First Drive: 2010 Acura TSX V6

Handout photo The V6 model adds sportier tuning to the Acura TSX as well as an advancd braking system

It's quite amazing what the addition of a single letter and a single number to the rear trunk area has done for the Acura TSX, already one of the better front-wheel-drive sport sedans around. Of course, it's not the affixing of the V followed by the 6 to the hind end that does the transforming but what the alpha-numeric designation signifies - that Honda has finally dropped a V6 engine into the compact four-door.

The V6 in question is a 3.5-litre SOHC unit that develops a robust 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Putting this into perspective, that's nearly 40% more horses for the TSX than the base, high-revving, 201-hp 2.4L four-cylinder. The added power, says Honda, comes courtesy of a high 11.2:1 compression ratio, VTEC valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system contained within a lightweight magnesium intake manifold. And, while most won't give a care for the engineering explanation, what they will care about is the strong mid-range oomph instantly available with a prod of the gas pedal. It's a linear torque curve, Honda says, with emphasis on the rpm range most commonly used during day-to-day driving.

Indeed, where the four-cylinder TSX would best be described as balanced, the V6 definitely emphasizes the word sporting, with a healthy shove in the back seat and a rapid increase in acceleration when the pedal is mashed. Hitting 100 kilometres an hour from a standstill takes about six seconds, a good 1.5 seconds faster than with the four-banger. However, taking the car out for regular exercising exacts a penalty at the pumps. I averaged a thirsty 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres of premium unleaded during my week with the tester.