INTRODUCTION
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 zone automatic climate control system to the 360-watt Acura premium sound system, there is a tangible feeling of quality here.
The TSX showcases an assortment of features designed to provide the superior level of advanced technology Acura customers have come to expect from their vehicles. These features include:
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 and 2-position memory
- 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 and MP3
- Comprehensive safety features including side curtain airbags (see the Safety section for information on all TSX safety features)
- XM Satellite Radio
- HandsFreeLink® wireless phone connectivity
- 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
- Digital media auxiliary jack
- The Multi-info display on instrument panel
- 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 have been applied to the steering wheel, which compliment a sweeping accent band running from door to door across the instrument panel. Models equipped with Ebony and Quartz interiors have an accent band with a satin alloy finish. Models equipped with the Parchment interior receive wood-patterned dash and door trim.
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. The TSX features an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, which includes a 2-position memory feature. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel 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. All controls deliver positive tactile feedback.
LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL
The TSX's sport steering wheel is thick and offers a sporty look and feel. With its 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. In addition, remote control buttons for the new HandsFreeLink system are now located on 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.
As it was last year, the driver's seat is equipped with 2-position memory. With this new system, all driver's seat power adjustments are now included in the TSX's keyless remote system, which then stores a pair of user profiles linked once each to the two key fobs that come with the TSX. When the driver enters the car with the fob, the TSX automatically adjusts the driver's seat to his preferred position.
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. For passenger comfort, the TSX is equipped with a 4-way power adjustable front 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.
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 13.2 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 CONVINIENCE 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.
The TSX features a digital media auxiliary jack located in center console to enable the use of Windows format and MP3 music files through the TSX's audio system. In addition, HandsFreeLink wireless phone connectivity enables hands-free operations via interactivity with the TSX's voice recognition system. The Multi-info display shows mobile phone data, tracks the car's maintenance needs, displays warnings and offers an array of driver preference settings. The available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition features a large database, fast route computing time and extensive voice recognition commands.
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 problematic 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
The TSX keyless remote entry system includes 2-postion memory for the driver's seat. Two keyless entry fobs are provided with the TSX; each fob can be linked to one of two driver profiles. The key fob used to unlock the car triggers a specific driver profile and the system automatically positions the power driver's seat to match that profile.
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.
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. An auxiliary audio input port is located inside the center console to accommodate MP3 players or other digital music devices. This location places the music player close to the auxiliary power outlet in the center console. In addition, the in-glass antenna was optimized to help deliver enhanced radio reception.
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.
Standard XM Satellite Radio lets TSX drivers listen to over 170 digital channels including 100% commercial-free music, over 30 channels of news, sports, talk and entertainment, and over 20 dedicated channels of XM Instant Traffic & Weather for major metropolitan areas. A 90-day complimentary subscription is included.
HANDSFREELINK™ WIRELESS TELEPHONE INTERFACE
The 2007 TSX is equipped with a standard HandsFreeLink™ hands free phone interface that is designed to work with many Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones (sold separately). Bluetooth is a radio frequency-based cable replacement technology that lets portable devices like mobile phones, PDAs, laptops and other devices communicate wirelessly. The HandsFreeLink™ system is compatible with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP). Some early Bluetooth-enabled phones do not have this communications protocol, but most newly released phones should have the HFP. After the driver completes a one-time "pairing" process, the TSX can communicate wirelessly and securely with the driver's cell phone when it's within about 10 feet of the car. The phone needs to be on, but can be stowed in a pocket, briefcase or purse - or anywhere inside the TSX cabin.
HandsFreeLink™ allows the driver to send or answer calls without taking his or her hands from the steering wheel. When a call comes in, the number of the incoming caller is displayed on the Multi-information display located in the speedometer face. The phone ring tone is also played over the audio system. If the driver chooses to answer the call, a press of the steering wheel-mounted "Pick up" button mutes the audio system and the incoming caller is heard over the audio system speakers. An overhead microphone picks up the driver's voice. Algorithms built into the HandsFreeLink™ system cancel "echo effect" and reduce background noise to improve the transmission quality of the driver's speech.
To send a call hands free, the driver can dial the number by voice, again using fingertip controls mounted on the steering wheel to activate the system. The driver also can store frequently called numbers with voice tags in the system's memory. Up to six different compatible mobile phones can be paired with the HandsFreeLink™ system at one time.
Additional information can be found at www.acura.com/handsfreelink (or www.handsfreelink.com).
ACURA NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH VOICE RECOGNITION
Available as the only a factory option for the TSX, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition sets the standard for functionality and ease of use. The system has a fast processor to provide quick calculation times, millions of points of interest, hundreds of voice recognition commands and the ZAGAT Survey Restaurant Guide.
Acura Navigation System Features Summary
System features include:
- Fast system start-up time
- Fast route calculation and search speed
- Expansive voice recognition function with over 560 navigation commands minimizes the need for manual character entry
- Voice recognition system recognizes city and street names as spoken words
- A comprehensive destination guide with seven million points of interest are stored on an updateable DVD
- Business and recreation directory of virtually the entire continental United States and Hawaii complete with phone numbers
- 3-D graphics for freeway on and off ramps
- 8-inch touch screen display
- Split screen mode for displaying additional route information
- Day/night visualization modes with user-selectable screen background appearance
- Turn by turn voice guidance in either male or female voice
- Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide
- Make calls to on-screen points of interest with HandsFreeLink
- User selectable Day/Night screen or display off modes
- Trip routing can include up to five user-chosen way points
- Trip routing can avoid user-selected areas
- Exit list shows what businesses are available at a given highway exit
- On-screen picture of highway interchanges indicates which lane to use to stay on route
- Larger on-screen fonts and buttons for better visibility
- Greater map contrast and simplified visual presentation
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 are 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 Acura Engineers, the Acura Voice Recognition System has a vocabulary of approximately 560 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 for purchase on-line or by calling a toll-free number).