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The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is coupled with either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic that features a manual shifting mode and paddle shifters. As with so many Honda and Acura products, the TSX's i-VTEC engine loves to rev and is at its best when pushed hard – which happens a lot, as it isn't actually all that powerful, but you won't usually mind. The bigger 3.5-liter V6, of course, has more power and a broader spread of torque, but the 2.4 is not the embarrassment some base engines are. Also, the V6 comes only with the automatic, and adds some weight to the nose of the car, so it's less entertaining to drive than the 4-cylinder.

2.4-liter inline-4

201 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm

172 (manual), 170 (automatic) lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 mpg (manual), 22/31 mpg (automatic, sedan), 22/30 mpg (automatic, wagon)

3.5-liter V6

280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm

254 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg

The 4-cylinder TSX sedan starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of under $31,500 and is around $34,500 with the Technology Package. Special Editions, with their tasteful interior color and trim accents, are just under $32,500 with either transmission. The V6 model, automatic-only and now including the Technology Package, is a little over $40,000. The station wagon model, available only with the 4-cylinder and automatic, is under $33,000, or under $36,500 with the Technology Package. To get a good idea of what people in your area are paying for the TSX, check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price. Considering the price of entry, equipment levels and residual value, the 2013 Acura TSX makes a particularly smart buy in the entry-premium category. It's one of a handful of premium-branded cars that start around $30,000, it's loaded with modern conveniences and its projected resale values surpass those of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S40.

The 2013 Acura TSX will appeal to anyone looking for a luxury mid-size car at a non-luxury price. Often overlooked, the TSX has classy styling and appointments that reflect the high levels of comfort, refinement and convenience we have come to expect from the Acura brand. The lineup is simple but still manages to offer good variety: Sedan and wagon models, inline 4-cylinder and V6 engines, manual and automatic transmissions, a sporty Special Edition and all the options rolled into one Technology Package. While not as much pure fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, the Acura TSX nevertheless feels responsive, rides comfortably and is one of the best values in the segment.

Interior

With precise fit and finish and a warm, upscale ambiance, the cabin of the TSX is as comfortable as it is attractive. The contemporary design is executed in high-quality materials including supple leather-trimmed seating surfaces. The available navigation system takes some getting used to but, in general, the control operations are intuitive and clearly displayed. The rear seats feature a 60/40-split folding design for cargo flexibility, while the TSX Sport Wagon has a class-leading 66.2 cubic feet of cargo space – comparable to most compact SUVs. The TSX provides generous rear-seat legroom and head room.

Exterior

The 2013 Acura TSX's body is sleek, clean and stylish, with defined wheel arches, honed body lines and a creased waistline. The face is distinguished by angular projector-beam headlights and Acura's signature, if controversial, shield-style (some say, beak-style) chrome grille. The available 18-inch alloy wheels complement the TSX's athletic design while dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets for both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder models convey a sporty sense of symmetry.