The 2011 Acura RDX is a good-looking compact luxury SUV that’s just the ticket for people who need a responsive and sporty vehicle with plenty of utility and smart styling.
The RDX has an aggressive, sporty look with the signature Acura grille, bold front and rear fascias, a steeply raked windshield, a short rear overhang, pronounced wheel arches and 10-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels. A unique rear hatch allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper for a more custom look and easier loading and unloading of cargo.
The RDX is powered by a turbocharged 240 hp, 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine (19/24 mpg) incorporating computer-controlled “intelligent” i-VTEC for the intake valves that delivers enhanced performance. The heart of the RDX’s performance is its Variable Flow Turbocharger (VFT) that delivers a broad powerband with virtually no lag in response. The turbocharger works in concert with i-VTEC for excellent acceleration and efficiency at a variety of speeds.
A performance-minded Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission is standard on the RDX and an electronically controlled Drive-by-Wire throttle system works with the transmission for quick and smooth gear changes. The Sequential SportShift feature allows the transmission to function in a conventional automatic mode or it can be manually controlled with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Two RDX models are offered in two trim choices. The two-wheel-drive RDX is the base model. It’s a lighter vehicle weight with better fuel economy and a lower purchase price. The RDX with SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) has sportier performance and all-weather capability. Both models come standard with a broad array of features and the available Technology Package adds even more, including the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps.
Also standard are Bluetooth, HandsFreeLink connectivity with Bluetooth audio capabilities, a seven-speaker Acura Premium Sound System and a USB port that allows the connection and charging of items such as an iPhone or iPod.
The RDX also has all the latest safety technologies, including Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, a wide array of airbags (including front, side and side curtain airbags), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS with Brake Assist, and front seats with active head restraints.
Pricing on the 2011 Acura RDX ranges from $32,620 for the base model to $37,720 for the RDX SH-AWD equipped with the Technology Package.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.
