The RSX and RSX Type S are the newest performance grooves to the Acura line-up. Let’s put the spotlight on the RSX Type S sports coupe, a nimble hustler that almost makes you believe that power-alone makes a car. Type S hypes a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder to produce 200 horsepower. Driver controls the gallop via a new 6-speed manual transmission that is a blast to short-throw shift (due in great part to double and triple-cone synchronizers). But power aside, the RSX Type S provides on command braking (standard 4-wheel disc brakes with a 3-channel anti-lock braking system). On the safety side, the car conceals front and side impact air bags.

As the replacement to the Acura Integra, the RSX screams its presence in power as well as standard attributes. The Type S is fitted with such touches as power moon roof, power windows/door locks/side mirrors, rear window defroster with timer, AM/FM/cassette with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, and speed-sensing intermittent windshield wipers. Type S also sports a nice gadget in front of the gearbox: Push in an etched-marked button to expose either cup holders or a deep-dish tray. Another good design element is in the coupe’s cargo zone, where a cover ‘snug-fits’ to go up/down when hatch is opened. Fuel estimates are 24 city/31 highway. Suggested retail price for RSX Type S is $23,170.