Acura adds a Sport Wagon to the TSX line for 2011.
Hoping to build demand for what is already one of its strongest models, Acura has some significant plans in store for the 2011 update of the TSX model.
The maker is freshening the small car up, both inside and out, even taking steps to boost the mileage of the 2011 TSX engines, but the most significant news is that Acura is bucking conventional wisdom by adding a new sport wagon to the TSX line-up.
The wagon, as the name implies, has a decidedly crisp and sporty look, especially when compared to Honda/Acura 2-box designs of the past. The comic book-style Acura grille is notably downplayed, while a sharp character line runs from the flared front wheel wheels to the wraparound tail lamps.
Acura, which has expanded its SUV/crossover line-up, is aiming the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon at buyers who might want not only the cargo-carrying utility of a crossover but better fuel economy. The wagon provides comparable space, with a number of hidden storage areas, and there’s an available power liftgate, something normally not offered in the segment. With the rear row folded down, the TSX Sport Wagon offers 60.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
“With the Sport Wagon, the customer simultaneously enjoys the benefits of sports-sedan performance along with SUV-like cargo capacity,” said Jeff Conrad, Acura’s vice president of sales.
Acura is betting it can appeal to CUV buyers who want better mileage with the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon.
With the existing TSX body style, Acura has also made some welcome changes for 2011, including a new front fascia, revised chin spoiler, new fog light assembly and an updated grille. (Could Acura be listening to complaints and finally starting to move away from the garish, over-sized chrome grille it had adopted for the last several model-years?) At the rear, revised taillights and a rear license plate garnish add more visual appeal for the TSX.
The maker also smoothed out the TSX underbody to improve aerodynamics. That pairs well with the two tweaked powertrains, the 2.4-liter four and the 3.5-liter V6, and help Acura deliver an extra 1 mpg in both city and highway driving cycles for the TSX sedan. The new TSX Sport Wagon delivers 22 mpg City, 30 highway with the 2.4-liter inline-four paired to a 5-speed automatic.
Acura reports making a number of interior changes for 2011, notably including a revised center console, as well as with the addition of contrast stitching for the leather seats.
The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon will officially go on sale on December 21, with a base price of $30,960. The ’11 sedan launched last month, and starts at $29,610 for the I-4 model, and $35,150 with the V-6.