Why I Would Love to Own a 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

This is a heads up to all of the compact SUV loving Americans out there who think that they have to give up driving enjoyment and elegant style just because they have an active life, a family or a few dogs who love to go for rides. While you may not be aware of it, Acura is currently selling a wagon version of its 2011 Acura TSX sedan and while it only comes with the base 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic it is the vehicle that I would buy with my own money if I ever have to one day buy a vehicle of my own again. Wait, what?

No, I haven't become an eco-vegan bicycle messenger trying to live fossil fuel free. Quite the contrary. You see, I road test new models each and every week for a living and haven't needed my own car for the last two years. But if I did, I know which model offers the most appealing mix of utility, fun, frugality, luxury features, low running costs and pushes all of my personal style buttons. I usually love wagons anyway but the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon exudes honest to goodness sex appeal visually. Yes, I am serious about this being a sexy wagon and I know you would agree if you saw it in person.

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon comes standard with a zesty and free revving 2.4 liter 201 horsepower/170 lb. feet of torque four cylinder that returns EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 city/30 highway. The fuel tank is a nicely sized 18.5 gallons so you are ensured a long cruising range and I averaged 25.4 miles per gallon during a week of driving this model earlier this year. Cargo volume is also impressive given the sleek lines with 25.8 cubic feet available with the second row seats in place and 60.5 cubic feet available with the second row folded flat.

Prices start $30,960 for a "basic" model with leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, USB/iPod integration, a power moonroof, Bluetooth, 360-watt audio system with 7-speakers, powered and heated front seats, HOMELINK, power windows, door locks and mirrors, silver roof rails, and Xenon (HID) High Intensity Discharge headlamps that always give a clear view of the road ahead. We would, of course, opt for the "Technology Package" which brings the price up to $34,610 and adds an in-dash navigation system with a Zagat restaurant guide, XM radio, weather and traffic, the awesome Acura/ELS 460-watt premium audio system with 15-Gigabyte hard drive, Song by Voice technology which allows you to play songs from the hard drive or iPod through voice command and a power tailgate.

I have a 75 pound boxer named Daisy Mae who insists on going everywhere with me in the car and has even helped out penning a few of her very own car reviews. She absolutely loved the lower ride height of the TSX Sport Wagon as she is over 9 years old and the back seats offered so much comfort that she usually fell right to sleep back there with her safety harness on.

Thankfully she was wearing that harness because the TSX's suspension and expertly calibrated steering brings out my inner cornering hooligan. The Sport Wagon almost feels slightly better balanced that the lithe and nimble sedan around corners and the suspension is comfortable and cosseting on the highway. Plus, it way always fast enough to keep me entertained.

So there you have it. The car I would drive if the day came that I had to go out and get a real job.

Source: Acura.com