In addition to all the expected mid-cycle improvements—which we'll get to—here's the big news: improved fuel economy (ratings are up 1 mpg all around), and an improved navigation system.
To the latter, we say hallelujah. In a drive of the TSX V6 this past summer, we found this sporty sedan to be delightful in most respects—except for the laggy, low-res nav system, which we then called "quite possibly one of the poorest-performing nav units we've experienced" one of the major handicaps of the package. With the new hard-drive-based system in the 2011 TSX, Acura claims a 400-percent improvement in resolution (full VGA), faster performance, improved search ability, and extended map coverage.
Also included with the nav system as part of the Tech Package is 15 GB of drive space for personal music and a Song By Voice user interface capable of accessing music through voice commands.
Acura doesn't go into much detail about how it achieved the fuel economy improvements in the TSX other than saying that both engines "receive numerous improvements to reduce operating friction," which in turn should reduce wear, too. Automatic-transmission programming has also been fine-tuned, with a "smart shift" mode that allows manual gear selection not only when in Sport Mode, as well as a fluid warmer that helps smooth out shifts in colder climates.
New EPA ratings for the 2011 Acura TSX four-cylinder models are 22 mpg city, 29 highway with the six-speed manual gearbox and 22/31 with the five-speed automatic. The 2011 TSX V6 gets 19/28.
Now as for those other improvements, there are quite a few. There's a new front fascia, revised chin spoiler, new grille, and different trim in front and in back, while four-cylinder models get new standard 17-inch five-spoke alloys; 18-inchers remain included with the TSX V6. Inside, in keeping with the times, trim pieces have been darkened, contrasting-color stitching has been added to the leather seats, armrests, and center console, and back seat occupants at last get center-console heated ducts.
Acura promises that the 2011 TSX will be even quieter than the 2010, thanks to a new acoustic glass windshield, thicker side glass, and increased sound deadening.
The 2011 Acura TSX with the four-cylinder engine starts at $29,610 and ranges up to $38,250 with the V-6 and Tech Package. That's only $300 up from 2010.
