Acura's compact-class sports sedan, riding on the chassis for European editions of Honda's Accord, has a leather-lined cockpit and forceful power out of a twin-cam 2.4-liter in-line-four engine fitted with Honda's variable timing valve train to produce a robust 200 hp. It's fun to drive but brings the practical advantage of a four-door format with room for five riders. The cabin stocks bolstered sport bucket seats clad in perforated leather, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with tabs to operate the stereo and cruise control, plus a twin-zone automatic climate system, power moonroof, keyless entry and premium Acurao gear.

Acura's VSA stability system is included, as are 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season performance tires. A voice-recognition system is on the list of options for controlling navigation, ventilation and Acurao equipment. New features for 2005 extend to heating elements in exterior mirrors, four-way power controls for the front passenger seat and the subscription-based XM satellite radio service.

The ripper from Acura is a race-bred hatchback coupe in the compact class. Acura pitches it in two flavors with a base edition and the high-performance Type-S. Both stock a twin-cam 2.0-liter four-in-line engine. In base trim the plant makes 160 hp and has a five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic. Type-S goes further through tuning to push output higher and manage the muscle through a six-speed manual. Engine modifications boost performance to 210 hp in 2005 editions.

The face for both models supports an aggressive new fascia and grille, and there's a new spoiler on the tail of the Type-S. Ride height was dropped slightly and more rigid stabilizer bars applied to improve handling. The RSX Type-S also has track-tuned suspension settings with firmer springs and larger vented disc brakes. New trim in chrome and titanium-style plastic lines the cockpit. Standard equipment ranges from an automatic climate system and keyless entry to power controls for mirrors, windows and door locks, power moonroof and premium Acurao with in-dash CD deck. Perforated leather covers seats on the Type-S but it's optional on the base model RSX.

The plush sport-utility vehicle from Acura aligns toward performance, as its name - MDX - means Multi-Dimensional Cross-Trainer in the image of a toned athlete accomplished in various sports. Acura slants MDX as a refined luxury SUV with AWD traction and the cabin stuffed with refined appointments and three rows of flexible seats. A front-mounted engine directs its power to the front wheels with an electronic device on tap to channel some of that muscle to the rear wheels when front ones slip. Up to 265 hp flows from the aluminum six-cylinder engine through a five-speed automatic transmission.

The cabin piles on leather and wood trimmings, with two bucket seats on the front row, a three-person split bench for the second row and two third-row seats divided 50/50. Second-row seats drop forward and third-row seatbacks fold into the floor for a quick disappearing act to make room for more cargo. This year's MDX comes with an improved VSA anti-skid controller, standard XM satellite radio service and new exterior color choices such as Desert Rock Metallic and Steel Blue Metallic. (...BACK)