The new Acura ZDX 4-door sport coupe is likely among the most bold and innovative new crossover packages in recent memory. It’s an important car for Acura if only to demonstrate that the brand is energized and is taking risks to bring this gorgeous car to market.
This is truly a “halo” car – so named for the magical effect they have on sales for every car in the brand lineup. Even though ZDX sales may not be in the tens of thousands, we suspect the buzz its created is driving Acura sales of all models.
The ZDX is the flagship example of a new genre of crossovers that seek to make a 4-door appear more like a 2-door coupe. The overall styling result is sleek and sexy – with more room inside than you’d expect, and opportunities for cool stuff like the ZDX’s full glass roofline and fastback look. You’ll age another decade before many more cars this nice make it to production.
Not exactly an entry-level car, the ZDX starts at $46,020. Our test vehicle was equipped with the Technology package – well worth the extra $4,500., it adds a long list of high-tech features including GPS Navigation, Surround Sound, Premium leather, and every other digital gizmo you’d expect and want for the price.
We put the 2011 Acura ZDX 4-door coupe to the test recently, and found a variety of roads and weather conditions for an all-around road-test, and the Acura ZDX was a pleasure to drive. In traffic however, this category of crossovers are plagued with a blind-spot at each rear quarter, due to the deeply-raked roofline. This is aided by Acura’s Blind Spot Information System, which helps notify you of vehicles in your rear quarter blind spots.
During our drive, we experienced all conditions, ranging from dry and clear to rather cool and wet with a downpour. Those conditions just outside the car seemed a continent away as the ZDX kept us warm, dry and comfortable. More importantly, its confident road manners and sure-footedness were remarkable.
On every test-drive, we look for some “Ah, Hah!” moments, and the ZDX served them up in plenty. The all-wheel-drive system was great, but it really shined bright when we were boarding a Seattle car ferry, and the steel decks were slick with rain. As we climbed one deck to the next, the ZDX was sure-footed and stable, with precise steering to board and then drive-away upon arrival.
Other surprises for us included the cavernous cargo carrying ability, quiet cabin, and amazing sound system. Without a doubt, we wanted for nothing, and we felt as if the only comparable car in this class would cost many thousands more than the ZDX. I’d drive this car from coast-to-coast without one second of hesitation, but rather glad anticipation. The car wants for nothing but the open road.
It’s not often that such good-looks are so well mannered on the road and fun to drive. The Acura’s powerful 300-hp, 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 engine and smooth driveline scoot the ZDX down the road quickly and confidently.
Overall, it’s among the coolest packages on the road, and it’s physical proof that Acura is once again busy innovating great cars that we love to drive. Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in North America, the ZDX broke new ground for Acura in many ways. The ZDX was the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA, allowing exterior and interior designers to work closely together throughout the entire design process.
Rivals include the Infinity FX35, Cadillac SRX, and the BMW X6 “Sport Activity Vehicle” crossover – which BMW labels as an SAV. The category is referred to as a coupe, even though they are all a 5-door. Unlike the Acura ZDX and other rivals, The BMW is available as an active hybrid, but the X6 is priced much higher – the base model starting at a whopping $69,500., higher than all the rivals, and $23,480 more than the Acura.
The Acura ZDX is covered by a 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles power train limited warranty, with 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing. For more information about the Acura ZDX, and to find a local dealer, visit acura.com.
– by Vince Bodiford
www.theweekenddrive.com
