2007 Acura RDX First Impressions

Power and torque

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

Acura performed the same analysis as its competitors. It understood that the compact SUV market could see an important increase in sales over the next few years. Honda's luxury division chose to attack this segment by producing the RDX, a muscular sport-utility, which is relatively rare in this market segment. Acura has equipped it with a powerful 4-cylinder doubled up with a turbocharger, which is capable of rivalling a V6 in terms of torque and passing power, and also shows off a smoothness that's almost comparable while retaining reasonable fuel consumption.

It's the heart and soul of this new sport-utility vehicle. Thanks to the RDX, Acura wishes to compete with the BMW X3 while being more subtle. Its performance, reliability and build quality should set it apart.

Widening the line-up

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

Acura's management clearly indicated that it wants to widen the product offering within their division. They want Acura's products to distinguish themselves with their technology, but for the moment, they don't want to be distinct by outlandish styling; in fact, the customers seem to prefer cars that are more discreet and subtle, but that are safer, more technologically advanced, and represent good value. The RDX fits right in that description, and completes the Acura SUV line-up.

The busy urbanite
That's the target customer that Acura's management is shooting for. They see this mid-thirties guy, busy with his cell phone and computer, who works during the week but escapes from it all for the weekend to ski, bicycle, etc. Of course, let's not forget the young families as well as the late-thirties/early-forties couple that also constitute the biggest customer base in this segment, and whose needs are real and practical.

So Acura is looking to marry two styles, two images. There's the spirit that inspired the creation of their RDX. Image plays a very important role in the purchase of a car. Acura built an SUV around that image.

A tough-looking compact
I thought the RDX would compare with the CR-V in terms of dimensions. That's not exactly the case, because the RDX benefits from a new platform sized between the MDX and CR-V. To fulfill the needs of the target audience, we're treated to an SUV that's slightly larger than the other compacts on the market. Its stature advantages it. Head stylist Dave Marek, diverted our attention on certain elements. The lower body of the RDX is massive to give a tough look to the vehicle. In addition, the smaller side windows give the impression that the doors are bigger.

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

Another characteristic hit us: even if the RDX is powered by a turbocharged engine, there is no air intake on the hood. Thanks to their ingenuity, the designers integrated the air intake well under the hood, which avoids breaking the fluid lines of the vehicle. That's a small detail that embellishes the RDX, but that can surprise other drivers during standstill accelerations. Finally, in the rear, you'll notice that the liftgate of the RDX covers the bumper. Not only that we have less the impression of dealing with a truck, but we feel more like being in the presence of an urban vehicle, a cross between a high-riding wagon and an SUV. Personally, at first glance, I thought that the rear of the RDX resembles Subaru's Tribeca.