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Acura’s entry-level TSX sometimes seems hidden in the shadow of the TL, but it offers a comfortably luxurious interior, sporty handling and good fuel economy.

For 2006, the TSX has a tad more power, a new front bumper, new grille, fog lights that are integrated into the front spoiler and an updated navigation system that includes the Zagat restaurant guide. They’re minor changes, to be sure, but each is a worthwhile change.

Prices start at $27,890. Seventeen-inch wheels, anti-lock brakes, side-curtain airbags, high-intensity headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-disc AM/FM stereo and a vehicle stability system are standard. The navigation system adds $2,000.

The TSX is a driver’s car with a European character. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine has 205 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque. This engine is very similar to the one used in the Honda Accord and CR-V. Acura is the American luxury division of Honda.

The four-cylinder engine has a nice fat torque curve that doesn’t require it to be revved hard for optimum performance. The six-speed manual transmission, with close ratios and a tight, direct shift linkage, is an ideal mate, but the test car’s automatic transmission was more comfortable in city driving.

The engine makes good midrange power, and that gives the car good acceleration, even with the automatic. The automatic has a sequential sport-shift feature that allows the driver to shift manually.

The drive-by-wire throttle eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine. This system continuously adjusts the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal to match current driving conditions. It also incorporates throttle control into the stability control system.

Because it has such short front and rear overhangs, the TSX looks smaller than it actually is. The 105.1-inch wheelbase is only a couple of inches shorter than the Accord. Front-seat leg-room is roughly equivalent to an Accord’s, but rear-seat legroom is 1.6 inches less.

The TSX’s responsive handling starts with a very rigid body structure. The four-wheel independent suspension is tuned to give flat cornering and a firm ride. The low-profile tires occasionally felt a bit harsh over sharp bumps, but the ride was generally compliant without being mushy.

The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is nicely weighted and has excellent feel.

The TSX interior is quite nice. The front seats offer good lateral and lumbar support without feeling confining. The instrument panel has bright, lively LED gauges. At night, carefully placed LEDs shine a soft blue light onto the console. The optional navigation system requires a touch screen in the center of the dash. Simple knobs would be easier to work, but the nav system has voice controls that make it one of the better ones around.

The steering wheel, which has buttons to set the cruise and adjust the audio system, has a manual tilt and telescoping feature.

Acura’s TSX is a lot of car for the money. It is sporty, well-equipped and nicely styled. Its performance is certainly on par with its competitors.

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Price

The base price of the test car was $29,890. Destination charges brought the sticker price to $30,505.

Warranty

Four years or 50,000 miles.

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Engine: 2.4-liter, 205-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 105.1 inches

Curb weight: 3,241 lbs.

Base price: $29,890

As driven: $30,505

Mpg rating: 22 city, 31 hwy.

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At A Glance

Point: The TSX is a lively midsize sedan that offers a well-equipped interior and a lot of standard equipment for the price. The 205-horsepower, four-cylinder engine is smooth, revs freely and works quite well with the automatic transmission.

Counterpoint: Rear-seat legroom is a little on the tight side for larger adults.

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To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.