Service Cars

2007 Acura RDX Preview

News

The RDX may be in line for a new-generation "clean diesel" engine that Honda plans for U.S. sale by 2009. Actually, Honda is developing both 4-cyl and V6 diesels for a variety of vehicles as part of its drive to reduce its fleets total CO2 emissions. Company statements are not clear which if any diesel the RDX might get, but wed bet on the 4-cyl unit, possibly with a turbocharger.





New For 2007 Acura RDX

Acura launches its first compact SUV as a five-seat wagon powered by the companys first turbocharged engine. RDX is 4 inches shorter in wheelbase and 10 inches shorter overall than Acuras redesigned 2007 seven-passenger MDX. The only engine is a 240-hp turbo 4-cyl. It teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles for manual operation. RDX has Acuras Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system that apportions power between the rear wheels to enhance cornering stability. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard, as are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery with heated front seats, and a 6.5-inch dashboard screen that displays audio and climate information. A Technology Package includes DVD Audio, wireless cell phone link, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information for 30 major cities. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.



The RDX features Acuras first turbocharged engine and competes with BMWs X3.

Acura mates the turbo engine only to a five-speed automatic, but paddle shifters rip off crisp gearchanges. The standard all-wheel-drive system is adapted from the RL sedan. It delivers up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear axle, where it can be diverted entirely to either rear wheel, an effect that is easily discerned if you really push the RDX through a corner. The Acura might not be as sporty as the X3, but its accurate steering and buttoned-down body control are joined by a firm, reasonably supple ride that doesnt beat you up like the overly stiff BMWs does.




The RDX will share its body and chassis with the new Honda CR-V, but it wont share its all-wheel-drive system. The turbo engine also will be an RDX exclusive for now, but it certainly deserves to spread to other vehicles in the Acura and Honda stables.


The RDX was designed specifically for the U.S. market and will be made at Honda’s assembly plant in Marysville, Ohio. The model — whose closest competitor is the BMW X3 — looks to be a niche model for those who want a utility vehicle with sporty handling.

Pricing

Acura has announced pricing for the RDX sport-ute. The all-new model will carry a base price of $32,995, which is about $4000 less than the BMW X3 (base price $36,800) and about $6000 less than the Lexus RX350 (base price $38,095), its closest Japanese competitor.


2007 Acura RDX Summary

The 2007 Acura RDX is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the 5-Spd AT and the 5-Spd AT w/ Technology Package.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 240-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2007 Acura RDX is all-new for 2007.