Say it with style

 

When an Acura MDX drives by I don’t pay it much attention. Not that it isn’t a nice looking SUV, it’s just so popular that it’s lost its initial wow factor. A ZDX, however, causes me to look twice. Despite being around for three years it’s still fairly rare, but it’s more than that. The ZDX is also one of the most intriguing shapes to come down the turnpike in a long time.

 

The ZDX wasn’t first in the “crossover coupe” segment, or whatever name you want to give to this unique new automotive niche; it’s as yet unclassified. The honour of first should probably go to the BMW X6, although some might argue that Infiniti should get the kudos for its first generation FX that paved the way a decade ago. Either way, the crossover coupe segment appears to be here to stay. Sporty new models are starting to show up, the latest being the slightly smaller Range Rover Evoque, which is even available with two doors.

 

Although competition within the segment grows, Acura has chosen not to give the ZDX any upgrades for 2012. This action, or inaction, will either put a smile on your face or leave you wanting. To my eyes, it needs no change stylistically. Like I stated in the beginning, the ZDX should still be fresh enough in most peoples’ eyes to cause the double take, something I noticed while driving it around for a week. Then again, as I was researching for this review, I noticed it was oddly devoid of a number of top-tier features offered in the more mainstream MDX.

 

Acura offers the ZDX in only one trim level, with no factory options available. The only way to drive up its base price, which is $56,885 including destination, is to add on dealer-installed accessories. The MDX, on the other hand, can be had with adaptive cruise control, active dampers, collision mitigating braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), auto-leveling headlamps, power-folding mirrors, plus heated and cooled front seats. I suppose we’ll need to look to model year 2013 to see if Acura adds these to the standard list or makes them optional.

 

Other than the latest tech, the ZDX shares a lot with its larger crossover SUV sibling. To start, they both use the brand’s 3.7-litre, 24-valve, SOHC V6 rated at 300-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It’s a fine engine, not quite as advanced as some of its competitors as it doesn’t incorporate direct-injection let alone dual-overhead cams, but it gets the ZDX moving without much hesitation and has proven reliable. The ZDX was the first Acura to incorporate a 6-speed transmission, now adapted to the MDX, and it’s a smooth-shifting unit that once again has proven durable, although with competitors sporting sophisticated dual-clutch sequential autoboxes with more forward gears, it’s not exactly leading edge. The paddle-shifters are nice though, and overall the ZDX drivetrain is engaging.

 

 

Acura claims a fuel economy rating of 12.7 L/100km and 8.8 highway, with the usual requirement for premium fuel, but my weeklong city/highway results aren’t as wallet friendly at about 12.5 L/100km. That breaks down to about 14.5 city and a little over 10 on the highway, which is still pretty good as far as midsize crossovers go.

 

Where the ZDX truly shines is over hill, dale, or anywhere two-lane roads dip, dive, slink and swerve. True to Acura’s pedigree, the ZDX likes curves. It’ll power down the fast lane of any freeway with more stability than most SUVs, but it comes into form over twisting backroads where it’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) transfers torque between front and rear axles as well as from side to side to optimized the grip of its 255/50R19all-season tires.

 

Braking is strong too, with Acura’s unique drum-in-disc technology at back, plus electronic assistance from ABS with EBD. Traction and stability control aids forward progress too, as does hill start assist, while active front head restraints minimize neck injury during an MVA. So do airbags of course, and the ZDX has the usual dual front, front side-thorax, and side-curtain airbags front to back, but doesn’t offer dedicated rear side-thorax or front knee airbags like some rivals.

 

It’s hardly short on features though, with all the usual powered conveniences along with a powered liftgate, proximity remote sensing powered locks with pushbutton ignition, and a powered tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls for the 410-watt 10-speaker stereo boasting DVD-Audio, ELS surround with Dolby Pro Logic II, aux and USB plugs, satellite radio, 15-gig hard drive media storage, and a 60-gig nav system with trilingual voice recognition, plus the Bluetooth hands-free incorporates audio streaming. The perforated leather seats are 10-way powered for the driver and 8-way for the front passenger, plus heated front and back, and leather covers the instrument panel and centre console for a really upscale look and feel. The auto headlights are HIDs, the rearview is auto-dimming, and the rearview camera features multiple views for optimal safety. Additionally, the climate control system is automatic and dual-zone, or you can let in the outdoors via the tilt and slide powered moonroof, while those in the back get a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade. A nicely featured crossover for sure.

 

But it’s how everything comes together in the ZDX that impresses most. Like the exterior design, the interior is a feast for the eyes. High quality plastics, leathers and metals flow into harmonious oneness, a holistic design that agrees with the senses while delivering impressive function along with its fluidic form. Highlights include a centre stack that appears devoid of direction until ignition, when backlit controls light up to show the way. The red start/stop button is a sporty statement too, now an Acura brand signature.

 

Don’t expect to fill the ZDX up with as much gear as you could in an MDX, but it’ll stow more than you might think with close to 800 litres of space when the 60/40-split rear seats are upright and more than 1,600 when they’re folded flat. Of note there’s a handy lidded compartment at each side for hiding valuables, with beautifully finished brushed metal handles. As for towing, it’s a lightweight at only 680 kilos (1,500 lbs), but Acura offers two dealer-installed towing packages.

 

An update to the ZDX is likely in the cards, and soon, but don’t expect anything major for at least another couple of years. Maybe next year Acura will add some of the missing options from the MDX that I mentioned earlier, but even as it is now the ZDX is one very fine crossover coupe.