2007 Acura RDX Road Test

(Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

Have you ever noticed that the Acura logo looks somewhat similar to that of Star Trek? Of course, this could be just pure coincidence, but is it?

Just take a look at their new 2007 Acura RDX entry-luxury SUV/Crossover vehicle. I think that there might be one or two sci-fi enthusiasts behind this design.

The exterior styling of the RDX could be described as somewhat similar to the MDX model, yet it appears to have a much more futuristic look about it. The distinctive and slightly pointed front end idea has now been carried to the rear which makes it instantly recognizable from any angle. The vehicle also appears altogether more streamline and car-like than the MDX and Acura say that they envision the RDX as more of an SUV version of their TSX sedan.

There appears to be a certain "X factor" to their nameplates. In fact, out of the six models that the company has on offer, four of them end with the letter X.

Then there is the vehicle's power plant to consider. Acura has boldly taking the RDX where no other North American Acura has gone before, into the world of the Turbocharged vehicle. Underneath the hood lies an

(Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

all-new 2.3 L double-overhead-cam turbocharged inline four with i-VTEC. Developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi, this variable-flow turbo combines the best qualities of both small and large turbo units. The end result is 240 hp at 6000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm.

For Honda die-hards, this might appear as if the company has gone out of orbit. According to the folks at Acura, they ventured this route because of the new technologies now available to them which made the turbo-four a better design choice than the normally aspirated V6. This was no small step for the company to take, but it could certainly be deemed a giant leap in combined performance and fuel economy.

Now this small turbo-four might not be able to reach warp-speed, or indeed transport you from place to place in a blink of an eye like Captain Kirk's ride. It is however, more than capable of setting your pulses racing, especially when compared to most SUV-style vehicles and it can even give one or two sports sedans a run for their money.

On the road, power is sent through a five speed auto transmission with modern paddle shift controls behind the steering wheel, to an all-wheel-drive system similar to that found on the companies RL model. The RDX comes with a fully independent suspension system, MacPherson struts are fitted to the front and the rear utilizes a multi-link design. I

(Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan)

would call the ride firm but friendly and I found the handling characteristics of the vehicle to be exceptionally good. The package is finished off with some nice looking 18 inch rims and tires which not only add to the looks but further enhance its road handling capabilities.

We now get to the interior and this is where the new RDX pilots take a big leap into the future. The first thing that you notice is the distinctive steering wheel, which has an ultra-modern look to it and seems to carry the familiar logo as its spokes. The dashboard layout is equally impressive and appears extremely well put together. Its three pod instrument design makes the reading of the gauges simple and the controls fall readily to hand.