Performance powertrain
Acura affirms that the RDX performs well, and I think they're right. The engineers cooked up a superb powertrain from the best elements of Honda's research team. Firsthand, a 2.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder with an aluminum block was dropped in the engine bay, featuring crankshaft and nickel-headed pistons lifted from the S2000. An all-new turbocharger was bolted on, designed by Mitsubishi but tuned by both firms. This turbo features a mechanical pressure system as well as an electronic fuel system that control the speed of the turbo, and the air/fuel mixture at all speeds.
Constant power is thus achieved, without any harshness, even at low speeds. The engine develops 240 horsepower, but what surprises me the most is the 260 lb-ft of torque that's present even at low rpm. At 2,000 rpm, even in 4th gear, you feel the power come on with authority and smoothness. This powertrain is coupled to a 5-speed automatic
transmission that is normally used with V6 engines, which allows for better absorbing torque. You can either let the gearbox change speeds itself or use shift levers mounted on the steering wheel. The engine and transmission combo work like a charm and make the RDX fun to drive.
The all-wheel drive comes from the excellent system developed for the RL in 2005. It's called Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Not only does it send power from the front to the rear wheels, but it can also transfer power from the left wheel to the right ones, and vice-versa. In the RDX, the capability of sensing different wheel speeds between front and rear, even in curves, which ensures constant traction in any condition. Since we tried out the RDX on paved roads under the sun, we couldn't put the system to test, although if we did, we didn't feel it.
On the road
The smooth power of the turbo makes for a drive in the city and on the highway that will please Sunday drivers and sports car fans alike. On back roads, we preferred keeping the engine in 4th gear, leaving that torque do the work. Otherwise, for the fun of it, we used the sport mode and shift levers for driving faster and for passing. Test numbers, measured in less than ideal conditions, pleased us all the same: 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, and 80-120 km/h passing times of 7.24 seconds in automatic mode and 6.4 in 3rd gear. It can do better.
Braking is powerful and constant. If the steering is precise, it doesn't give you enough feedback of the road; we have a little trouble sensing where our wheels are. Handling is superb on flat surfaces. On a bumpy road, we feel them, but the RDX remains stable and easy to manoeuver. However, it's comfort that suffers. We recommended that Acura retune the shock settings; anywhere in North America, you'll find bad, poorly-maintained roads.
When will you see it?
Not before the middle or the end of September. Prices for the RDX will only be known in mid-August, but we were told that the price for the base model, which is already very well equipped, should come in at under $40,000. Acura is betting a lot on this super urban utility. The powertrain, well thought out and efficient, deserves being tried out. The interior fit and finish also deserves raves. Acura wants battle with the likes of the BMW X3, the Murano and the FX35, which are luxury V6 SUVs. It can hold its own against its rivals thanks to its engine, which is more economical and pollutes much less, while maybe surpassing them in terms of performance and handling.
Strong points
Powertrain
Performance
Handling
Comfort in front
Weak points
Comfort on bumpy roads
Comfort of back seat
Foot-actuated parking brake (for some)
 |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
Constant power is thus achieved, without any harshness, even at low speeds. The engine develops 240 horsepower, but what surprises me the most is the 260 lb-ft of torque that's present even at low rpm. At 2,000 rpm, even in 4th gear, you feel the power come on with authority and smoothness. This powertrain is coupled to a 5-speed automatic
 |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
The all-wheel drive comes from the excellent system developed for the RL in 2005. It's called Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Not only does it send power from the front to the rear wheels, but it can also transfer power from the left wheel to the right ones, and vice-versa. In the RDX, the capability of sensing different wheel speeds between front and rear, even in curves, which ensures constant traction in any condition. Since we tried out the RDX on paved roads under the sun, we couldn't put the system to test, although if we did, we didn't feel it.
On the road
The smooth power of the turbo makes for a drive in the city and on the highway that will please Sunday drivers and sports car fans alike. On back roads, we preferred keeping the engine in 4th gear, leaving that torque do the work. Otherwise, for the fun of it, we used the sport mode and shift levers for driving faster and for passing. Test numbers, measured in less than ideal conditions, pleased us all the same: 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, and 80-120 km/h passing times of 7.24 seconds in automatic mode and 6.4 in 3rd gear. It can do better.
Braking is powerful and constant. If the steering is precise, it doesn't give you enough feedback of the road; we have a little trouble sensing where our wheels are. Handling is superb on flat surfaces. On a bumpy road, we feel them, but the RDX remains stable and easy to manoeuver. However, it's comfort that suffers. We recommended that Acura retune the shock settings; anywhere in North America, you'll find bad, poorly-maintained roads.
When will you see it?
 |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
Strong points
Powertrain
Performance
Handling
Comfort in front
Weak points
Comfort on bumpy roads
Comfort of back seat
Foot-actuated parking brake (for some)
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