, a USB port and Bluetooth interface for the top two trim lines.
The five-speed manual is standard with a five-speed automatic offered as a $1,300 option. The Type S, with a six-speed manual only, is priced at $33,400 and also comes with a 350-watt, seven-speaker premium AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA compatibility..
Inside, the CSX is roomy for a compact car with lots of room up front, even for this six-foot body. Two will fit comfortably in back with room for a fifth in a pinch. The 60/40 split rear seats fold down to add to cargo capacity.
The CSX has a more luxurious cabin than the Civic thanks to the leather-trimmed seats that are heated up front. The steering wheel is also leather wrapped. Otherwise, it's very Civic-like inside with the same two-tier dash, other than the navigation screen.
The top tier of the digital instrument panel includes a speedometer, temperature gauge and fuel gauge, while lower down are the tachometer, odometer and digital information display.
Among the standard features are automatic climate control with air filtration system, power windows/locks/mirrors, power moonroof, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering, fog lights, tire pressure monitoring system, and speed sensitive volume control.
On the road, the CSX benefits from the four-wheel independent suspension with a smooth, fairly comfortable ride. From my memory, it seems a bit smoother than the Civic counterpart, but I'd have to drive them back-to-back to be sure.
The handling is decent with little body roll on hard cornering but this is no sports sedan and few would buy it to drive hard. Acceleration is sufficient to get to speed for passing or merging into high-speed traffic, but it's far from sport-car like. Steering is electric variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion, while for brakes there are power assisted ventilated front disc brakes and power assisted sold rear discs.
Government fuel-economy numbers show 8.7L/100 km (32 mpg) city and 6.4L/100 km (44 mpg) highway for a combined 7.7L/100 km (37 mpg) with the five-speed manual on the Technology model.
All in all, a fun little package that adds some luxury not normally found on a compact sedan.
If premium features rather than high performance are your preference, this Acura might just fit the bill, particularly if you're looking for a car built for Canadians by Canadians.

BODY STYLE: four-door premium compact sedan.
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, front-wheel drive.
ENGINE: 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine (155 hp, 139 lb/ft)
with a five-speed manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY: 8.7L/100 km (32 mpg) city, 6.4L/100 km (44 mpg) highway,
7.7L/100 km (37 mpg) combined.
PRICE: $29,990