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Las Vegas has the longest traffic lights of any city in America. At least it seemed like it on a recent trip, when I hit every red light for five blocks. While I stewed at the fifth light, worrying about making a fast-approaching appointment, something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. The man in the car in the lane next to me was waving his arms trying to get my attention. I rolled down my window.

"You've got a flat tire," he said.

Suddenly, car horns started honking. The light turned green and I had no to choice but to move forward. I depressed the accelerator pedal of the brand new Acura RSX, fully expecting to find the steering wheel pulling sharply as a result of the flat. It didn't. I gradually began making my way from the center lane to the outer lane so I could maneuver into the nearest parking lot. The RSX handled perfectly normal. So normal, in fact, that I was convinced someone was playing a practical joke on me. But indeed, upon inspection, my right rear was flat thanks to a shiny new nail.

What was most impressive was that the Michelin 205/55R16 high performance tires mounted on the Acura's 16-inch five-spoke rims continued to perform nicely---at least while driving at slow speeds on city streets---all thanks to Acura's chassis engineers, who made significant changes with the introduction of the RSX.

The all-season tires are aided by standard four-wheel disc brakes with three-channel anti-lock braking system as well as new suspension and steering systems. Up front, the new RSX utilizes a control-link MacPherson strut suspension, improving cornering performance with less weight and more interior room. In the rear, a double-wishbone system provides more confident handling and a smoother ride.

Despite losing its Integra name, the 2002 Acura RSX is nothing less than a new and improved version of the vehicle it replaces. The exterior features sporty styling cues including short front and rear overhangs punctuated by sharply chiseled accent lines. The front fascia shows off Acura's signature five-sided grille and large multi-reflector headlights.

...this sport coupe has substantial leg room and cargo space for its relatively diminutive size. Even my 6-foot-two-inch business associate was comfortable in the front passenger seat....

While biding my time at Vegas' many red lights, I noticed that, inside, this sport coupe has substantial leg room and cargo space for its relatively diminutive size. Even my 6-foot-two-inch business associate was comfortable in the front passenger seat. The simulated suede trim gives the standard seating surfaces the look of a higher-end vehicle, while the large, metallic-faced gauges and three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel enhance the RSX's sportiness.

The 2002 Acura RSX is powered by a 16-valve, DOHC, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine offering 160 horsepower at 141 lb.-ft of torque. Utilizing Acura's new intelligent valve-control system called "i-VTEC," the RSX has enhanced performance throughout the power band while improving fuel economy and reducing exhaust emissions. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard on the base RSX, while the optional five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission uses Grade Logic Control to reduce shift frequency. The Grade Logic Control, which holds the engine in a lower gear for better hill climbing and increased engine braking on downhill stretches, was apparent on my test model, making those long, gradual hills on the I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas much more pleasant.

The RSX is also available in the high-performance Type-S version, which utilizes a high-output version of the base RSX engine to achieve 200 horsepower and 142 lb.-ft. of torque. The RSX Type-S is paired with an all-new, six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission offering the ultimate for performance enthusiasts.

Standard features on all 2002 Acura RSX models include automatic climate control, power moonroof, high-output audio system with in-dash CD player, keyless entry, power mirrors and power windows with driver's side auto-up/down. Fabric seating surfaces with suede-look accents are standard on the base model, while perforated leather seats are standard on the RSX Type-S.

By Tara Baukus Mello