|  The 2007 Acura RDX, shown on three previous occasions in various states of conceptual dress, finally debuted in final production format at the 2006 New York Auto Show. An entry-level crossover vehicle sharing a platform with the redesigned Honda CR-V, the 2007 RDX is smaller than the MDX, able to seat five in a pinch but better suited for four adults.
Under the 2007 Acura RDX’s hood is the company’s first turbocharged engine, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder good for 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Acura employs a variable flow turbo to help erase lag and ensure that there’s plenty of power throughout the rev range. Acura says the RDX will deliver an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The exterior styling of the RDX could be described as somewhat similar to the Acura MDX model, yet it appears to have a much more futuristic look about it. The distinctive and slightly pointed front-end idea has now been carried to the rear, which makes this model instantly recognizable from any angle. The vehicle also appears altogether more streamlined and car-like than the MDX. Acura says that it envisions the RDX as more like an SUV version of its TSX sedan.
The 2007 Acura RDX is powered by a 2.3-liter, turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder engine. Rated at 240 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, it's coupled to a five-speed automatic, with a paddle-shifter, manumatic function. RDX makes the trip from 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The freewheeling four-cylinder engine makes some noise getting the job done, more so than a like-powered six. However, Acura expects that its new luxury clientele, raised on high revving, performance fours, will harbor no audio antipathy toward the turbo's soundtrack. And too, using the four allowed Acura to extract a wee bit more mileage out of the two-ton RDX. EPA estimates peg the new Acura's mileage at 19 mpg in city driving, 23 on the highway.
Its interior design would not be out of place in a sports-luxury sedan at the same price point, with a pleasant design, multiple materials and textures, and well-designed heated sports seats covered with perforated leather. Pretty much anything that can be power-operated is, although over-the-top features like a power tailgate and keyless starting are not found. LED-backlit analog gauges are easy to read, and useful information can be displayed in the "welcome" area set into the speedometer. The audio system handles AM, FM, and XM satellite radio, as well as CDs and MP3 or WMA files from CD or an external player via a jack in the audio head. An iPod-specific hookup is available. The Technology Package adds a navigation system with real-time traffic information (where available), a Bluetooth-based hands-free phone connection, a backup camera, an upgraded audio system, and more. The nav and phone system interfaces are relatively simple and intuitive, and can be helped by the car's voice-recognition system. It's the compleat tech vehicle. It was designed for young singles or couples, and should suit them well. The rear seat can carry another couple easily, and it folds flat with a flip-and-fold 60/40 split for cargo duty.
Safety is paramount in the design and construction of the Acura RDX. It's built for bumper-height compatibility with cars, to lessen collision damage, and its unibody structure also has front and rear crumple zones and side-intrusion beams. All seating positions have three-point safety belts, and active head restraints, dual-stage, dual threshold front airbags, and front side airbags further protect front occupants, while all side occupants get protection from side-curtain airbags. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, a rollover sensor, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)(tm) also add protection.
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