Acura ZDX Tech (2010)
A show-car available now!
By: Juan G. Robbin
Distinctive, futuristic and a delight to the senses. Words to use when describing the stunning Acura ZDX Tech.
What is it? A sporty crossover that is completely new to the Acura family. There is the now familiar dramatic wedge front grill, turning out to be the unmistakable Acura look. The rakish roof line is an elegant and aggressive constant design style that ends at the rear spoiler tip. This design element is beautiful to look at but less practical to live with, more on that later. Rear look is highlighted by a blacked-out rear panel; together with dark tint multi-section split glass as well as a pair of futuristic-looking exhaust tips blended elegantly into the lower bumper. Some of my favorite design lines of the ZDX include the rear wheel arch that blends into the C pillar as well as the blacked out rear door handle placement, located way up high, all the way next to the widow edge, giving a clean, show-car look to the side profile of the ZDX.
Front seats are surprisingly comfortable; offering comfort, luxury and adjustability. The sumptuous leather-wrapped, thick-rimmed steering wheel is simply perfect, both in grip as well as turn effort. In fact, it’s so sensuous, that you can’t help but to drive shuffling-style just to enjoy the wonderful feel of the leather. The driver’s dash instruments are arranged in a dramatic inward sloping angle, giving a serious, yet effective look at what’s primarily important to the driver. Looking towards the center dash, one initially feels a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of switch-gear. It is a busy place, with all of the infotainment and ventilation controls, all placed around a Start Wars-type center multi-control knob. Originally, it all felt a bit much, but after just one week with the ZDX the buttons and controls became perfectly intuitive. Up above, there is a dramatic, dual panorama glass moon-roof with electric one-touch to open sunshade, giving the cabin an airy and inviting feel. The doors, as well as the dash are highlighted by an elegant swath of stitched, buttery soft leather, giving the ZDX added elegance and luxury.
Rear seat looks inviting but it’s tough to use due to the dramatic angled roof line. Entry height is low, and it took a bit of Cirque de Soleil-like contortions in order for this 5’11” writer to get past the low roof line. Once inside, there is comfortable room for two people, as long as the front seats are not placed in the full aft position. Behind the 60/40 foldable rear seats is the elegant cargo compartment, accessed via an electrically operated hatch. There is a generous under floor storage, perfect for hiding small cargo from curious, prying eyes. There are two vertical carpeted caps that are removable, extending the cargo area laterally, if needed.
Acceleration, done through a modern throttle-by-wire system is good, although surprisingly, the ZDX could benefit from a few more ponies in its 300 HP stable. At times, we had to go deep with the pedal in order to really get the V6 to do its thing. Steering is light yet direct and precise, tracking a highway lane as if the ZDX is on rails. Turning radius is London taxi-esque, that is to say, tight and satisfying. Brakes are well balanced and offer minimum fade, even during a challenging stop from 60-0. Suspension is quite neutral, even during aggressive on-ramp acceleration. The ZDX reminded us more of a sports sedan than a crossover. As part of the Tech package, there is an adaptive cruise control system, multi-view rear camera, hard disk drive (HDD), blind spot information system and more.
The 2010 Acura ZDX Tech is an unexpected nice surprise! There is a noticeable zen-like feel when cruising on the highway, it’s fresh, unique design is striking, yet not over the top and a fit and finish that is the envy of many manufacturers.
The Essentials:
MSRP: $49,995.00 MSRP (As tested): $50,805.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 19.4 MPG
Engine: VTEC V6, 3.7 liter, 300 HP
Trim levels: Standard, Tech, Advance
visit: www.acura.com