Canadian Driver First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX

Exterior styling is particularly appealing from the rear three-quarters, and the ZDX cuts a distinctive profile that is lower and sleeker than you might expect. The grille continues to be polarizing (Acura versus everyone else, I think), but this is the face of the brand, and represents what Acura calls “provocative design.”

A notable ZDX feature is the two-piece, full-length sunroof roof whose dark tinted glass contrasts appealingly with the body panels of lighter coloured models (silver, for example). The glass extends all the way back to the top of the licence plate, finishing with a glass insert that’s reminiscent of the long-retired Honda CRX. It works well aesthetically and helps with rear visibility.

The interior is finely tailored and roomy in the front, although because of the low roof, headroom may be an issue for some drivers when entering and exiting the ZDX.

The rear seating area has very limited headroom, and Acura executives admit that amenities for rear-seat passengers were not a priority in the vehicle’s design. Indeed no rear-seat entertainment system was mentioned, and there are no remote climate controls for rear seat occupants. Similarly, the rear sunroof screen can’t be operated independently of the front screen. The rear is tailored as nicely as the front, however, and looks very smart indeed.

Between the front seats, buttons for the audio and climate controls are located in the centre stack as you would expect, but uniquely they “black out” when turned off. This creates a smooth, modern look when these systems are not operating.

On the road, the quiet cabin of the ZDX is particularly evident. The vehicle’s sound-deadening insulation and active noise controls almost completely shut out external noise when underway, and this really creates a serene ride on smooth surfaces. But unexpectedly, a mild, mechanical sound from the engine and its ancillaries (compressor, alternator, etc.) does intrude into the cabin when idling. It’s not particularly noisy, but the sounds are there, and seem incongruous in the otherwise silent cabin.

The transmission operates in three modes: Sport, Drive and Sport/Manual. Sport mode provides a more aggressive driving experience as it holds gears longer while accelerating and cornering, which the ZDX does in a flat, controlled and comparatively nimble manner. In manual mode the transmission can be slow to change gears (taking maybe a second to go from third to fourth, for instance), but will skip a gear when the paddle shifter is operated twice in rapid succession. This enables the driver to go directly from fourth to second, for example.

We noticed some rather abrupt vertical motion on uneven pavement that recalls the ZDX’s SUV heritage. The magnetic ride option may alleviate this, but it’s not available in Canada. Rear visibility is limited, and the outside mirrors seem rather small. The seats are sporty, firm and snug, with pronounced side bolstering to keep you securely in place.

Some consumers may see the ZDX as an SUV without the practicality (cargo and passenger capacity), but this misses the point. The ZDX will suit an older and/or professional demographic who are looking for a flash vehicle that suggests opportunities rather than constraints. For such people, the ZDX actually has plenty of practicality and versatility. It offers an excellent all-weather, all-wheel drive system, SUV-like ground clearance and ride height, useful cargo area for two (especially with the rear seat folded flat), along with a sporty character and luxury appointments in a premium brand. And it’s different than what most people are driving.
I think it will find its market. I just wish manufacturers would stop calling this type of vehicle a coupe!

The Acura ZDX goes on sale in December, 2009. Likely competitors are the Infiniti FX, BMW X6, and maybe the Cadillac SRX.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/10/13/first-drive-2010-acura-zdx.htm/2