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NEWS
NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: All-new Acura MDX
Third-generation luxo SUV bows in the Big Apple, touting more interior space and improved fuel economy and dynamicsHonda’s premium Acura brand used the New York motor show to reveal its all-new MDX seven-seat luxo SUV, which debuted in concept form earlier this year at the Detroit show.
Although evolutionary in looks, the third-generation model is an all-new vehicle that’s offered in both all-wheel-drive and front-drive formats (previous models were offered only in all-paw guise).
Acura says the front-drive variant is being added to the line-up in response to strong demand from warmer US states, where the traction benefits of all-wheel-drive on icy roads are not needed.
The first-gen MDX was sold in Australia from 2003-07 wearing Honda badges, but the latest-gen vehicle is a non-starter for our market as it will be built in Alabama solely in left-hand-drive form.
Acura claims the new MDX is lighter than its predecessor (despite being slightly larger), while its motive power comes from a new direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 in lieu of the old 3.7-litre unit, with drive relayed to the wheels by a new six-speed paddleshift automatic.
Power is down from 224kW to 217kW, but performance is said to be undiminished as the MDX has dropped about 125kg thanks to extensive use of high-strength steel, aluminium and magnesium throughout the vehicle.
Even the all-wheel-drive model is more frugal than its predecessor, with the front-drive version faring even better in the fuel economy department.
The MDX makes these gains despite being about 75mm longer than before, creating added legroom for passengers in the second-row seats.
Access to the third row pews is also said to be easier than before, as there’s now a power one-touch feature that automatically folds the middle seats and slides them forward and out of the way.
There’s nothing too alarming about the styling of the new MDX, with the most distinctive features being a beak-like nose that’s flanked by ‘jewel eye’ LED headlights. The vehicle looks somewhat Audi Q7-esque from the rear, particularly the design of the taillights.
The 2014 MDX offers a host of driver-assistance and visibility technologies, including a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
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Written byGautam Sharma
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