Vehicle: 2007 Acura RDX
Price as tested: CDN$41000

Performance: Powered by RDX is one of the world’s finest turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the world. Its a 2.3 liter i-VTEC DOHC, which shares the same engine structure with Acura’s excellent 2.4 liter i-VTEC normally aspirated unit currently resides in TSX. In RDX’s case, this powerplant is good for 250 horses and an awe-inspiring 260 lb/ft of torque. 260 lb/ft of torque might not seem much in today’s world. It works better in real world than on paper consider this CUV weights close to 4000 lb. Both the acceleration and refinement are astounishing. The throttle response is brisk without being too aggressive. When matched with its standard 5-speed manumatic with sequential shifter, this engine provides like magic at any rev range. The manumatic allows enthuisastic driver to up and downshifts at redline. Both the ratios and crispness are well-suited to RDX’s sporty character. On the other hand, there isn’t any turbo lag. The turbo spools right away thanks to Acura’s advanced VTG, or Variable Turbine Geometry.

Handling: Combined with a stiff chassis with one of the world’s best all-wheel drive system, SH-AWD, RDX is as capable in corners as it is on the straight-line. Yes, there is still some safe understeer when driven aggressively. This set-up is understandable given RDX’s status-of-life as a CUV. However, its dynamic abilities feel more like a sportswagon than anything called Crossover Utility Vehicle. The sport-tuned suspension hangs on to every curve confidently without losing stream. On the other hand, its springs and shocks have calibrated exceptionally when absorbing every bumps and roughness called Canadian roads. It does ride firmer than most car-based SUVs on the road. But its not to the extent where its a rough-riding vehicle. The steering is sharp and precise, with the usual feedback as one expected from a performance-oriented Acura products. There are some body rolls but its all well-controlled, regardless of how hard you want to push. The most pleasant surprise is the instrusiveness of VSA. This stability control never instrusive until the driver gets to the nasty. It won’t step in until the computer detects both oversteer and understeer are going out of control soon. That leaves plenty of threshold for enthuisastic drivers to let the tail out a bit before it starts to kick-in.

Brakes: Its braking performance pretty much sums up RDX’s overall dynamic package. The stopping distance is short and pedal feel is excellent. Both the pedal modulation and feel have to be consider as the best in class.

Interior: Inside the RDX, its everything you expect from an Acura. It begins with the use of classy materials thoroughout the dashboard and center console. There are some sporty aluminum trim to brighten up the black interior. While the leather seats are covered in high-quality hides, its level of support is equally impressive. There are plenty of storage space on the door panels. Inside the center console, its deep enough to put a laptop.

Both the head and legrooms are more than enough in the back seat.

With a very low liftover, a squared hatch cut-off and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, RDX is equally versatile as practical.

Conclusion: With the introduction of RDX, Acura has resetted the standards of compact SUV. It just does everything wonderfully without sacificing the practicality of being a jacked-up sportswagon. For those who asked why bother with an I-4 turbo instead of a 6-cylinder, drive it before you knock it because this 250hp turbo can outgunned many of those so-called 6 banger competitions.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 ACURA RDX
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5