A wide instrument pod covered in a perforated material surrounds the driver. Large analog gauges with metallic faces are easy to read. The thick, leather-wrapped, small-diameter steering wheel with three spokes feels like it came from a race car. The shifter feels good, also; a leather-wrapped gearshift knob comes standard, while the Type S gets a special perforated leather knob.

The rear seats are surprisingly comfortable for a sport coupe. But this isn't a sedan; space for rear passengers' heads is under the rear window. The rear seats fold flat for cargo. An acoustically transparent cargo cover snaps into and out of place to hide valuables. A Bose subwoofer goes inside the temporary spare, a clever use of space, and it can be moved around for tailgate parties.

Acura's luxury features, standard on every RSX, include the automatic climate control system with micron air filtration, illuminated power window switches, and lighting in the glove box. But this car is clearly designed as a sport coupe rather than a luxury sedan. The perforated material around the instrument panel and center console, the roof liner, the white-gold plastic trim, the vents, and the radio controls lack the high-quality, upscale look and feel of a premium brand.

A clever combination tray and cup holder offers a good place to stash a wallet, as it provides a semi-secret compartment. The dual cup holders work well as long as the container isn't much taller than a grande Frappuccino. A small fold-out above the rear seat on the driver's side works okay for hanging a couple of shirts, but not a full load of dry cleaning.