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The rearward rushing roof is the flashiest part of the ZDX's exterior shape. I can't say that this Acura is unattractive, but the combination of far too many styling cues and design elements throw the eye into a spiral out of which can only stem confusion. From the rear, the haunches serve only to accentuate an overly large ass. Like a thin-wasted, large-bottomed human, the ZDX looks like it'll only get worse as the car ages. The profile is OK and the nose, well... much has been said about Acura's family face.
For the road
Or at least, it should have been. Poor Acura. For starters, some jerk auto journo filled the ZDX with 87 octane fuel before we picked it up, which made the V6 detonate/ping like mad. My wife, who's always been a fan of Acura, asked me when Acura introduced diesel engines in their cars. Here's a tip, kids: premium petrol is highly recommended for a reason.
When properly fed, the 3.7L V6 is good for 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery is linear and well managed by the 6-speed automatic transmission. Acuras are about control, and thanks to the brand's patented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the ZDX gets about better than most compact and midsize luxury crossovers. The vehicle is nimble, sharp and generally good to drive - so long as the road's surface is fair.
In and around town, uneven pavement was met with a suspension and 19" wheels unwilling to gently absorb imperfections. The ZDX won't crash about over bumps, but you will constantly be reminded that you are not behind the wheel of an RL. As is generally the case, this urban bad behaviour translates into poised and qualified highway handling. Unfortunately, speeds above 100 km/h generated far more wind noise than expected despite the presence of active noise cancellation.
The rearward rushing roof is the flashiest part of the ZDX's exterior shape. I can't say that this Acura is unattractive, but the combination of far too many styling cues and design elements throw the eye into a spiral out of which can only stem confusion. From the rear, the haunches serve only to accentuate an overly large ass. Like a thin-wasted, large-bottomed human, the ZDX looks like it'll only get worse as the car ages. The profile is OK and the nose, well... much has been said about Acura's family face.
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| From the rear, the haunches serve only to accentuate an overly large ass. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
For the road
Or at least, it should have been. Poor Acura. For starters, some jerk auto journo filled the ZDX with 87 octane fuel before we picked it up, which made the V6 detonate/ping like mad. My wife, who's always been a fan of Acura, asked me when Acura introduced diesel engines in their cars. Here's a tip, kids: premium petrol is highly recommended for a reason.
When properly fed, the 3.7L V6 is good for 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery is linear and well managed by the 6-speed automatic transmission. Acuras are about control, and thanks to the brand's patented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the ZDX gets about better than most compact and midsize luxury crossovers. The vehicle is nimble, sharp and generally good to drive - so long as the road's surface is fair.
In and around town, uneven pavement was met with a suspension and 19" wheels unwilling to gently absorb imperfections. The ZDX won't crash about over bumps, but you will constantly be reminded that you are not behind the wheel of an RL. As is generally the case, this urban bad behaviour translates into poised and qualified highway handling. Unfortunately, speeds above 100 km/h generated far more wind noise than expected despite the presence of active noise cancellation.
 |
| In and around town, uneven pavement was met with a suspension and 19" wheels unwilling to gently absorb imperfections. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |