Slide into the TSX driver's seat, and the purposeful nature of the cockpit immediately becomes apparent. This is a driver's car. Benchmarked throughout its development against some of the world's best sports sedans, the TSX interior is a study in driving efficiency. Instruments are modern and concise, and all controls have a satisfying mechanical feel. The result is that you quickly feel at home and in complete control.
The TSX is more than just a hard-edged sports sedan; the fit and finish of the materials transcend the class. From the supportive perforated leather seating, to the dual automatic climate control system to the 360-watt Acura premium sound system, there is a tangible feeling of quality here. For 2005, the TSX receives XM® Satellite Radio, Heated door mirrors and a 4-way power adjustable passenger seat.
INTERIOR AT-A-GLANCE
- Cockpit designed for performance driving
- Large, easy-to-read LED backlit analog instruments
- Small-diameter, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescope feature
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Supportive, performance-oriented front bucket seats
- 8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support for superior comfort
- New for 2005, 4-way power adjustable passenger seat
- Comprehensive luxury features, including automatic dual-zone climate control system, power windows, power door mirrors, and keyless entry system
- 8-speaker, 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with 6-disc in-dash CD changer
- Comprehensive safety features including side curtain airbags (see the Safety section for information on all TSX safety features)
- XM Satellite Radio
- Roomy interior with seating for five passengers
- Blue LED ambient lighting
- 60/40 locking split-folding rear seatback
- Homelink® remote control system
- Keyless entry system with window controls, panic button and entry callback chirp
- A high level of interior finish, including a "seamless" passenger airbag cover that blends into the instrument panel
- Available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
STYLING
The sporting focus is immediately apparent in the TSX interior layout. Driver controls include large analog instrumentation and a thick-rimmed, small-diameter steering wheel with important controls integrated into its tapered spokes. Breathable perforated leather upholstery is standard. Metallic-look accents on the steering wheel compliment a sweeping accent band runs from door to door across the instrument panel. In cars with Parchment leather interiors, this accent band is finished in a warm wood pattern, while both the Ebony and Quartz interiors have an accent band with a satin alloy finish.
DRIVER-ORIENTED COCKPIT
The cockpit is the focal point of the driving experience in any sports sedan, and in the TSX, great care was taken to ensure that the control layout was functional and natural feeling. The supportive sport-oriented seating lays the foundation for positive vehicle control. With 8-way power driver's seat adjustment, and tilt and telescoping steering wheel, the TSX can accommodate diverse body types. A single lever controls both the tilt and telescopic functions; the telescopic range is 1.6 inches, and a special resin coating on the moving parts allows light, smooth operation. Large format instrumentation, audio and climate controls keep the focus on driving, not on deciphering confusing displays. Controls-particularly the standard 6-speed manual shifter-deliver positive tactile feedback.
LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL
With its thick leather-wrapped rim and clean 3-spoke design, the TSX steering wheel is functional and beautiful. Frequently used control functions are integrated into the wheel for fingertip control. On the left spoke, there are audio controls set into the alloy-finish trim. A switch allows the volume to be adjusted up and down, while another switch lets you move forward or back through present radio stations or tracks on a CD. The "mode" button lets you toggle through AM, FM and CD audio sources.
Cruise-control functions are positioned on the right spoke within easy reach. A pair of devoted buttons control main cruise control power and "cancel." A switch chooses between resume/accelerate and decelerate/set. On cars equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, a voice control switch (pressed by the driver when making voice commands) and a "cancel" switch are located on the lower left side of the steering wheel.
PERFORMANCE ENGINEERED FRONT BUCKET SEATS
Seating is a key element of well-engineered sports sedans. The driver in particular needs to feel secure and connected with the vehicle to read the dynamic information the chassis and powertrain convey. The TSX driver's seat is engineered to deliver this sense of connection and control. Scaled to fit a wide range of body shapes, this 8-way power adjustable seat was designed using the best European seats as benchmarks. Lateral support is superior to that typically found in European sport sedans and special effort went into engineering the seat base and spring system to provide very stable support for the driver's pelvis.
For proper lumbar support regardless of the driver's body type, the driver's seat backrest lumbar mechanism is adjustable via a lever mounted on the right side of the seat back. The mechanism provides the correct amount of lumbar support needed, without the "sharp edged" feel that some less sophisticated mechanisms have.
New for 2005, the TSX is equipped with a 4-way power adjustable front passenger bucket seat.
LED INSTRUMENTATION
Large analog instrumentation keeps the driver informed and in touch with the vehicle. The LED backlit instruments have a sophisticated, technical look. Progressive illumination of the gauge package gives the TSX cockpit a welcoming feel. When the door is first opened, the instrument lighting comes on at 10 percent brightness; when the key is put in the ignition, the brightness progressively increases to 100 percent in one second. When the ignition is turned on, the illuminated instruments come alive, indicating that all systems are up and running. At the end of the drive, the process reverses. For 2005, both the audio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel will also be illuminated and change from silver to black.
BOTTOM-HINGED ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Small details can have a pronounced effect on a driver's feeling of connection and control. To this end, the TSX has a bottom-hinged accelerator pedal. By offering a more linear feel and more natural motion, in conjunction with the engine's drive-by-wire throttle control this pedal allows finer control.
INTERIOR ROOM
The TSX is classified as a Compact car by the EPA, but its efficient packaging nets useful room where it is most appreciated by passengers. Foot room for both the driver and front passenger is substantial. Generous headroom-even in the back seat-means that even tall passengers can get comfortable in the TSX.
CARGO CARRYING VERSATILITY
By the standards of the class, the 13.0 cubic foot TSX trunk (12.8 cubic foot in TSX models with navigation system) is accommodating and versatile. The trunk lid can be opened with the keyless remote fob, or when the doors are unlocked, by pressing a hidden electric opening switch just above the rear license plate. Widely spaced hinges make access easy, and when closed, the hinges disappear into slots in the finished trunk lining and do not intrude on cargo space. The wiring for the power trunk-lid release and license plate light is completely hidden to improve trunk appearance.
With the flat load floor and a wide 44.9-inch opening, there's room for four medium-sized suitcases, four golf bags or even a folding wheelchair in the fully lined trunk. If you need even more space, the lockable 60/40 split-folding rear seatback can be lowered to mix cargo and passengers to suit the mission.
For security, a valet key is provided that will allow a parking attendant to operate the ignition, but not to open the glove box, trunk, or to unlock and fold the rear seatback.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE ITEMS
Throughout the TSX interior you'll find useful comfort and convenience features that make day to day driving more pleasant. Front and rear cup holders accommodate even large drinks, and numerous convenient storage bins and compartments are positioned throughout the interior, including seatback map pockets and in-door storage. Overhead sunglasses storage keeps your glasses protected when not in use. The padded, leather covered center armrest adjusts fore and aft to suit the driver; lift the lid and there's a 12-volt power outlet as well as room for CDs, a cell phone and plenty of other items There's a leather-wrapped center armrest in the back seat too.
Heated front seats provide a welcome comfort on cold days, while a subtle ambient light in the ceiling-mounted overhead console illuminates the center console area with soft blue glow whenever the headlights are switched on. There is also a blue cascade light on the center panel above the enclosed storage area. The door-mounted window switches are illuminated to make them easy to locate at night. Twin 12-volt power outlets allow the use of auxiliary electronics while a HomeLink® remote system allows controlling up to three home electronic devices remotely from inside the car.
HIGH QUALITY INTERIOR FINISH
The TSX interior combines purposeful sporting functionality with decidedly upscale appointments. Subtle details in the interior fit and finish set it apart from the norm. The handsome instrument panel covering is created using a spray-formed urethane skin technology that eliminates PVC (which is difficult to handle during manufacturing and to eventually dispose of at the end of the vehicle's life). The material is less environmentally damaging to manufacture and allows the passenger-side airbag to be completely concealed. A laser-cut tear-line on the hidden underside of the instrument panel cover is invisible from the interior of the car, but provides a swing-open lid for the airbag should it deploy.
Throughout the interior, soft materials are used everywhere a passenger is likely to touch, including padded leather door armrests, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and soft-touch interior door grab handles. The window pillars are finished in soft fabric, not plastic. The standards of interior fit have been raised, and fasteners have been carefully concealed.
DUAL-ZONE AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
A standard dual-zone automatic climate control system ensures that the TSX driver and front passenger have precisely the driving environment they like. This automatic system has simple, intuitive controls and dual digital displays to indicate the set temperature. On cars equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, key HVAC systems functions can be accomplished via voice commands.
INJECTION MOLDED URETHANE FLOOR LINER
A special one-piece injection-molded urethane mat lines the entire passenger compartment beneath the carpet, and cuts noise while providing a softer more luxurious floor surface. The mat's flat design frees up more useful interior space. Molded to seal the area under the front seat tracks, the mat has a more finished appearance and improves efficiency of the climate control system by smoothing airflow under the seats.
INTERIOR COLOR & TRIM COMBINATIONS
The TSX has standard perforated leather seating that is comfortably breathable. Based on exterior color, three different interior color combinations are available; all have a black upper instrument panel and center console top. With Parchment leather upholstery, the accent band that wraps from door to door in finished in a warm wood pattern. Ebony and Quartz leather upholstery comes matched with an alloy-finish accent band.
KEYLESS REMOTE ENTRY
An enhanced keyless entry system gives the TSX driver greater convenience and capability. The FM radio frequency key fob is resistant to strong electrical fields and interference. With a single push of the unlock button, it unlocks only the driver's door; a second push unlocks all the doors. If you hold the unlock button down for more than one second after unlocking all doors, all the windows open to ventilate the car's interior.
The key offers the same functions when it is placed in the lock on the driver's door. One twist unlocks only the driver's door; a second twist unlocks all the doors. Hold the key in the unlock position for more than one second, and all the windows begin to open; return the key to the normal position and the windows stop. When leaving the car, all open windows can be easily rolled up by holding the key in the "lock" position. For 2005, the keyless callback entry notification has been updated from a horn to a chirping sound.
PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM
To deliver a high performance listening experience the TSX has a specially designed Acura premium sound system as standard equipment. The head unit is designed for simple, intuitive operation and incorporates an AM/FM tuner and a 6-disc CD changer. The amplifier section has eight devoted 45-watt amplifiers that deliver a total of 360 watts to eight speakers-more than enough power to handle the most demanding music.
To create clear imaging, a pair of 1-inch soft-dome tweeters is positioned near the top of the instrument panel; a 6.5-inch polypropylene-cone neodymium full-range speaker is located in each of the four doors. On the rear deck there are two 6 x 9-inch polypropylene-cone ferrite drivers. Tuned for the unique acoustics of the TSX cabin, this system is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and accuracy at all seating positions.
Remote audio controls on the 3-spoke steering wheel put commonly used functions within easy reach of the driver. On cars equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, select sound system functions can be accomplished via voice commands.
For 2005, XM Satellite Radio has been added as a standard feature. XM Satellite Radio lets TSX drivers listen to over 100 digital channels, many of which are commercial-free, with near-CD quality. Programming includes 70 music channels, 30 channels devoted to sports, talk, children's programming and entertainment, and one premium channel, which is available for an additional fee. A 90-day complementary subscription is included.
ACURA NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH VOICE RECOGNITION
The latest generation of Acura Navigation System makes is debut on the TSX, featuring an expansive 8-inch display, over seven million points of interest database and expanded voice-recognition capabilities. Available as a factory option on the TSX, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition sets the standard for functionality and ease of use.
Acura Navigation System Features Summary
- 8-inch screen
- Fast route calculation and search speed (3.0 sec. for points within 100-mile radius)
- Voice Recognition function minimizes need for keyboard entry
- Comprehensive destination guide has over seven million points of interest. Guide provides a business and recreation directory of virtually the entire continental United States complete with local addresses and business phone numbers. Categories include restaurants (searchable by type of cuisine), lodging, shopping, airports, hospitals, recreation areas and much more.
- 3-D turn-by-turn graphics for freeway on- and off-ramps make directions easy to understand
- Enhanced split screen mode provides additional route information
- Voice Recognition is linked to audio and climate control systems
- Day/Night visualization modes with user-selectable screen appearance
- Enhanced menus and improved surface street mapping
- Turn-by-turn voice guidance in either male or female voice (can be turned off at any time)
- Destination memory recalls current trip addresses and previous destinations
The Acura Navigation system tracks the vehicle's position via a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna on the rear parcel shelf. If the antenna is obstructed by a tunnel, parking garage or tall building, an internal gyroscopic system and a speed sensor track the location of the vehicle so that the map information remains current and reliable until satellite reception is restored.
The system's ECU and updateable DVD database is located in the trunk; the large LCD touch screen is positioned high in the center section of the instrument panel where it's easy to see and reach. The Voice Recognition microphone is positioned in the front overhead map-light console, with the activation switch within fingertip reach on the steering wheel. Spoken directions from the system are played over the TSX sound system in a driver selectable male or female voice. To make on-screen directions easy to follow, the TSX Navigation System features a simultaneous "map view" and "3-D" route visualization.
VOICE RECOGNITION CAPABILITIES
Acura Navigation Systems have long been praised for their simple operation and the system in the TSX is designed to advance that tradition further still. The system can be controlled three different ways: by voice, via the touch screen or with the joystick positioned next to the display.
To control the system by voice, the driver presses the "talk" button, located on the steering wheel. The system recognizes spoken commands such as "find nearest gas station," "find nearest ATM" or "find nearest Italian restaurant." Developed jointly by IBM and Honda R&D, the Acura Voice Recognition System has a vocabulary of approximately 150 commands and can recognize virtually any English-spoken accent.
The driver or passenger can also control the system via the touch screen by choosing menu options or spelling out a word (e.g., an address, business name or place) through a touch-sensitive on-screen keypad. (The keypad can be set to alphabetical or a common typewriter style layout.) Alternatively, the joystick can be used to select menu options or to select specific letters on the keypad to complete a word. A matte finish is used on the display to reduce glare and smudging.
A single DVD contains information for the entire United States so there are no regional CDs to contend with. Updates to the navigation system can be made by installing an updated DVD (available on-line or by calling a toll-free number).