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2007 Acura CSX Type SStory by Jeff Feldsher - October 7,2007The generic alphabet soup name game continues at Acura, this time releasing an all new compact sedan designated the CSX Type S. Lagging sales of the RSX forced Acura to cancel the benchmark award winning coupe. What they have created is a vehicle that captures almost all its sporting character while adding loads of functionality.
The boxy, somewhat utilitarian exterior styling is a little underwhelming, looking like it would have no trouble blending into an endless sea of traffic, although the 17” multi spoke performance alloys add a dash of much needed sparkle. This gives the CSX-S an impressively spacious cockpit which can accommodate four adults in total comfort with ease. Plush leather upholsters the wide supportive seats, indeed every surface and control seem to be made of top notch materials. The controversial two tiered driver side dash design is carried over from the civic, although it’s almost too gimmicky in an upscale car like this. On the plus side, the Audio/GPS navigation system which dominates the center console is a treat to use offering a huge LCD screen and clearly laid out buttons.
 The same 197HP DOHC i-Vtec 4 cylinder found in the Civic si, serves as motivational force in the CSX-S. As expected torque is lacking in the lower spectrum of the RPM band. It is not until a lofty 6000rpm where the more aggressive cam profile pops into place that the CSX-S finally begins to flex its muscle. The exhaust note becomes more stern, as it belts out a hard edged sonorous wail and pulls with increasing urgency to its 8000rpm red line. Luckily the engine is mated to one of the smoothest and precise 6 speed manual transmissions ever produced, thus making rapid-fire up/downshifts a snap. The closely spaced ratios really enable the driver to extract the most from the diminutive motor.
Structural re-enforcement and rigidity are a priority at Acura, extra bracing can be seen throughout. The effect of this is felt during aggressive maneuvers, where the CSX-S stays composed and hardly puts a foot wrong, riding surprisingly well on its stiff sport-tuned suspension. Cornering is flat with little body roll, however trademark front wheel drive under steer will rear its ugly head when coming in a little too fast.
Offering a modicum of luxury, practicality and performance, the CSX Type S hits the target nicely; just make sure to remember the name.
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