The new RDX – up close
What could be behind RDX’s strong sales showing last May? Acura has made just some changes in the powerplant, suspension, and some tweaks on the looks of RDX.
First, to reduce weight and provide fuel economy, Acura equipped the RDX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, its first forced-induction part. A four-banger in a vehicle costing close to $40,000 is a risky gambit, but the RDX did emerge as one of the lightest crossovers in the market, and its 6.5-second sprint to 60 mph makes it the roadster of the SUV world. However, that the 20HP-stronger BMW X3 matched the RDX’s quarter-mile trap speed, and by the time both are blazing through at 100 mph, the BMW is expected to be a tenth ahead.
One of Acura’s views for the RDX is for the SUV to have the riding pleasure of the TSX sedan. Mission accomplished. The steering is light and sharp-responsing. Hence, with right-now turn-in, the driver always know what the front tires are up to. During a recent text, the RDX exhibited no uncontrolled body motions and showed impeccable command of turns.
The new RDX also summoned the greatest skid pad grip and the highest speed throug. Although its transmission offers only five selections, the “manumatic” paddles behind the steering wheel functioned so instantly and intuitively that batting it is just like having exchanges in a pingpong match.
A Super Handling All-Wheel Drive routes power to the outside rear wheel in corners to stave off premature understeer. Coupled with a set of aggressively designed seats, the RDX emerged as the sports car of the SUV market.
There is however, a disadvantage in RDX’s otherwise excellent handling abilities. It is the unyielding ride, flinty over small-displacement ripples and bust-the-backside harsh over potholes.
Overall though, the RDX does not show much kinks in its armor.