Turn of the new century stood witness to an automotive styling revolution. Among the first to erase mass-produced cookie-cutter designs was the American Honda Motor Company.

While the sleek 2000 Honda Insight was first to lead the new-form parade, it is Honda's premium division Acura that brings this decade to a stylish close with the 2009 Acura TSX sedan.

At the forefront of the design is Acura's dynamic shield-like front grille bookended by narrow sweptback headlamps.

The satin aluminum grille introduces a bold design theme to TSX's presence in the premium compact car market. The shield look is replicated and even more pronounced in the brand's TL model.

Body panels are sculpted with sharp creases and high beltline that lead to a chiseled rear fascia featuring a subtle deck spoiler and redesign tail lamps.

The 2009 Acura TSX is about 2.5-inches longer and nearly three-inches wider than the previous model.

A larger exterior provides designers with an interior blueprint that adds 3-cubic feet of space to the cabin dimensions for more hip, knee and rear-seat legroom. Entry and exit to the cabin would be easier if the rear doors opened wider, however.

Trunk volume is noticeably more spacious without intrusion to passenger comfort.

If more space is needed, the rear seat back can be folded flat into the cabin to expand the cargo volume. Pulling a level located in the trunk releases the seat.

Up front, a large contemporary dash board creates a cockpit configuration. The center-stack houses audio and navigation controls below a large color display recessed into the upper-tier of the instrument panel.

The gauge cluster has an interesting visual appearance with dials that appear to be suspended from the gauge faces.

Acura TSX Technology Package ($3100) features an ELS 5.1 surround sound system created by six-time Grammy Award winner Elliot Scheiner. His 10-speaker DVD-audio based system is specially designed for Acura to produce interior audio quality far greater than a standard CD or MP3.

A voice activated navigation system with backup camera and real-time traffic and weather is also part of the package.

TSX power is provided by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that doles out 201-hp mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is also available.

Fuel economy is ranked 21-mpg/city and 30-mpg/highway with the manual gearbox - 20/28-mpg respectively on the automatic.

A 3.5L V-6 engine with 280-hp is available on the 2010 Acura TSX.

Acura TSX delivers a smooth ride and above average handling with very little lean detected in corners. Standard stability and traction control helps keep this front-wheel drive champion in the ring.

Base cost for the 2009 Acura TSX starts at $28,960. Add $760 for freight.