As is its habit, Acura used the occasion of the last Detroit auto show to present what it called a prototype but actually closely resembled a finished product. This time around the attraction was an early version of the 2019 Acura RDX, the automaker’s entry-level SUV. Now, we will get to see the real deal as the model gets its official premiere at the 2018 New York International Auto Show on March 28.
As for the model’s styling, take a look at the so-called concept version revealed in Detroit, and you know pretty much exactly what it’ll look like. Click this link, or see below.
Our thumbs are pointing upwards regarding its design. After years of trying to find a distinctive signature, Acura finally seems to have found it. The RDX’s demeanour is replete with character, borrowing some crucial new elements from the recent TLX and MDX.
What will be worth checking out in NYC, is the content that the RDX will propose within that shell. This model has to take on some pretty big names – think Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Great styling is, well, great; but what the vehicle actually offers in terms of equipment and driving dynamics will decide if it swims or sinks.
On that front, Acura is promising improved road grip thanks to the SH-AWD system with torque vectoring. Power will be provided by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo wedded to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers will choose between four drive modes (Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Snow), made possible by the Integrated Dynamics System, which is based on the one included in the NXS sports car.
Inside, occupants will benefit from a multimedia screen (though not touch - a surprise given current industry trends). Instead, Acura is thinking innovatively by proposing the True Touchpad Interface, which, as the name suggests, allows users to navigate using a touchpad, a bit like on a laptop. The prototype shown in Detroit had a 10.2-inch screen, and we expect that to have found its way into the production version.
Of course, we’ll be providing more detailed information on March 28 as the new 2019 Acura RDX gets its official coming-out celebration in the Big Apple.
It’s clear that the automaker has a lot riding on this new edition and benefits from little room for error. The products being offered by the competition have been polished and improved to the point where the RDX will have to really shine to get its share of the pie.
