2008 Acura RDX is a Show Stopper

By: F. Carlton Peeples

You’ve seen the SUV and Crossover commercials that boast handling, capability and overall performance? You know the ones with phrases like; “You’ll think you’re driving a sports car” or “Built in the spirit of a performance vehicle?” Well more often than not the descriptive is totally off the mark. Because the truth is, most have extra sway and are near impossible to maneuver in the true spirit of a performance coupe or even a full-sized sedan for that matter.

Intro the Acura RDX. The scaled crossover vehicle is somewhat misleading with its deceptively high beltline and lowered underpinnings. I was delightfully surprised at exactly how low I sat in the crossover. I mean I literally felt no difference between sitting in the RDX and hopping into a full-size sedan, a 2008 Mercury Sable to be exact, in terms of ground clearance. But once inside, the Acura RDX offered an incredible amount of consistency with its interior features and amenities, performance-handling and overall capability.

The first thing I noticed as I sped away from the warehouse that houses the press fleet, is how eager the RDX was to get me to where I was going. Right away the engine caught my attention with a snappy growl and a quick jump to 40mph when I clearly was going for the paced cruise-speed required when motoring down the extended warehouse drive that spills out onto busy Grand River Avenue. Whoa…okay, were the first two words to exit my lips, literally! To that affect, I jumped on the freeway where the sensitive pedal-work would slightly guised and I could freely roll with the busy traffic on I-96.

There I was able to do justice for the Technocharged 240-hp, 2.3-liter, I-VTEC® four-cylinder engine. The exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system left my jaw on the ground and my tongue wagging! It’s been a minute…I missed you old friend! RDX filled my need for performance. Though it came in the most unlikely of packages, it was here and it showed up and showed out!

Real quick I want to run through the performance features that truly separate this vehicle from anything you’ve driven out of this class of vehicles. Skillfully combining low weight and the economy of a four-cylinder with the power and authority of a high-performance V6, the intercooled engine features Acura’s innovative variable flow turbocharger. Specifically it’s designed to drastically reduce turbo lag. The pronounced engine delivers 260 lbs-ft of torque and gets 17/22mpg city and highway.

The racing-inspired Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system works to harness RDX’s power, linking the gas pedal and engine throttle electronically, allowing RDX to provide the ideal throttle sensitivity in varying driving conditions. Its steering-wheel-mounted pedal shifting is nearly unheard of on a Crossover Vehicle.

Two shift algorithms automatically step in during steep hills or when accelerating through curves. The Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control systems take of that as well as eliminate the type of “gear hunting” common to conventional automatics. When accelerating through a curve the SHC delays upshifting to avoid disrupting the chassis or power delivery until the curve is completed.

To reinforce the amount of sports-tuned precision the RDX wields, simply check out its cat-like stance, its accented wheels and performance-inspired wheelbase or aerodynamic outer-body.

But to see how that applies to you, simply get in. Ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory settings for two drivers sets the bar. Both front seats are generously bolstered to keep you and your passenger well situated during spirited driving and each can be individually heated on cold days.

What’s the most eye-catching and unique with regard to RDX’s interior is 8-inch, full color center display screen providing a wealth of info. Everything from audio to climate control systems is displayed. It displays all the usual audio information as well as XM® Satellite Radio stations and CD/MP3 titles.Acura Navigations System, rearview camera and other vitals are all in full view with large icons and on-screen graphics that easily visible at a glance and adjusted by either the system controls or voice command.

RDX features the Acura/ELS Surround Premium Surround® Premium Sound System, a 410-watt system that has 10 speakers including a powered 8-inch sub. It’s the first production vehicle to used digital 96 kHz sampling for a smoother sound.

What I love most (besides the engine) is the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system that enables the driver to communicate anytime without every removing his/her hand from the steering wheel.

Acura RDX is the type of vehicle that doesn’t have to grow on you. You’ll fall for it at first glance. Performance and style handling and precision are all wrapped up into this lively offering from Acura!

2008 Acura RDX at a glance:
Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System w/ XM Satellite Radio
Navigation w/ Real Time Traffic Updates
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink
Technocharged 2.3-liter, I-VTEC® engine
Starting at $33,195