2011 Acura on 2040-cars

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Honda Civic Hatchback Luggage Test: How it compares with sedan and Integra

Well, we have a first here at Autoblog Luggage Test HQ: the first time I've done the next-generation of a make/model that's already been luggage tested. I know, right, very exciting. So, for the first time, I'll be able to report how a vehicle compares with its immediate predecessor. As this is the Honda Civic hatchback, I can also show you how it compares with the Honda Civic sedan and the mechanically related Acura Integra. So. Many. Comparisons! In short, the Civic is a definitive example of why you can't really compare the cargo volume figures of a sedan and a hatchback (or wagon, SUV or other hatchbacked vehicle). The specs say the hatchback has 24.8 cubic-feet of space whereas the Civic sedan has 14.8, yet as I'm about to show you, the sedan actually has more space for holding bags or whatever. This is already a phenomena I covered with the Integra and its 24.3-cubic-foot trunk. Apparently, that half a cube makes a difference as it was indeed easier to load bags into the Civic hatch.  Top Civic hatchback, bottom left Civic sedan, bottom right Integra Some key observations here with this trio. The Civic sedan is 4 inches longer than the Civic hatchback, almost all of which is behind the rear axle. This lends its trunk greater length than the hatchback, which is more useful for stuffing in luggage. The Civic hatchback (and Integra) have more height, which balloons the cubic-foot number, but doesn't really provide much help in this test since I don't pack to the roof for safety, visibility and consistency reasons. If you lower the back seats, it's a whole different ballgame, but I'll get to that later. Now, to the bags. As in every luggage test I do, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). You can really see the difference in trunk length here. In the sedan (above right), you can fit the small roller bag behind the four biggest bags lined up. Definitely can't do that in the hatchback above left. In short, all the bags fit in all the cars (with some asterisks). It was a much easier fit in the sedan, though, and you can see that there's some extra space on either side of the egg-crusher hinges.

Acura ZDX getting the axe after 2013 despite new updates [w/poll]

The Acura ZDX hasn't exactly lived a conventional existence, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that its death announcement isn't going according to standard industry protocol, either. Parent company Honda has taken the unusual step of trumpeting a refreshed-for-2013 model while simultaneously announcing that this will be the model's last year. According to Acura, the model's cancellation comes as the brand "sharpens its focus on new models and core products" like the forthcoming RLX sedan.
The audaciously styled crossover has been, to be charitable, a very reluctant seller since its 2009 introduction, but for 2013, Acura is jazzing up its concept car for the street with new kit. The changes include a lightly reworked front shield grille along with new power folding side mirrors and new tech features including lane departure and forward collision warning systems.
We'd say that announcing the model's discontinuation at the same time one is presenting a freshened model could hurt sales, but we're not sure there's anyone paying attention. Last year, Acura managed to shift just 1,564 units of the ZDX, giving it the No. 4 spot on our Worst Sellers of 2011 list. Through September, Automotive News reports that only 642 examples have been sold in 2012, making it one of the rarest new cars on the market.

Acura recalls some 2022 TLXs for potential slashed tires

Acura has issued a recall that applies to less than 20 units of the 2022 TLX sedan. The cars included in the campaign were manufactured with tires that may have been damaged by part of a robotic arm while being sorted and stored at a Bridgestone facility in Tennessee. Assigned recall number 22V-950 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign includes 19 units of the TLX built on September 1, 2022, and Acura estimates that 95% of them may have been built with damaged tires. The company explains that the tires fitted to these vehicles could have sustained cuts and/or tears because a protective plastic shoe located at the base of a robotic arm used to unstack tires exposed a sharp edge by rotating out of position. Damaging a tire's bead area can cause it to gradually lose air; the problem can also manifest itself through unusual noises or vibrations. The tire pressure monitoring system could warn the driver of an issue. The tires in question are Bridgestone's 235/50R18 Turanza EL440. Acura states that it's not aware of warranty claims, field reports, injuries or crashes related to the issue, and Bridgestone says that human workers are now tasked with loading and unloading tires in its facility. Owners of affected cars will receive details about the recall campaign by mail starting on January 30, 2023. They'll be asked to take their TLX to a dealership to get the tires inspected; new tires will be installed free of charge if the ones on the car fall within the affected date range. Drivers who experienced a problem related to this recall and paid to get new tires installed will be eligible to ask Acura for a refund. Related video: