We've said it before: Wagons are back, and they're nothing like the land yachts of yore. For 2011, Acura proves our point with the introduction of the TSX Sport Wagon. It's not a giant, wood-paneled behemoth, but neither is it a teeny hatchback.
This wagon is a near-perfect blend of great looks, spirited driving and family function that made this mother of two a happy camper. The TSX wagon fit our life and lifestyle. It turned heads in the carpool lane, entertained me while waiting in that same carpool lane and swallowed everything the kids had to throw at it at the front of the carpool lane. (We spend a lot of time in the carpool lane.)
The TSX wagon is an absolute blast to drive. It's low to the ground and handles with the kind of assurance that one might only expect of a far more expensive car. It has all the power that this admittedly lead-footed lady might need, whether I'm running late to soccer practice or outrunning a semitrailer when merging onto the freeway. It's quick and agile around town and at the mall parking lot. With plenty of cargo room, the TSX handled all our gear as well as it handled the road. The only real disappointment is the legroom in the backseat. It was perfectly sufficient for my sons, ages 7 and 10, but adults might feel a bit cramped. But for my family, right now, the TSX was a perfect fit.
I also loved the TSX Sport Wagon for its wallet-friendliness. The wagon starts at $30,960, and my fully loaded test car cost $35,470, which is within the reach of mere mortals.
EXTERIOR
Here's a sentence I never thought I'd write: This is one sexy station wagon. The TSX Sport Wagon is seriously hot. A sporty front end is glammed up with Acura's updated five-point grille and angled xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights that stretch back, creating more length and movement.
Subtle sculpting on the hood adds dimension to a wide expanse of metal that's made even wider by bold shoulders and a narrow roof. Chrome wraps the windows and puts some sparkle on the roof rack and door handles. The TSX wagon sits on 17-inch alloy wheels and seems ready to pounce. In the rear, a slight roof spoiler overhangs the large rear window, which allows for fairly good visibility.
As it sits at sedan height, climbing in and out of the TSX is easy for legs short and long. The front doors open widely, but the rear doors and door openings are smaller, making it a little harder for adults to help the kids get settled.
My test car had the optional Technology Package ($3,650) that includes a power liftgate. It lifts high enough for me to stand under it, and it's a boon in bad weather. The deck of the cargo area is low, making it easy to load.
The TSX Sport Wagon comes with a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and gets an EPA-estimated 22/30 mpg city/highway. Premium fuel is recommended but not required.
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Groove-On
INTERIOR
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