Tuesday, December 9, 2008

2007 Acura RDX

2007 Acura RDX - At the RDX’s debut in mid-2006, Acura defined the compact crossover as an “entry premium CUV” designed to appeal to “high-energy urbanites” who enjoy a “24/7 lifestyle.”

We weren’t quite sure what that marketing rebop meant, but if it has anything to do with 3 a.m. drag racing on Wilshire Boulevard, you could do worse. With a turbo­charged and intercooled (a first for any U.S. Honda vehicle) 2.3-liter, i-VTEC four providing power (240 horses at 6000 rpm, 260 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm), the RDX can scoot to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds, which is quicker than the other major players in this class (BMW X3, Land Rover LR2), as well as a good many cars.

Moreover, the RDX has moves to go with its muscle. We judged its handling as deft as the BMW’s in a shootout with the X3 and the LR2 [“Attack of the Flying Cicada Killers,” July 2007], and it has impressed all of our drivers with its zealous responses—with one reservation.

But we’ve gotten a bit ahead of our narrative.

Our long-term test subject arrived at the C/D offices on July 13, 2007, with its 18-gallon tank full of premium fuel and 75 miles on its odometer. Acura classifies vehicles equipped with major options such as a nav system as separate models, and that’s true of the RDX, which is offered in standard and Tech-package trims. The two levels are mechanically identical, with the 2.3-liter turbo and Acura’s SH-AWD system, which delivers extra thrust to one or the other of the rear wheels in hard cornering to enhance handling. The system normally delivers 90 percent of engine output to the front wheels but can send as much as 70 percent to the rear wheels.

The basic RDX is nicely equipped, with the amenities one expects in an entry-luxury CUV: a power sunroof; leather-trimmed seats, heated up front; a good audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer and XM radio; power windows and locks; heated power mirrors; anti-lock brakes; stability control; and front, side, and curtain airbags. Its 2007 MSRP was $33,665; it’s $34,455 for 2009.

The Tech package adds a nav system with voice recognition and real-time traffic info; a rearview camera; hands-free wireless phone interface; dual-zone climate controls; upgraded 10-speaker AM/FM audio with a six-slot CD/DVD-audio changer; an owner-programmable auxiliary-info display; and steering-wheel controls for the phone, the voice recognition, and the info display. It was priced at $37,165 in 2007 ($37,755 for 2009).

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