2007 Acura MDX Preview

(Photo: Acura)

The second generation 2007 Acura MDX will be making its way into showrooms by the end of this year. The original 2001 design, which broke the mould in the luxury SUV segment, was created in North America for this market and the all-new version is no different. The MDX will continue to be assembled in Alliston, Ontario.

Where the 2001-06 version handled well and had great road manners, the next MDX will be even sharper. Honed and tuned on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, the new MDX will establishes itself as a driver's SUV. Beginning with Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, the truck will clamber to corners and curves like no other. Under the

(Photo: Acura)

chiselled hood, a 300 hp 3.7-litre, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine will make short work of acceleration times all the while consuming an estimated 12L / 100 km on the combined cycle and complying to strict Tier 2 BIN 5 emission levels.

The list of standard features is exhaustive, as expected. From 18" alloy wheels to HID headlights, seating for 7 passengers, a 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System to 6 air bags and dual-stage front knee bolsters, the fully revised MDX will offer all levels of convenience and luxury. Two option packages will available to the buyer. The first, the Technology Package, will include Navigation, a 410-watt DVD-Audio Dolby Pro Logic II 10 speaker sound system, a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, Tri-Zone, automatic climate control system and perforated premium full-grain leather seating surfaces. To it, an Elite Package can

(Photo: Acura)

added and it consist of an Active damper system, exclusive wheels and interior trim, a rear DVD entertainment system, auto-levelling HID headlights and a remote power-operated tailgate.

Poised to take on the likes of the BMW X5, the 2007 MDX will please the successful professional families with school-age children, the typical buyer of the previous truck. This time, the MDX will add a large dose of spice and performance to the mix. As the luxury SUV segment is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, the Acura might just grab a larger portion of the market share.