Acura’s 2012 MDX as refined as it is powerful

The 2012 Acura MDX is a perfect example of how you can combine luxury and adventure without compromising either.

Looks

There is no mistaking an Acura. Be it a car, crossover or SUV, that distinctive front end always gives it away. The front air dam coming to a point, the large grille featuring the Acura logo and the sweeping lines set these front ends apart. In terms of the MDX, it’s got that front end, but also some other very nice styling touches. I particularly like how the available 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels fill the wheel wells.

In the Cab

When you first open the door of the Acura MDX Elite you immediately notice the refinements and how everything flows and fits together very well. The driver’s seat is an eight-way power adjustable with a two-way power lumbar support, and the passenger front seat is an eight-way power adjustable. The second row is a 60/40 split folding and the third row is a 50/50 split flat folding. With the third row folded flat there is plenty of room for cargo. The available Navigation system has voice recognition and a built in rear backup camera. The stereo is a 410 watt ELS surround sound system with DVD/AM/FM/XM/MP3/WMA tuner and 10 speakers including a subwoofer.

Safety first

There is an available Collision Mitigation Braking system (CBMS), standard equipment on the Elite, which is constantly monitoring the road for you. If it detects you are approaching another vehicle too quickly it will warn you with a flashing “brake” sign on the instrument panel, and if the accident is unavoidable it will tighten up the seatbelts and apply the brakes for you to reduce the severity of the impact. When I first saw it, I thought it was someone’s tail lights and immediately swerved to the side of the road.

Another safety feature is the blind spot information system. This can detect when a vehicle is in your blind spot and flashes an amber light on the inside of each side mirror warning you. Dual stage, dual threshold front airbags, front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags with roll over sensor, engine immobilizer theft deterrent system are some of the many safety features in this vehicle. New for 2012 is the power folding, body coloured side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Power

Power is delivered by a 300 horsepower 3.7-litre, VTEC engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The super handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) suspension gives you the best ride while maintaining just enough control to keep you safely on the road.

Pump frequency

-13.2/9.6 L/100 km (city/highway)

-Warranty support

-5 Year/100,000 km no small print warranty.

Roadworthy

As mentioned, my tester was the MDX Elite that comes fully loaded. The cabin is very quiet and there’s very little road noise even with the stereo off. The MDX handles very well and drove like a sports car.

Verdict

A powerful and very luxurious vehicle and a real treat to drive.

Courtesy of TheProvince.com