Personally nimble - 2005 Acura RSX hatchback
Originally introduced in July of 2001, the Acura RSX sports coupe has been widely recognized and rewarded in the automotive industry, becoming the benchmark in its class. For 2005, the dynamic sports coupe receives substantial performance and styling enhancements that update the exterior sheetmetal, refine and modernize the interior and make it more fun to drive.
Communicating a message of power and precision, Acura updated the styling of the RSX for 2005 to make the hatchback look lower, faster and more aggressive. In front, the redesigned fascia has lower rectangular air ducts, aggressive-looking tri-beam headlights and a new Acura-family grille.
Side sills on the RSX are now body colored, while the side sills on the Type-S are more substantial, and wrap further around the car to highlight the new wheels and tires. The redesigned rear of the RSX has a new taillight assembly, a new bumper, larger diameter exhaust tips and, on the Type-S, a deck lid spoiler.
The RSX is powered by a refined 16-valve, DOHC 2.0L four-cylinder engine joined to a sure-shifting five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift. The performance oriented RSX Type-S features a twin-cam 2.0L four-cylinder powerplant that receives ten more horsepower and one more lb-ft of torque for 2005.
The Type-S transfers this performance to the street through an exclusive close-ratio six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The six-speed gearbox incorporates double and triple-cone synchronizers for precise, short throws and ultra-positive shift feel. For 2005, the final drive ratio was lowered to provide even quicker acceleration while shift feel was further improved by applying carbon synchronizers on fifth and sixth gear.
On the road, the RSX Type-S sedan is a pocket rocket at speed. Quick, ready and very versatile, the peppy powerplant provides lots of torque all the time. A smooth-shifting gearbox makes this nimble hatchback a personal expression of fun on wheels.
The Acura RSX employs a Control-Link MacPherson front strut suspension that greatly enhances cornering performance while minimizing weight and maximizing interior room. The compact rear double-wishbone system with coil springs delivers quick, confident handling and a smooth, compliant ride.
Suspension enhancements for 2005 include a revised geometry, reduced ride height, retuned bushings, thicker stabilizer bars, firmer damper settings and inversely wound front coil springs that neutralize unwanted steering input caused by spring woundup.
On the Type-S, the track tuned suspension is optimized with firmer springs and dampers, front tower bars and a rear performance rod. Suspension upgrades for Type-S include an increase in strength of the performance rod to help maintain precise suspension geometry, while the front damper top bushing was replaced by a bearing for smoother steering response.
Inside the cabin is an updated "driver-oriented" cockpit for 2005. The seats have more supportive side bolsters and a thicker lower cushion for increased comfort on long drives and support during aggressive cornering. The automaker added titanium accents to the integrated headrests and to several key points around the cabin including the step garnish, the shifter boot ring (models equipped with manual transmission) and the hand brake.
Front and rear seating coddles, supports and protects the occupants, making the RSX a pleasant place for four adults. A 50/50 fold-down rear seat complements the large cargo area.
Quick vehicle stats
Wheelbase: 101.2; overall length: 172.4; width: 67.9; height: 54.9 -- measurements in inches.
Engine: 2.0L i-VTEC four-cylinder -- 160 hp at 6,500 rpm and 141 lbs-ft at 4,000 rpm; Type-S -- 210 hp at 7,800 rpm and 143 lbs-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.
EPA fuel economy: RSX -- 27 city/34 hwy. (manual), 25 city/34 hwy. (automatic); Type-S -- 23 city/31 hwy.
Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed manual, five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control.
Cargo capacity: 16.0 cu. ft.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, engine immobilizer, theft-deterrent system, remote keyless entry, side-impact door beams, side-impact floor beam and fog lights.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.
Roadside assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile, 24-hour.
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Acura RSX starts from $20,175 for the RSX manual and $23,570 for the RSX Type-S. Destination charges add $570.
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