Test Drive: Acura Scores With The TSX Sport Wagon

It'll turn heads, and not just 'cause you're driving a wagon.

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Complex Original

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2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon
Engine: 2.5L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Power: 201hp, 170lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 22 city/30 hwy
Price as Tested: 35,695

Even after Biggie spit a slick line about his “pants draggin’ in the Benz Wagon” on the “Big Poppa” remix, the station wagon still hasn’t risen to the level of popularity of the crossover or SUV. Despite automakers cutting them from production, wagons still hold weight among select car lovers. We assume that is whom Acura is aiming for with the TSX Sport Wagon.

For a four-cylinder, the wagon drives exactly the way one would expect from a whip that barely crosses the 200hp mark (at 7,000rpm). You won’t win any quarter-milers in this baby. But once you get rolling, the speed is comparable to other cars in its class. Handling is good but not great—it is pretty tight, with little to no rollover.

We understand with gas prices being as high as they are that fuel economy is king. But it would be dope if Acura offered the 3.5-liter V6 option that’s available for the TSX sedan.

As expected with an Ac, there are some luxuries that come standard, including heated leather-trim seats with power controls, steering-wheel-mounted controls, a Bluetooth hands-free link, Xenon HD headlamps, and a power moonroof. On the flipside, the interior (aside from the seats) does not scream luxury. But that is to be expected for a whip that starts in the low $30s. Also, the outside noise is louder than expected at higher speeds.

Dropping the extra $3,650 for the tech package is well worth it. The added features push the Sport Wagon from a cool car to a car you’ll love to drive. Of course, the cutting-edge Nav and AcuraLink Communication systems are accurate and provide the ultimate convenience. The true scene stealer is the automated GPS-linked temperature control, which monitors the sun’s intensity and location relative to the vehicle, enabling the system to know if the sun is significantly warming one side of the cabin. It may freak you out at first, but you’ll love it once you get used to it. The power tailgate is also included, for those of us who are too lazy to open doors.

The Sport Wagon is essentially the same vehicle as the four-cylinder TSX sedan, with more cargo room and a slightly higher ticket. It is a fun, good-looking ride that will turn some heads—and not just because they will be wondering why the hell you are driving a wagon.

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