Acura MDX sport-utility wagon gooses the power and equipment
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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JOPLIN, Mo. -- It's raining in the Ozark Mountains, a soppy shower of springtime that fuels flowering dogwood and wild plum blossoms but deposits a film of water on the winding two-lane road and makes tire traction on blacktop unpredictable and, if you're not alert, dangerous.
Yet we're not concerned because we're steering a fortified version of Acura's unconventional sport-utility wagon, the MDX.
Now in its third year of production, the MDX for 2003 packs a stronger V6 engine teamed to a new five-speed automatic transmission, with a permanently installed four-wheel-drive (4WD) system aboard to maintain constant tire traction plus a new vehicle stability assist (VSA) device that automatically checks lateral wheel slippage.
So it glides smoothly around each tight kink of the curvy mountain road as big front tires claw the course while the rear treads follow in line without slipping or sliding.
Despite rainy conditions, our MDX reveals on this run through the Ozarks that it's quite nimble, even playful -- traits not typical for a hefty sport-ute that tips the scales at well over two tons, much less one lined in leather with seats for seven inside and adaptable space for cargo in a back bay.
Producing an agile kind of SUV that's easy to drive and capable of multiple uses becomes the different idea behind the MDX and explains why this wagon has been so popular.
Its name drives home the multi-task nature, with the initials meaning Multi-Dimensional Cross-Trainer, in the image of a toned athlete accomplished in various sports.
Acura works it as a refined luxury vehicle that provides cushy appointments and fancy features, yet the three rows of flexible seats permit different uses as a workhorse hauler and the forceful engine allows it tow a boat and trailer, while sophisticated mechanical equipment enable the wagon to roll comfortably on pavement as well as dirt or dispel the inherent danger of roads made slick by spring showers or the snows of winter.
What makes MDX different from the typical SUV?
It doesn't use the chassis of a truck with the cabin welded on top, and the engine doesn't drive the rear wheels.
Instead, a monocoque structure like a car's platform melds chassis and body into a cohesive entity that's extremely rigid.
Then a front-mounted engine directs its muscle to the front wheels with an electronic device on tap to channel some of that power to the rear wheels when front ones slip.
Factor in the relatively short (106.3 inches) wheelbase and a broad wheel track to create a stable stance. And isolate the independent suspension system on subframes, add variable-power rack and pinion steering and disc brakes for all corners with anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
The result: Uncommon agility for a wagon.
Power flows freely from the aluminum six-pack engine.
With single overhead camshaft and four valves in every cylinder, the advanced plant displaces 3.5 liters and uses Honda's remarkable VTEC (variable value timing and lift electronic control) valvetrain to precisely manage engine breathing and combustion in order to maximize horsepower and disperse the torque across a broad band.
Engine refinements for 2003 and a retooled exhaust system increase horsepower -- from 240 hp up to 260 hp now at 5750 rpm, with torque expanding to 250 lb-ft developed between 3500 and 5000 rpm.
To cope with the power boost, MDX gets a new five-speed automatic transmission that measures shorter than the previous gearbox but has increased torque capacity.
The standard 4WD system also differs from the typical sport-utility, eliminating a viscous coupling that transfers torque from one set of wheels to another after detecting wheel slippage. Instead, the Acura system senses when four-wheel traction may be needed and automatically redirects the engine torque electronically from front to rear wheels.
Dubbed VTM-4, meaning Variable Torque Management Four for 4WD, the device can supply infinitely variable power to the two wheel sets, but a lock switch on the console lets the driver hold torque on rear wheels momentarily to work through a dicey traction condition.
The system was recalibrated to boost performance during slippery road conditions by increasing power to rear wheels as much as 30 percent.
A drive-by-wire throttle is also aboard, eliminating a mechanical connection between engine and accelerator. Switching to the electronic throttle improves the smooth flow of power and puts the throttle control in VSA and cruise control functions.
The spacious cabin in MDX piles on leather and wood trimmings to set up a luxurious atmosphere.
Two bucket seats occupy the front row positioned on either side of a floor console.
A three-person bench split in 60/40 sections stands in the second row, but two third-row seats divided 50/50 are also included.
Second-row seats drop forward and third-row seatbacks fold into the floor for a quick and relatively effortless disappearing act to make room for more cargo. With all second and third seatbacks down, the vehicle ends up with a flat-floored cargo area that encompasses more than 80 cubic feet of storage space.
Convenience features increase on 2003 issues with new rain-sensing windshield wipers added, the driver's window with auto-up and down action, plus auto-off headlights.
MDX also carries more color choices this year in new shades like Midnight Blue Pearl and Sandstone Metallic.
A three-dial instrument panel has large analog gauges, and the center dash holds an optional Acura navigation system that installs a seven-inch video monitor.
Standard gear on a deluxe list includes the leather upholstery, a power moonroof, automatic climate system with vents front and rear, and a premium sound package with five speakers and CD deck in the dash. Safety items like dual frontal and side-impact air bags are also standard, along with the 4WD system, ABS and VSC.
Options are limited to the navigation system and DVD-based video entertainment gear, plus a touring package with roof rack, Bose eight-speaker audio kit with six-disc CD player and a driver's seat with eight-way power movements tied to memory functions on a remote keyless entry fob and heat elements imbedded in external rearview mirrors.
The MSRP for MDX begins at $35,700.
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| 2003 ACURA MDX VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Mid-size luxury SUV
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size luxury SUV
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| Wheelbase: |
106.3 inches
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| Overall Length: |
188.5 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 3.5-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/5
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| Drive: |
AWD VTM-4
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc
ABS/EBD/VSC
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side)
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| Gas Mileage: |
17/23 mpg
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| MSRP Price: |
MDX: $ 35,700
Touring Package: $ 2,500
DVD System: $ 1,500
Navigation System: $ 2,200 |
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