The driveline is mainly unchanged for 2010, albeit for some noise-deadening measures under the hood and some transmission tweaks in the name of fuel economy.
On this writer's watch, overall test mileage throughout a week of sporty driving averaged 13.5L / 100km. There's room for improvement here, and admittedly, I was unable to shake the RDX's addictive power curve and the constant temptation to send it scrambling out of corners. If your right foot can’t stay out of the sauce, your wallet will pay for it at the pumps.
The four-cylinder engine's variable-vane turbocharger kicks in at a moment’s notice, grafting heaps of low and mid-range torque onto the power-band and enhancing responsiveness in city driving conditions. Listen closely and you can even hear the turbocharger whistling and sighing as spools up and down.
The torque-boost trails off at higher revs, though Honda’s Valve Timing Electronic Control (VTEC) system ensures decent pulling power to near the redline. It's a fun unit to put through its paces, and a great vehicle to be in a rush with.
RDX even gives drivers a little window into its high-performance hardware via a boost gauge and digital 'SH-AWD' readout on the instrument cluster.
Handling, handling handling
The experience is all backed up by a stiff, solid and tight suspension. The ride can become harsh over badly-maintained roads, but the RDX more than redeems where chassis responsiveness, steering and handling dynamics are concerned. It’s a machine that demands the driver’s attention and rewards them for it--not exactly a common trait in an SUV.
Simple and cutting-edge cabin
Drivers take in the performance from a mildly updated cabin that features revised cupholders, an arm-swallowing center console bin, and upgraded leather seating. The tester carried Acura’s ‘Technology’ package too-- adding navigation, voice recognition, a revised display screen, upgraded audio components and a solar-sensing auto climate control system. A backup camera is standard for 2010 as well.
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| The RDX Technology’s cabin also benefits from good visibility, a high-tech atmosphere and plenty of storage at the driver’s reach. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
On this writer's watch, overall test mileage throughout a week of sporty driving averaged 13.5L / 100km. There's room for improvement here, and admittedly, I was unable to shake the RDX's addictive power curve and the constant temptation to send it scrambling out of corners. If your right foot can’t stay out of the sauce, your wallet will pay for it at the pumps.
The four-cylinder engine's variable-vane turbocharger kicks in at a moment’s notice, grafting heaps of low and mid-range torque onto the power-band and enhancing responsiveness in city driving conditions. Listen closely and you can even hear the turbocharger whistling and sighing as spools up and down.
The torque-boost trails off at higher revs, though Honda’s Valve Timing Electronic Control (VTEC) system ensures decent pulling power to near the redline. It's a fun unit to put through its paces, and a great vehicle to be in a rush with.
RDX even gives drivers a little window into its high-performance hardware via a boost gauge and digital 'SH-AWD' readout on the instrument cluster.
Handling, handling handling
The experience is all backed up by a stiff, solid and tight suspension. The ride can become harsh over badly-maintained roads, but the RDX more than redeems where chassis responsiveness, steering and handling dynamics are concerned. It’s a machine that demands the driver’s attention and rewards them for it--not exactly a common trait in an SUV.
Simple and cutting-edge cabin
Drivers take in the performance from a mildly updated cabin that features revised cupholders, an arm-swallowing center console bin, and upgraded leather seating. The tester carried Acura’s ‘Technology’ package too-- adding navigation, voice recognition, a revised display screen, upgraded audio components and a solar-sensing auto climate control system. A backup camera is standard for 2010 as well.
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| The experience is all backed up by a stiff, solid and tight suspension. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |