So what's the difference between a regular wagon and a "sport" wagon? Probably about 2 feet or so. That seems to be the average size difference between your typical wagon and something sporty like the 2011 Acura TSX sport wagon.
Only problem here is the fact that unlike the other sport wagon at the 2010 New York Auto Show -- the positively insane CTS-V wagon -- the Acura version isn't all that sporty, really. It only comes with an automatic and you can't get the sedan's optional V6 either. So yeah: more weight, a four-cylinder and a slushbox. Sporty!
Then again, can you blame Acura for equipping it like this? No one actually buys the V6s we all crave and even fewer still go for a manual V6. Couple that with the minuscule numbers of people who buy wagons at all and a V6, manual-equipped wagon is simply pointless. Sorry. Logic isn't always fun.
jlaszlo says:
07:38 PM, 03/31/10
Is the front so grotesque that you couldn't take a picture of it?
carguy622 says:
07:43 PM, 03/31/10
Automatic only... count me out. The 6-speed in my '06 TSX is sweet.
At this point I feel like they should not have even bothered. Just when it seemed like something nice was coming from Honda.
stovt001 says:
08:11 PM, 03/31/10
Jalopnik had a scathing article about this, and it really captured everything that is wrong with Honda and the American market in general. They took a 5-year old Honda wagon that could be had in Europe with a very nice diesel and manual transmission, gave it a really lousy power train, slapped a chrome beak on it, and charge luxury car prices for it. Why do car companies hate the American market so?
ddorsey says:
08:51 PM, 03/31/10
the jalopnik article is WRONG. this is NOT a 5 yr old honda wagon, it came 2 yrs ago- the author is incorrect.
"The updated Honda Accord for the Japanese and European markets went on sale in mid-2008. It is also sold as the Accord Euro in the Australia and New Zealand markets, and as the Acura TSX in North America. It is available as both a sedan and a station wagon. In the People's Republic of China this model is sold as the Dongfeng-Honda Spirior. Production of this model started in August 2009."
they have diesels and manuals in abundance in other countries, not the us- this is nothing new-
i do agree about the manual, however - its a deal breaker
tp660 says:
09:03 PM, 03/31/10
I agree, you really can't blame Acura for not offering much choice with this wagon. Most Americans hate the word "wagon", that's just the sad truth. The few people like myself who do like wagons should be grateful that they're even offering one. What I find so funny is that most Americans hate wagons so much that they would actually be willing to buy the ridiculously ugly Accord Crosstour over this TSX wagon even though it looks far better and has more cargo room inside.
sniperruff says:
09:32 PM, 03/31/10
Jalopnik obviously needs to take a marketing class ASAP.
1) The US and UK automotive market is significantly different. The UK likes small cars, convertibles, diesels, wagons (estates) or hatchbacks, and hates chrome. The US likes huge cars, hates convertibles, diesels are unavailable/expensive, nobody buys wagons, hatchbacks are regarded as hoopties, and some people will chrome their teeth if they can (personally I hate chrome)
2) It's not the 5-year old Honda Wagon as someone else pointed out.
3) The majority of cars sold in US are automatic. The majority of sedans sold are 4-cylinders. Maybe Acura will start selling turbo-diesel convertible wagon with manual transmission if Jalopnik runs it.
4) Would you buy an Acura if it's $12,995? Jalopnik needs to look up "market segmentation" now.
1487 says:
05:20 AM, 04/ 1/10
why no V6? That is just dumb.
wizard8873 says:
06:46 AM, 04/ 1/10
I can understand the lack of a manual but why not at least offer the V6? Or if not the V6 then a turbo 4? sure 99% of US consumers wouldn't bother getting the manual but a V6 with this would be helpful.
zoomzoomn says:
06:50 AM, 04/ 1/10
"jlaszlo says:
07:38 PM, 03/31/10
Is the front so grotesque that you couldn't take a picture of it?"
That's funny! Actually the final front end design is still in limbo. This car has the Euro Accord grill still intact (not really, but funny none the less!).
1487 says:
06:57 AM, 04/ 1/10
this probably weighs at least 100lbs more than the sedan and they decide not to offer the V6. Dont get that.
ed124c says:
06:57 AM, 04/ 1/10
Carmela Soprano would probably not like this-- but Subaru Legacy Wagon buyers will probably love it.
cjasis says:
08:05 AM, 04/ 1/10
I was anxiously awaiting this product. We want a wagon to carry the dog crate and be able to put my surfboards on the roof. An SUV isn't fun to drive, gets crap gas mileage and we're not going off road. My wife won't be caught dead in a minivan. I really thought this was going to be a great solution. However, having driven a few TSX 4 bangers as loaner cars... I'm not interested. That drivetrain is barely adequate in the sedan. Load a wagon up the way I want to and forget it.
Subaru has probably just won another customer because while I like the technology and dealer treatment with Acura the lower price point and flat 6 motor in the Outback 3.6 are going to win out.
tehnighthawk says:
08:32 AM, 04/ 1/10
cjasis:
I disagree. We have a loaner 2010 TSX sedan while our 2004 TL is at the dealership and the 4 cylinder TSX has more than enough power.
Also the Acura dealership here doesn't even stock the V6 TSX sedan, so I'm guessing its not a great seller, although I would purchase it before I considered a base TL.
thegrocer says:
09:03 AM, 04/ 1/10
Well, if it had a V-6, how else is Acura going to sell any of those gussied up Crosstours? Oh, you want a hatch and a V-6? Buy a ZDX!
typer_801 says:
05:36 PM, 04/ 2/10
Oh well, no TSX wagon in my future. Lack of manual transmission is a deal breaker. Not that I was overjoyed by the simply adequate accelearation and fuel economy of a 200hp 4 cylinder either, but was considering it due to the nice size and beautiful interior and exterior appearance.
Maybe someday Acura (and Honda) will start building fun to drive and exciting cars again.
RIP - Acura NSX, Honda S2000, & Acura Integra Type-R
off says:
03:21 PM, 04/ 3/10
Any new wagon in the US market is a plus, given the recent demise of the Volvo XC70. That being said, it's disappointing the market will support zero or limited wagon configurations. There's a B8 A4 Avant in my stable, and I was faced with the take it over leave it single drivetrain configuration. And while I love the EA888, ZF6HP28 and Quattro, I'd take a 3.0TDI and 6 speed in a heartbeat.
Things won't change until the general public change their minds about gas guzzling SUV's with zero driving dynamics!
aaykay says:
03:06 AM, 05/22/10
I would have considered this, if a manual was offered - with or without the V6. A slushbox does not interest me, in a "sport"-wagon. Sorry.
One saving grace is that this does look good and is not grotesque like the TL. I realy, really wanted to pick up the TL with 6MT and SH-AWD but simply cannot get beyond the horrible look. The previous generation TL was such a slick design and why in the heavens did Acura need to go mess it up ? I stood behind the TL at the dealership yesterday, and the rear in particular was just horrible.
The Acura designers should be sent on a long furlough to meditate on what is ailing them.
edikc says:
11:23 AM, 01/19/11
There are few people who are hardcore fans of manual wagons, but that does not mean US market does not need one simply because of a low volume.
Actually, I recently talked with a Honda dealer, who claimed difficulties selling CNG Civics, they had two sitting two long, now they don’t stock them at all, special order only. It takes a special person to own one, he said. Well, IMHO, there are more special people who like wagons than those who are willing to drive a CNG Civic.
I personally owned last version manual Accord wagon, it was a great joy to drive. I have owned or driven BMW manual wagon, Saab Aero, Volvo, and Audi, but there is something special about a Honda manual transmission, it is so smooth and precise. I am a big fan of Honda / Acura, and last TSX I had with manual 6-speed was totally awesome. See, they make few of them, and they are hard to find, and then they claim nobody buys them.
Not manual – no deal for me, though it is a sweet performer in every way.