The Acura MDX: For Off-Road Adepts
For station wagon adepts, the Acura MDX will prove to be a champ performer on the road. Though not for rock climbing travails, the MDX is one of the most powerful in Acura’s line of luxury mid size sport utility vehicles. The MDX has been refined and a few styling modifications have made it more than ready to offer a few new surprises for the year 2007. Engine power, smooth handling, with paddle shifters that work without a hitch—all make the Acura MDX a choice for those who have it in their heads to set off for some off-the-road driving or for improved traction response on tricky terrains like those littered by mud, ice or snow.
The modifications that Acura, which is a luxury brand of Japanese auto maker Honda, has implemented includes the outfitting of a grille into the model. In addition, the longer wheelbase accounts for the new look of the MDX. Since the car now follows a longer wheelbase, the car sports a more aggressive look simply apt for those off the road adventures. Still, with the two inches advance, the MDX still counts as one of shortest in Acura’s line of such cars. So, for those drivers who do not relish the notion of having to contend with a car that’s a wee bit too long in the wheelbase are safe from such worries.
There’s ample space for three rows that can seat seven people in each. The headroom of the MDX is also luxurious. So tall people won’t have to employ contortionist skills simply to fit inside the confines of this Acura model. Admittedly though, the third row seat up, while capable of exceptional carrying capacity, is more suitable for children than adults.
Aside from the comfort offered by the interiors of the car, the new 3.7 liter V6 takes the place of the 3.5 liter liter unit. A boost of 47 horsepower gets added to an even 300. Given that the car weights for more than 4,000 pounds, the MDX is not quite as light as other cars of its ilk. But with the degree of engine power that it can generate on the road, trouble can still spring if one isn’t too careful on the steering. For those who will go for bouts of Interstate driving, a careful and precise monitoring as well as handling of the cruise control is an absolute requirement.
The car has a 5-speed automatic transmission that comes with a sequential sport shift functionality. The sequential shifter allows adjustments via the paddles behind the steering wheel. Tuning out of the manual mode is also quite easy, simply hit the “=” when the car is in “fifth” or “-” when one is driving in the first gear. Doing so will activate the automatic mode. Unlike a number of cars that utilize sequential shifters, the Acura MDX offers no such troubles, affording only smooth functionality at all times.
Other commendable additions into the car include a second row of heated seats that are certain to make one’s passengers warm and snug in the merry days of winter, a navigation system that has voice recognition features as well as traffic details that will prove quite useful in traffic situations. There is also the rearview camera that allows for a more absolute view of side and back traffic so incidents the likes of running over suicidal squirrels or civilians can be avoided. An adjustable suspension makes for better stability and a DVD entertainment system allows for moments of amusement while one is on the way to somewhere. Of course, given that this is a luxury vehicle from Honda, one can hardly expect any less.
The front row seats of the car provide utter comfort, even with a bit of side support woe. Rear seats have spacious leg room so those with long limbs need not suffer a strained and constricted ride. Cargo space is enough and access is via a power liftgate.
Overall, the Acura MDX performs to the best of each and every one of its talents, combining the advantages of an SUV packaged in pure Acura comfort as well as style while still being able to stay within a reasonable price queue.