 |
| A unique design, the new ZDX joins BMW's X6 as a sports car among crossovers. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
From the signature Acura front grille, to its chiseled shoulders, to its wide-hipped rear end, the engineers and designers at Acura effectively communicated the above elements into the ZDX's styling. The Japanese auto manufacturer has definitely created an eye-catching vehicle thanks to the
 |
| The ZDX' raked roofline is coupe-like. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Because of its head-turning or head-scratching looks, there were some pretty polar opinions about this vehicle. I found, however, that there was more positive feedback than negative. For example, as I parked the ZDX at my local gym, I saw a boy, about six years old, tugging on his dad's hand and pointing at the ZDX. As I started walking away I heard in the echoing underground lot, "Dad, look how cool it is." I ended up turning around and I saw the boy run up to the rear end and start petting it. Then I heard the dad say, "Very good.
 |
| There is nothing on wheels that looks quite like the ZDX, and most think it looks very good! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
The interior of the ZDX is equally as worthy as the exterior. Inside the cabin are smooth leather seating surfaces, heated front and rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an enticing dash and soft touch materials galore. It is Acura quality the way it was intended to be. I was particularly drawn to the panoramic sunroof that actually has the longest continual expanse of glass on the automotive market; stretching from the leading edge of the windshield to the trailing edge of the tailgate glass.
What I think really takes the cake
 |
| A beautiful interior, esthetically pleasing and very well made. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
 |
| Ultra comfortable seats are totally supportive during fast tight corners. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Where the smiles started to turn upside down was with fuel economy. The ZDX uses an estimated 12.7L/100km in the city and 8.8L/100km on the highway. And because of its luxury/sports-car orientation, filling up with premium fuel is required, making trips to the pump more expensive but, in the long run, more rewarding. And along with paying for premium fuel, the ZDX comes with a premium price tag. Offered in only two trims, the base ZDX has an MSRP of $55,990
 |
| The rear seating area is a little better than coupe-like, but don't expect it to be as roomy as an MDX. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Where I noticed the coupe-like drawbacks the strongest was in the rear seats. While my front passenger and I found ourselves rather comfortable, those sitting in the back were less than impressed. Getting into the rear seats, according one of my six-foot-tall male passengers, was like "going through a trap door." The doors are oddly angled and unforgiving. Even when shorter passengers tried to enter, I often heard a "thud;" the sound of someone hitting their head, myself included. Furthermore, with one adult and two teenage kids in the rear the words, "are we there yet?" often fell
 |
| If you're needing more space, Acura has an MDX with your name on it... the ZDX offers enough for a weekend getaway and more. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Visibility was also a little challenging. The wide pillars and sloping roof made it a little more difficult to park. Thank goodness the ZDX come with a new Multi-view rear camera system, which is displayed on the rearview mirror. That was pretty much my saving grace when it came to backing up or parallel parking.
Overall, the 2010 Acura ZDX has sedan-like qualities, sports coupe-like handling and rear seat room and CUV-like versatility. That's not a bad combination under the roof of one vehicle.
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>
Acura of North Toronto
