Acura CSX Type-S fills sporty niche

The most immediate effect of this last development is that the made-in-Ontario-for-Canada CSX Type-S is $3,500 less expensive than it was in 2007.

The disappearance of the S2000 last year after a 10-year run relegates the CSX Type-S to the status of being the most overtly sporty car in Honda's lineup. Now, some may wonder why a motorsport-and engineering-driven company such as Honda has entrusted its street cred to a car powered by a 197-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder.

Historically, Honda has long chosen this route, with zippy, small-displacement engines that one can rev the bejesus out of. Besides, the baby Acura can't help but bring out the latent racer in a driver. Although it no longer holds the same significance it once did, the idea that the CSX Type-S's naturally aspirated engine can bang out nearly 100 hp per litre of displacement is still pretty impressive. Still, it takes a modicum of adjustment to get used to an engine with an 8,000-r. p.m. redline that doesn't show full power until 7,800 r.p.m.

2010 Acura MDX: The Biggest Acura Ever

Acura MDX
For those readers hailing from the other side of the Rocky Mountains, let me tell you one thing you need to know about Vancouver: it’s full of incredibly wealthy people. Stand on a streetcorner in trendy Yaletown, and you’ll be treated to a cavalcade of motor vehicles that would look at home in Dubai, with things like Gallardos, DB9s and F430s all rendering little more than a cursory glance from the waiting valets. Although none of the vest-wearing car jockeys will likely forget their first short jaunt in something from Maranello or Sant Agata, any more than a few months’ service makes them jaded, and it isn’t until an Enzo or Reventon pulls up that you’ll see a few raised eyebrows amongst the crowd.

Of course, this being Vancouver, those all-too-expensive exotics are all but useless for the majority of the year as our local climate competes with the South Pacific’s monsoon season for rainfall records. But if you’ve got a Lamborghini parked in the garage of your trendy downtown apartment, you probably aren’t prepared to ride the bus for the remaining 10 months of the year, which brings us to this: the Acura MDX. One of the first premium SUVs on the market at the turn of the century and the first seven-passenger crossover, the MDX (which, coincidentally stands for “Multi-Dimensional luXury”) has been an unequivocal hit locally due to its combination of space, all-weather capability, and of course, trendy brand positioning. And after a thorough redesign recently, even Vancouver most narcissistic denizens found their eyes drawn to the dramatically styled SUV.

Because with the now-obligatory “Power Plenum” styling, the MDX is absolutely impossible to ignore, be it in the move or parked at the local Lululemon store. However, while the same styling looks a little egregious on the smaller sedans in the Acura lineup, the larger fascia of the MDX serves as a better canvas for Acura’s heavy-handed stylists. Flanking the to-scale grille is a pair of equally interesting headlights that, although sharing some shapes with the rest of the Acura lineup, manage to look a little more organic. On either side, the MDX’s fender flares bear a striking resemble to those found on its platform-sharing stablemate, the Honda Pilot, and do a good job of making the otherwise minimally sculpted flanks slightly more interesting. Out back, Acura finishes the MDX off with perhaps my favourite Acura styling trait; a pair of shaped exhaust tips that look as if they were machined from a solid chunk of billet. Interestingly, although being wider than all its competitors (the X5 comes close, but still measures about half an inch narrower between the wheels), the MDX’s body styling boasts impressive aerodynamic chops, besting even the big Bavarian in the wind tunnel. By testing the vehicle in a windtunnel equipped with a turntable, Acura engineers were able to turn the vehicle perpendicular to the wind direction to evaluate interior noise levels in strong crosswinds as well as during simulated highway driving, and the result is actually quite commendable. Commuting through farmland completely devoid of windbreaks, the moderate gusts that are indicative of late summer in Vancouver had little effect of the MDX’s composure and stability.

Acura MDX, Mazda MX-5

Acura Canada is pushing the MDX hard – harder than any other model in its fleet. Deals? Of course. This is unusual, too. Acura and its parent, Honda Canada, are unaccustomed to cash-back deals and cut-rate financing and subvented leasing. At least unaccustomed to being so obvious about it.

But in a tough market, Acura is moving the metal the old-fashioned way – with deals. Here’s a look at what we dug up on the MDX, along with three other interesting deals. As usual, Deals of the Week obtained pricing information

2010 Acura MDX.

2010 Acura MDX

MSRP: $51,990

Freight, dealer prep, air conditioning tax: $1,995

Dealer discount (estimated): $2,000

Taxable subtotal: $51,985

Total price with 8 per cent PST and 5 per cent GST: $58,743.05

Factory discount: $4,500 (Non-stackable trading dollars, factory-to-dealer rebate on cash deals only)

2010 Acura ZDX Price and photos

According to the latest information, 2010 Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe will be available at the dealeships across US on December 15 with a base MSRP of $45,495, plus a destination and handling charge of $810.

2010 Acura ZDX

2010 Acura ZDX

2010 Acura ZDX

2010 Acura RDX Photo Gallery

Never content resting on its laurels, Acura brings to market the 2010 RDX with a fresh new exterior look, a more luxurious interior, and a host of new technology features. For 2010, the RDX is now available with a two-wheel drive option which offers improved fuel economy and a lower price point over its SH-AWD™ counterpart.

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

Acura ZDX Photos

Acura ZDX

Acura ZDX

Acura ZDX Photos

Road Test: 2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

For 2010, the Acura RDX has received a minor facelift. True, the changes are not Earth-shattering, but they do serve to keep the SUV contemporary. Along with the freshened front (which means the addition of the familiar Acura shield, aka "the beak") and rear fascias come some sharper tailpipes and a few new standard features. The RDX now includes Bluetooth (long overdue), automatic headlights, a USB input, compass and a backup camera with the display appearing in the rearview mirror. These items add to the RDX's overall ease of operation.

One of the biggest changes taking place in the auto industry is the shift away from V8 and V6 engines toward turbocharged and, occasionally, supercharged sixes and four-cylinders. This shift is being driven by the need to improve engine efficiency and reduce both fuel consumption and emissions without giving up on power. Acura was one of the first to embrace the turbocharged mantra when it launched the RDX as a 2007 model. Today, Ford has its EcoBoost lineup, Audi its TFSI range and Kia has the Sportage, soon to be released with a turbocharged four replacing the traditional V6.

The advantage to this strategy is simple. When driven as though there's an egg between the driver's foot and the gas pedal, a blown four delivers the same sort of fuel economy as its naturally aspirated counterpart. Pour on the coals, however, and the turbo spools up to deliver the performance of a six and then some. In many cases, the turbocharged four actually outdoes a similarly powered V6 because the torque turns up for work much earlier.

In the RDX's case, its turbo 2.3-litre four produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and it does so in an impressive manner. Power is delivered in a linear fashion, and it arrives without the engine getting flustered as it reaches for redline. The RDX puts 100 kilometres an hour on the clock in 7.8 seconds and turns the 80-to-120-km/h trick in a speedy 5.8 seconds. The advantage of the turbo was confirmed by my fuel economy test average of 11.1 litres per 100 km, which is better than many sixes offering similar performance. In fairness, I could have lowered the consumption appreciably had it not been so much fun winding up the turbo.

The five-speed manumatic transmission helps overall performance as the ratios keep the engine in its sweet spot for more of its working life. That stated, the RDX would put six speeds to much better use. Adding an extra gear and rejigging the ratio spacing would bring a faster launch off the line and easier highway cruising.

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech HPT

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech HPT

BASE PRICE: $35,105 for base TL; $38,655 for base TL with AWD; $38,835 for TL FWD with technology package; $39,835 for TL FWD with tech package and 18-inch wheels; $42,385 for TL AWD with tech package; $43,385 for TL AWD with tech package and high performance tires.

AS TESTED: $44,195.

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, mid-size, luxury sedan.

ENGINE: 3.7-liter, single overhead cam V-6 with VTEC.

MILEAGE: 17 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 134 mph.

LENGTH: 195.5 inches.

WHEELBASE: 109.3 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,975 pounds.

BUILT AT: Marysville, Ohio.

OPTIONS: None.

DESTINATION CHARGE: $810

A look at the 2010 Acura TL

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech HPT

BASE PRICE: $35,105 for base TL; $38,655 for base TL with AWD; $38,835 for TL FWD with technology package; $39,835 for TL FWD with tech package and 18-inch wheels; $42,385 for TL AWD with tech package; $43,385 for TL AWD with tech package and high performance tires.

AS TESTED: $44,195.

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, mid-size, luxury sedan.

ENGINE: 3.7-liter, single overhead cam V-6 with VTEC.

MILEAGE: 17 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 134 mph.

LENGTH: 195.5 inches.

WHEELBASE: 109.3 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,975 pounds.

BUILT AT: Marysville, Ohio.

OPTIONS: None.

DESTINATION CHARGE: $810

2010 Acura ZDX

2010 Acura ZDX

The 2010 Acura ZDX is not for everyone. It's not even a safe bet. It's for people reaching beyond the typical. It's for risk takers, people who define their vehicles instead of the other way around. Astronauts come to mind as potential ZDX drivers. They would appreciate the engineering finesse of Acura, and the ZDX could pass for a lunar rover. My test vehicle even arrived in NASA white. If not from another planet, the ZDX is definitely from something outside of Acura's wheelhouse. Honda's luxury brand has finally built a vehicle to that makes the giant bottle opener of a grille look tolerable.

Mixing things up is a good thing for Acura. The brand seems to have struggled in recent years with defining who it wants in its cars and crossovers.

There's nothing understated about the ZDX, which Acura refers to as a four-door sports coupe, a phrase I hate. Ray LaHood, the automotive kingpin and Secretary of Transportation, should ban any manufacturer from attaching the term "sports coupe" to a vehicle if it.

Acura tops list of luxury SUVs

Model boasts improved powertrain and fuel economy; magazine also lifts ‘don’t buy’ advisory after Lexus GX 460 modifications

The MDX earned an “excellent’’ overall road test score of 85, outperforming the Land Rover LR4, which earned a “very good’’ 73; the new Lincoln MKT, which earned a “very good’’ 72; and the Audi Q7, which earned a “very good’’ 68.

Only the MDX is recommended among the four SUVs in this test group. CR only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Auto Survey of its more than 7 million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test. CR doesn’t have sufficient reliability data on the MKT and LR4, and the Audi Q7 has had below-average reliability.

Prices ranged from $46,715 for the MDX to $56,555 for the Lincoln.

Luxist Drives the Acura ZDX, Replies "Y-e-s."

Well this was unexpected: we spent a week in the Acura ZDX and it was terrific. We hadn't given any thought to the quizzical SUV-meets-flying-saucer-looking ride, and that emptiness of mind continued right up to the moment we opened the front door and realized that the roof of the ZDX sits above the driver's seat almost like the roof on the Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black we were just in. Except for the cabin being about a foot higher off the ground, which completely screwed up our reference points. But even though we're still not exactly sure of what it is, we know we liked it, and that's what this thing called life is really all about, no?

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is an odd duck: not only is it the single Honda/Acura vehicle to use a turbocharged engine, it’s also the only luxury crossover with four-cylinder power. This is a class of vehicle where the number of cylinders seems to be perceived as a selling point: if it doesn’t have six or eight of them under the hood, then it must be somehow inadequate.

The 2.3-litre turbo motor, which is unique to the RDX, makes 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the same numbers it sported at the RDX’s introduction in 2007. In 2010, that put it near the back of the pack, specs-wise, against competition like the Audi Q5, Mercedes GLK 350 and Infiniti EX, whose base models all have horsepower ratings ranging from 268 to nearly 300. More competitive is the RDX’s standard use of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, a capable setup that can not only split power between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels, in order to enhance the car’s high-speed handling. Notable is the availability of a front-drive RDX in the U.S. for 2010, but we don’t get that model here.

Review: Acura MDX aims for the tech-savvy crowd

Acura MDX

• Bryan Laviolette: 2010 Acura MDX: The leather in this rig is sumptuous, but the center console is as complicated as something from Boeing.


• Andrew Boyd: Acura buyers are more techno-savvy than your average luxury customer.

If the Facebook conversation above proves true, Acura’s target market should love the new MDX. Optioned with the Advance and Entertainment packages, this MDX’s center stack sports 47 buttons along with two knobs (for adjusting the stereo volume and tuning, YES!). There’s another 17 on the steering wheel. Even the center console has another five. Got button envy? Get an MDX.

There’s a ton of technology available on the MDX including navigation, a killer 10-speaker stereo, active cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and XM radio.

Surprisingly, despite all of that technology, the test vehicle didn’t have keyless start. An actual key flips out of the fob. Strange. But it can be set up to recognize specific drivers and automatically adjust the seat, side mirrors, audio, climate, even navigation preferences.

2010 Acura TL Review

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD

The spirit that gave the world such gems as the Acura NSX and Integra GS-R and Type R lives on in the new-for-2010 TL SH-AWD® with six-speed manual gearbox.

When the fourth generation of the TL, Acura's core-model sedan, debuted for the 2009 model year, it was slightly larger outside, for increased and improved interior space, and better-equipped than the car it replaced. After all, it competes in one of the toughest classes in the automotive world, mid-level performance/luxury. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac, and Lincoln all have one or more entries. So product differentiation and distinctiveness are a must.

With a 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower VTEC® V6, five-speed "Sequential Sportshift" automatic, and front-wheel drive, the "base" TL is nearly as potent as the previous generation's performance-oriented Type S. That model's place has been taken by the TL SH-AWD. Introduced last year with the automatic and a larger and more powerful 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower V6 coupled to a sophisticated "Super Handling-All-Wheel Drive" system that optimally gets that power to the ground in dry as well as winter conditions, and a more performance-oriented suspension tuning, Acura has now upped the ante with the manual model.

That a stick-shift performance-luxury sedan is now the option is a sign of the times, as automatics have improved considerably from the ancient days of "slushboxes" and even first-line racing cars no longer use the traditional manual transmission. Maybe five percent of cars sold today have sticks, and most of those are in the class in which the TL competes. A stick demands a higher degree of involvement with the vehicle, and physical and mental coordination on the part of the driver, than an automatic. And so, for the enthusiast driver, is more rewarding. And to make the manual TL SH-AWD even more rewarding for that sort of driver, its suspension and driveline are further upgraded from regular SH-AWD specification. The result is a car that is a proud continuation of a line pioneered by the NSX and Integra Type R.

Fittingly, my first experience with the 2010 TL SH-AWD stick was on a racetrack, at a journalists' association test day. The car was impressive - the harder I pushed it, the happier it felt. No lap records were in danger - the purpose of such an event is to be able to drive comfortably fast but still well within one's limits, without having to worry about flashing lights in the rear-view mirror. The TL was popular, and circulated all day long, none the worse for wear. Well, except for the tires…

The same car, with what was left of the same tires, showed up in my driveway last week. It worked as well on the street as it did on the track, giving a very pleasurable driving experience. The AWD system neatly eliminates torque steer, and despite the high-performance tuned suspension the ride quality is supple enough for maximum seat time. Which is also enhanced by the inclusion of Acura's Technology Package with upgraded leather sport seats and navigation, communications, and premium audio systems. The stick-shift TL SH-AWD establishes Acura's presence in the mid-size performance-luxury field.

APPEARANCE: If Acura's massive grille is controversial, at least it's distinctive and immediately identifiable. As is the dynamically-angular shape, with well-defined lines, low, wide headlamps, prominent wheel arches, and long, arched, near-fastback passenger cabin. Large LED taillights, stainless steel trim, and "quad" exhaust tips define the rear.

COMFORT: Welcome to what Acura calls "intelligent luxury". The TL does not have the overstuffed softness of Old American Luxury, nor does it have the near-austerity of the German interpretation. With visually busy forms and multiple materials and textures, think "tuner sport-compact does luxury". Which, come to think of it, is the car's mien, and factory tuner car at that. With the stick, the SH-AWD gets the Technology Package, which means all of the current high-tech accoutrements: pushbutton start/stop and keyless entry, voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic display and re-routing and real-time weather forecasts and visual doppler radar display, upgraded seats, and an upgraded AM/FM/XM/CD/USB/minijack audio system. The driving experience is improved by good ergonomics, an instrument panel with clearly visible backlit instruments and easy-to-use controls (including the nav system) and a tilt- and telescope-adjustable leather-rimmed steering wheel with cruise, phone, and auxiliary audio controls. The rear seat will comfortably hold two medium-sized adults and has a ski-passthrough and armrest in the center. It doesn't fold, all the better for structural integrity and chassis rigidity. The medium-sized trunk has a moderate opening and a space-saver spare under its floor.

Acura MDX tops Consumer Reports test

Acura MDX
The refreshed Acura MDX posted an “Excellent” overall score to top Consumer Reports’ tests of four luxury SUVs for its June 2010 issue, and is now the magazine’s top-rated three-row luxury SUV.

Acura MDX

The MDX earned an overall road test score of 85, outperforming the Land Rover LR4 at 73, the Lincoln MKT at 72, and the Audi Q7 at 68. The other three vehicles all earned “Very Good” scores.

Of the four, only the MDX receives a “Recommended” rating. Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on subscriber surveys, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test. The magazine doesn’t have sufficient reliability data on the MKT or LR4, and the Audi Q7 has had below-average reliability.

Review: Acura MDX

Acura MDX

• Bryan Laviolette: 2010 Acura MDX: The leather in this rig is sumptuous, but the center console is as complicated as something from Boeing.


• Andrew Boyd: Acura buyers are more techno-savvy than your average luxury customer.

If the Facebook conversation above proves true, Acura’s target market should love the new MDX. Optioned with the Advance and Entertainment packages, this MDX’s center stack sports 47 buttons along with two knobs (for adjusting the stereo volume and tuning, YES!). There’s another 17 on the steering wheel. Even the center console has another five. Got button envy? Get an MDX.

There’s a ton of technology available on the MDX including navigation, a killer 10-speaker stereo, active cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and XM radio.

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon traditionally get different Honda products than North America: hot sports coupes, diesel engines, actual exterior styling and station wagons — gasp! The European Honda Accord Tourer (wagon) is finally coming to America as the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon.

Acura TSX Sport Wagon photos and information

Many have spoke and today Acura responded with the world premier the Acura TSX Sport Wagon.

Acura managed to keep a lid on photos of its latest entry with no embargo breaks that ruin the surprise factor that used accompany a new model introduction.

2011 Acura TSX Wagon (Courtesy: Acura)

Of course, the TSX is based off the European Honda Accord, so we already had a very good idea as to what the wagon was going to look like. Still, you can't beat seeing the real thing and that was what we were waiting for.

As it turns out, the TSX Sport Wagon looks exactly as we expected it would and that is a good thing. The shield grille works on the TSX in ways that the TL can only dream of. Acura left pretty much everything else as the Europeans intended it. As they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Besides the appearance of the wagon, many fans were speculating whether or not a manual transmission or V6 would be offered in the Sport Wagon. However, as one might expect given the low volumes, the wagon will be offered only with one engine, 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC®, inline four-cylinder engine and one transmission, the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission fit with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

2011 Acura TSX Wagon (Courtesy: Acura)

As per usual, Acura threw the technology book at the TSX Sport Wagon with an available hard disk drive-based Acura Navigation System with an all-new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ featuring radar image mapping.

When it comes to the stereo, the TSX Sport Wagon will be available with Acura's excellent ELS Surround audio system and a hard disk drive for media storage.

2010 Acura ZDX Recall

Honda has issued a recall of about 1,850 Acura ZDX vehicles from the 2010 model year, according to the automaker.

The recall is to inspect the dashboard surface material, which may prevent the passenger-side airbag from deploying during an accident. There have been no reported incidents of this, but a manufacturing quality check found that some vehicles don’t have the proper laser-cut scoring on the underside of the material. Without this scoring, the airbag might not deploy.

2010 Acura RDX Road Test Review

2010 Acura RDX
2010 Acura RDX

2010 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX engine doesn't look particularly impressive on paper: a turbocharged inline-4 mated to a smooth five-speed automatic transmission, good for an unremarkable 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. After all, this is a segment in which V6 brawn is the norm; you'll find more grunt in rivals like the Audi Q5 (270 hp) and the Infiniti EX35 (297 hp).

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In practice, though, the 2010 Acura RDX moves with a quickness that will leave you questioning its paltry horsepower numbers — it's never less than energetic around town. It's also fleet-footed at the track, hustling from zero to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. This is a shade behind the EX35's 6.6 seconds, but ahead of the 7.2 seconds logged by both the Q5 and the GLK350.

The crossover's bantam-weight physique no doubt plays a huge part in its stellar acceleration. With our test model tipping the scales at just 3,723 pounds, the FWD RDX is one of the lightest choices in the luxury compact crossover segment.

Braking is merely so-so. The Acura RDX decelerates from 60 mph in 125 feet; the GLK350 makes the same stop in just 119 feet. Handling is more the RDX's forte. The spry little crossover whips round the slalom cones at 64.6 mph, besting both the GLK350 (61.3 mph) and the Q5 (64.3 mph). In city driving, the RDX carries itself just as nimbly as these numbers suggest; it feels smaller on the road than many others in the compact-ute segment. Steering is on the light side, but is reassuringly precise.

Fuel-efficiency in the FWD RDX is obviously better than that of its AWD counterpart, and is reasonably good for this category. EPA estimates are 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined — on par with the Q5 (20 combined) and ahead of the GLK350 (18). We averaged 19.5 mpg in mostly city driving.