The RSX Type-S ($23,570) raises the bar to 210 horsepower (up from 200 last year) and 143 pound-feet of torque from its version of the same 2.0-liter engine. Type-S comes with leather, a six-speed manual with no automatic option, and 17-inch wheels and tires.

Both RSX models have only a handful of options to clutter the buying process. Power door locks, automatic climate control, an anti-theft system with remote entry, tilt steering wheel and a glass moonroof are standard across the board. It also comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heat-rejecting window glass and premium audio systems: a six-speaker in-dash CD player on the RSX and a seven-speaker Acura/Bose 6CD in-dash changer on the Type-S.

An additional performance package is available for both models. Called A-Spec, this dealer-installed option includes a four-piece aero kit, a big wing, even stiffer springs, and special wheels with high-performance 17-inch tires. New to the package for 2005 are upgraded brakes, with slotted rotors and better pads.

NEXT - EXTERIOR