Test Drive: 2012 Acura RDX Tech SH-AWD

?Acura?s RDX Crossover continues as ?Right-Sized? SUV for 2012??

Since its introduction, Acura?s RDX has become one of the biggest players in the compact premium CUV market segment. For the 2012 model year, the RDX continues to evolve, still offering two drivetrains: a Two-Wheel Drive model for those consumers who have no need for Four-Wheel Drive, and a Super-Handling AWD model. The 2012 RDX manages to retain its core features which include: aggressive, modernistic styling cues; a sporty driving dynamic and intuitive technology in an efficient and more personally sized compact package, while displaying Acura?s bold signature grille, along with, integrated fog lights, futuristic headlight and taillight treatments, Black and Satin trim garnishes, aggressive alloy wheel designs and sporty, bright exhaust finishers.

Luxury interior features include; intuitive HVAC controls and soothing ambient lighting. Standard features provided are: a compass, auto headlight operation and rearview camera display. Other technological features and equipment include: USB port connectivity Bluetooth? audio; Real-time weather and Traffic with a re-routing function and Note function for XM radio. Leather-trimmed front seats provide a high outward visibility through elevated positioning, while the rear, three-passenger seat has a 60/40 split, fold flat feature for added versatility and functionality.

Power for both the FWD and SH-AWD RDX models is provided by a turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC, 16-valve inline four cylinder i-VTEC engine with electronic multi-point fuel injection that makes 240 horses, while generating 260 pound feet of torque. The engine is positioned transversely up front, driving the either the front wheels or all four with Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD?). The engine mates to a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential SportShift featuring steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Throttle is ?By Wire?.

The lower cost 2WD version of the RDX is lighter in weight, resulting in improved fuel economy. A base model RDX with SH-AWD begins at $34,895, with the Tech Package model starting at $37,620. The 2WD base model has a starting price of $32,520 with the Tech Package SH-AD model starting at $37,995.

Suspension setups for all models are fully independent fore and aft with?stabilizer bars and Vehicle Stability Assist?. Braking feel was improved previously by a new booster and servo.

My test Acura RDX came with the Tech Package and SH-AWD, finished outside in Polished Metal metallic with a Charcoal toned interior. The MSRP read $37,995 with the only extra cost incurred was the Destination and Handling charge, which raised the final total to $38,880 before tax and license. The Tech Package included: Acura/ELS Surround? premium audio system with 6-disc DVD-audio, CD/MP3/WMA player, DTS?, AM/FM tuner, XM? Radio, Dolby Pro Logic II 10 speakers and a 410 watt amplifier; and a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, automatic climate control system.

Safety and security features included a full complement of ?state-of-the-art? systems and equipment.

SUMMARY:? The 2WD version of the Acura RDX enjoys the same chassis benefits as its 4WD counterpart, but? seems to deliver a sportier feel due to its lighter weight, although the SH-AWD steering and handling is actually more precise through the ?twisties?.

The ride quality is firm but not harsh, and the handling attributes are nimble and instantly responsive. The RDX is a luxurious CUV that is positioned below Acura?s larger MDX SUV. It is more intimate in its packaging and form, making it the ideal size for many consumers, without sacrificing either performance or comfort.

As with all other Acura models, the 2012 RDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care?, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing. This protection coupled with Acura?s reliability factor, renders the RDX as a sound ?just-the-right-size? choice in the CUV marketplace.

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Acura RDX Tech SH-AWD-?12

Base Price:?????????????? ??????????? $37,995.

Price as Tested:??????????? ??????????? $38,880.

Engine Type and Size:??????????? 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged? i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder with electronic multi-point fuel injection with Drive-by-Wire? throttle system.

Horsepower (bhp):??????????? ??????????? 240??????????? @ 6,000??????????? rpm

Torque (ft./ lbs.):??????????? ??????????? 260??????????? @ 4,500??????????? rpm

Transmission:??????????? ??????????? 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Grade Logic Control System.

Drive Train:??????????? Transversely mounted front engine / SH-AWD.

Suspension:??????????? Front – Fully independent MacPherson strut with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

Rear – Independent multi-link with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

Brakes:??????????? Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with 4-wheel ABS, EBD and BA.

Tires:??????????? Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 ? 235/55 R18 all-season mounted on 5-double-spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 104.3??????????? inches

Length Overall:??????????? ??????????? 182.5??????????? inches

Width:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ? 73.6??????????? inches

Height:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ? 65.2??????????? inches

Curb Weight:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? 3,942??????????? lbs.

Fuel Capacity:??????????? ??????????? ??18??????????? gallons

EPA Mileage Estimates:??????????? ?? 17??????????? mpg city / 22??????????? mpg highway

Drag Coefficient:??????????? ??????????? Not listed.

0 – 60 mph:??????????? ??????????? ??????????? Not tested.

 

 

 

 

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