»2005 Acura RSX Type-S Road Test

mgutt · 19.01.2005, 21:52

2005 Acura RSX Type-S Road Test

Hyato says, "Fun, Easy, Safe and Stable"

Few street legal, moderately priced road rockets combine an 8,100 rpm redline with a slick shifting 6-speed manual transmission, not to mention superb handling and tremendous build quality - but that's exactly what Acura has done.

For 2005 Acura has enhanced the fun factor of the already great RSX Type S. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

It's called the RSX Type S, and for '05 Acura enhanced the fun factor by adding ten more ponies beneath the hood, re-tuning the suspension, optimizing the brakes, smoothing out the 6-speed shifter, increasing structural rigidity by 22 percent and lowering the vehicle by 7 mm (0.27 inches).

Although a keen eye would be needed to spot exterior modifications, Acura has discreetly redesigned the front and rear fascias, accentuating their visual aggressiveness. While at it, they increased high-speed downward force by adding a lip-spoiler to the rear deck lid of the hot little hatchback. Reworking the body skirting to heighten curb appeal, and emphasize its low-to-the-road appearance, completed the exterior editing for 2005.

Acura has discreetly redesigned the front and rear fascias, accentuating their visual aggressiveness. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Acura engineers and stylists didn't overlook the inside when implementing changes. They redesigned the front seats for additional comfort and support, and added titanium trim and new surface materials to an already pleasing, well thought-out cockpit.

But could the RSX benefit from further interior alterations you ask? You bet. For starters I would like to see a center console Armrest and storage bin. It took some time before I quit dropping my right elbow onto a non-existent armrest, plus further storage capacity for clutter would be helpful - not that I'm a clutter guy, contrary to what I've been told.

Acura redesigned the front seats for additional comfort and support. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

And while penning a center console, please take a moment or two to add a dose of "coolness" to the RSX office. It's just too Honda Civic-like for the young, hip, affluent, market that the car is intended to target. Take a look at Audi's TT, Chrysler's Crossfire or Mazda's RX8 if inspiration is needed.

Apart from ho-hum, the interior of the RSX Type S is tightly assembled and highly functional. A set of four easy to read, white-faced gauges sit directly ahead of the driver, delivering all the data necessary for an enthusiastic ride; and falling naturally beneath the driver's right hand is one of the sweetest shifting sticks in the biz.

The interior of the RSX Type S is tightly assembled and highly functional. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Click, click, click goes the shifter - one to six. In addition to improving shifter actuation, Acura enhanced the steering, making it more direct and linear. The "easy aspect" quick ratio power steering has also been sharpened, reducing it from 2.7 turns lock-to-lock to just 2.56 turns. This translates into go-cart-like nimbleness and magnificent steering response.

So we've got new styling, more power, improved handling, quicker steering and better brakes, all of which look good on paper, or should I say on a computer screen, but what about the drive - you know, the road test part of this review you ask. Well in a word, hot. The little RSX Type S is a hot ride and a lot of fun too.

While revising the RSX Type S, Acura engineers had to ensure the car remained functional for everyday routine chores. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

During its launch in western Canada, Acura's Hyato Mori, Supervisor of Product Planning, explained how the ideals of "fun," "easy," "safe" and "stable" led the designers and engineers during the RSX Type S revision. While striving to meet these qualities, the Type S had to remain functional for everyday chores such as commuting to work and bringing home the groceries.

The perfectionists at Acura pulled it off, the updated RSX is better than the prior model in both performance and refinement. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

This was a tall order considering that the preceding RSX Type S was a technically advanced product, introduced just three years ago to replace the spirited and much revered Integra; but the perfectionists at Acura pulled it off, improving the RSX's level of refinement in the process. It now generates less wind and engine noise thanks to revised engine mounts, sub-frame dynamic damping and a sport-tuned exhaust system. The latter of which screams with life when the throttle gate is wide open and the tachometer needle is swinging past 5,000 rpm.

And it's in this stratospheric rev range that the Type S breathes fire from its 2.0 liter (122 cu in) i-VTEC DOHC 4-banger. It produces 210-horsepower at a scorching 7,800 rpm and 143 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. With a svelte curb weight of 1,292 kg (2,848 lbs), the RSX can really move when its full powerband is exploited. That means keeping the revs high as the gears are jammed one after the other. In doing so the Type S will emit an exhaust howl commensurate with an aftermarket tuner kit on a race bred engine. Not bad for stock, huh! Bring things down a notch or two and the RSX goes about its business in a most restrained, civilized manner. And that's the real beauty of the Type S; a wolf in sheep's clothing, which is exactly what Hyato Mori was getting at.

The Type S breathes fire from its 210-hp 2.0 liter i-VTEC DOHC 4-banger. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

What he was also getting at is the ability of the Type S to handle like a racecar, without punishing internal organs or loosening fillings. Whether enduring the Monday-to-Friday grind or tearing up the track on Saturday and Sunday the RSX Type S is a standout.

The Type S handles like a racecar, without punishing internal organs or loosening fillings. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

I found it to be a firm riding sports coupe, however, unwilling to compromise its astonishing control and handling characteristics by ingratiating occupants with a "relaxed" ride. Consequently nasty potholes and heavily lacerated pavement can hammer a significant jolt into the cabin. The trade-off, though, is razor sharp cornering capable of inspiring a bit of Michael Schumacher in the most timid of drivers - or should I say Jensen Button with the RSX being made by Honda.

And just as when Jensen squeezes the brake pedal in his Formula 1 BAR Honda, the RSX Type S will pull to a halt with near surreal rapidity. The powerful front and rear, antilock disc brakes require minimal effort for most applications. In fact at slow speeds they felt a little on the sensitive side for my liking. Perhaps I just lack sensitivity, but I want to feel the pedal beneath my size 10s. When needed though, the binders come on instantly and predictably, producing safe, stable emergency stops - clearly in accordance with the ideals described by Hyato Mori.

The powerful front and rear, antilock disc brakes will pull the RSX Type S to a halt with near surreal rapidity. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

The ideal of "safety" has only been partially met, mind you. As standard equipment, both the RSX and RSX Type S receive dual-stage, driver and front passenger airbags, along with driver and front passenger side airbags, combined with a front occupant protection system. All four seating positions are equipped with 3-point seatbelts and the front seatbelts go a step further by adding load limiting and pretensioning technology.

For a car touted as a sports coupe, it is surprising that traction and stability control are not unavailable. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

All of this crash protection is admirable, but unfortunately the RSX shortchanges when it comes to crash avoidance. Traction and stability control are unavailable; given that Acura hypes this car as a sports coupe featuring racecar performance, the absence of such technology is disappointing to say the least and not in keeping with the noted ideal. It's understandable that such technology wouldn't be wanted on the racetrack, or at least anything less than F1, but in the real world, where the RSX will be driven, such driver aids save lives.

What is far from disappointing, though, is the plethora of comfort and convenience equipment that comes standard in the RSX. As with other Acura products, the RSX is full of premium gear such as power windows, locks and moonroof, climate control, cruise control, AM/FM CD audio and 50/50 split folding rear seats. In addition to extra performance, Type S adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats and 6-disc in-dash audio as standard equipment.

The Type S is a tremendously entertaining and inspiring car to drive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Of the four ideals leading the RSX Type S revision for 2005, the one nailed the hardest by the Acura team is, "fun". The Type S is a tremendously entertaining and inspiring car to drive. It transforms instantly from a reasonably economical, practical compact to a "boy-racer" the moment the throttle is mashed and the revs shoot skyward. Look-up the phrase "pocket rocket" in the dictionary and pictured there will be a 2005 RSX Type S. As Hyato put it, "fun, easy, safe and stable".

Specifications:

Price (MSRP): $33,000 (base RSX starts at $24,900)
Body Type: 2-door coupe
Layout: front engine, FWD
Engine: 210 hp, 143 lb-ft of torque, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
Transmission: 6-spd manual
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Cargo Capacity (rear seat up/folded): 504 / 716 L (17.8 / 25.3 cu ft)
Curb Weight: 1,292 kg (2,848 lbs)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.4 / 7.0 L/100 km (23 / 34 mpg)
Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 km comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
Direct Competitors: Hyundai Tiburon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, MINI Cooper S, Toyota Celica GT-S, VW Golf GTI
Web Site: http://www.acura.ca

Gallery:

Quelle: auto123.com

TomekEJ9 · 19.01.2005, 22:40

Was würde es eigentlich kosten den Wagen nach Deutschland zu importieren? Langsam habe ich das Gefühl, dass Acura schönere Autos hat als Honda.

Fuchs · 20.01.2005, 02:16

naja Honda und acura ist eine marke, acura wurde ursprünglich nur ins leben gerufen um noch mehr nach USA zu impotieren zu können.... schaut auf die uhrzeuit das erklärt mein deutsch

aber ich hatte mich wegen dem RSX mal schalu gemacht.. glaub mir mit tüv Straßenverkehrsamt ect, kannste dir hier locker nen fetten wagen kaufen so 2xs2000 oder so einen tunen den anderen für die frau oder so

mgutt · 20.01.2005, 08:22

Preise:
Basismodell mit Stoff-Innenausstattung 24.000,- Euro
Basismodell mit Leder-Innenausstattung 25.000,- Euro
TypeS mit Leder-Innenausstattung 28.000,- Euro

Alle Preise verstehen sich inkl. 16 % MWSt, deutscher TÜV-Abnahme. Fahrzeuge können gegen Aufpreis national geliefert werden.

Mokujin · 20.01.2005, 09:04

Man schaut euch bloß das Tacho an nur geil das Teil!!!
Das ist doch eine echt Alternative zu den Civics, die immer besch***sener aussehen :cry:

front · 20.01.2005, 11:25

und wo kann man die bestellen

Mokujin · 20.01.2005, 11:50

schau mal bei NNOMO nach

da einfach auf DC5 gehen

TomekEJ9 · 20.01.2005, 14:42

Fuchs schrieb:

aber ich hatte mich wegen dem RSX mal schalu gemacht.. glaub mir mit tüv Straßenverkehrsamt ect, kannste dir hier locker nen fetten wagen kaufen so 2xs2000 oder so einen tunen den anderen für die frau oder so

Wenn das stimmt, was Marc schreibt, dass der Type S 28.000€ mit allem drum und dran kostet, dann ist er günstiger als ein S2000.
Wie Mokujin schon sagte, der Type S ist ne gute Alternative zum Civic Type R... :yes:

Sobelin · 20.01.2005, 15:14

find den RSX auch sehr schön.
bloss gefällt mir die mittelkonsole nicht so :no:

CheGuivera · 20.01.2005, 17:45

geiles Teil

ein würdiger Integra-Nachfolger !!

maxrev.de · Gast

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