2002 Acura RSX

Mercedes-Benz is moving in on Acura's territory. Or is it Acura that's moving in on Mercedes' territory? Honda established Acura in the mid-'80s as a value-priced alternative to Mercedes and BMW. But Honda and Benz never have come as close to matching competitive products as they have this year, with Mercedes introducing the C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe and Acura launching its long-awaited Integra replacement, the '02 RSX.

Both are lean, modern hatchback coupes with high-output four-bangers-200 hp/142 ft-lb of 2.0 variably timed liters in the RSX, versus 190 hp/200 ft-lb from 2.3 supercharged liters in the C230-with six-speed manual gearboxes, ultra-modern interiors, and sharply raked noses. The only big difference between the two is that the Acura is front drive and the Mercedes is rear drive. But the RSX builds on the Integra's reputation as one of the best-handling front-drivers extant, with a balanced, controlled, supple ride and high cornering abilities. Its i-VTEC engine sets a new standard for sewing-machine smoothness and linear power in a Honda four.

At an estimated base of $24,000 for the RSX Type-S (the 160-hp base RSX will start at about $20,000) versus about $27,000 for the C230K Sport Coupe, these two new hot hatches come very close to being head- to-head competitors. Acura's RSX goes on sale in North America in July. Look for a full report next month.