Jaguar made news last year by introducing its formidable and efficient new gasoline-powered Ingenium turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to its gorgeous 2018 F-Type sports…

2018 Jaguar XE and F-Pace add new 2.0L turbo and drop price

2018 Jaguar XE
The XE is one of many 2018 Jaguar models to benefit from a new gasoline-powered turbo-four and price-drop. (Photo: Jaguar)

Jaguar made news last year by introducing its formidable and efficient new gasoline-powered Ingenium turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to its gorgeous 2018 F-Type sports car, which allowed for significantly reduced base pricing of $68,500, a $10k advantage. Now two versions of that new engine are available in the 2018 XE and 2018 F-Pace, which has also allowed reduced pricing that targets a much broader range of luxury consumers.

The 2018 Jaguar XE comes to market with a new base price of $43,900 (plus freight and fees) compared to $45,000 for last year’s base 20d turbo-diesel version, saving entry-level buyers $1,100 off the top, albeit the XE 20d now moves up in price by $900 to $45,900. Likewise, the popular F-Pace compact SUV gets a $650 price drop from $50,900 last year to $50,250 this year, while the 20d turbo-diesel’s MSRP increases slightly by $350 to $51,250.

2018 Jaguar F-Pace
The new base F-Pace uses the same 247-hp 2.0-litre turbo-four as the new base XE. (Photo: Jaguar)

Along with the reduced pricing comes dramatically improved performance in base trim, the 20d highly efficient yet not as quick as the new gasoline-powered turbo four. The zero to 100km/h sprint time in the base XE 25t AWD drops to just 6.2 seconds from 7.9 seconds for the XE 20d AWD, whereas both are limited to a top speed of 195 km/h, but top speed increases to 217 km/h with the F-Pace 25t AWD compared to 208 km/h in the F-Pace 20d AWD, while sprinting from standstill to 100km/h is reduced from 8.7 seconds to 6.8.

This newfound energy is due to differences in the way gasoline and diesel engines make their power and torque, in this case the 25t good for 247 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1,200 to 4,500 rpm, while the 20d makes 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 318 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, in both the XE and F-Pace.

2018 Jaguar XE
The new turbocharged four-cylinder makes the XE 25t AWD and F-Pace 25t AWD quicker than the 20d turbo-diesel. (Photo: Jaguar)

The tradeoff is fuel-efficiency, with the XE 25t AWD estimated to achieve a Transport Canada five-cycle fuel economy rating of 9.8 L/100km in the city, 6.9 on the highway and 8.5 combined, and the XE 20d AWD good for a claimed 7.8 city, 5.8 highway and 6.9 combined. Similarly, the larger and heavier F-Pace 25t AWD is rated at 10.7 L/100km city, 8.8 highway and 9.9 combined, whereas the F-Pace 20d AWD gets an estimated 8.9 city, 7.2 highway and 8.1 combined.

As part of Jaguar’s value proposition, both the XE and F-Pace receive standard all-wheel drive in Canada, while this all-weather advantage is also joined up to a highly efficient, quick-shifting eight-speed ZF automatic that includes the brand’s unique rotating dial gear selector and shift paddles on the steering wheel.

2018 Jaguar F-Pace
A high-output 296-hp version of the same 2.0-litre turbo-four is available in both models. (Photo: Jaguar)

A further scan of both models’ standard equipment lists adds to the value equation, with base Premium trim including dual tailpipes with chromed finishers, metal treadplates with Jaguar script, an electromechanical parking brake, a HomeLink garage door opener, JaguarDrive Control that adjusts steering and throttle mapping for Normal, Eco, Dynamic or Rain Ice Snow modes, rain-sensing wipers, touch-sensitive JaguarSense switchgear for the LED overhead lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming and power-folding heatable side mirrors with approach lights, driver’s memory for the powered seats and side mirrors, dual-zone auto climate control, a large 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a backup camera, 11-speaker 380-watt Meridian audio, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, more convenient 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, hill launch assist, All Surface Progress Control for greater control in slippery conditions, brake-system applied torque vectoring to improve handling and stability, tire pressure monitoring, and much more.

2018 Jaguar XE
Jaguar’s standard and optional features lists continue to provide good value. (Photo: Jaguar)

In addition, the base Jaguar F-Pace Premium includes 19-inch alloys instead of 18s for the XE, standard proximity-sensing keyless entry and ignition, a powered liftgate, satellite instead of HD radio, a reversible load floor that switches from luxury carpeting to a rubberized surface, and more.

Both new engines are available with Jaguar’s base Premium, mid-range Prestige and performance-oriented R-Sport trims, with features included in these upper trims including full LED headlights, leather upholstery, a heatable powered steering wheel, heated seats, a head-up display, navigation, advanced driver assistance systems, and much more.

2018 Jaguar F-Pace
All-wheel drive continues to be standard on both XE and the more off-road oriented F-Pace. (Photo: Jaguar)

An even more potent version of the 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo-four can be had in all of the above trims as well as with the top-line Portfolio model, this engine putting out 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for a 5.5-second sprint from zero to 100km/h and top speed once again capped off at 195 km/h in the XE 30t AWD, plus a charge from standstill to 100km/h of 6.0 seconds and top speed of 233 km/h in the F-Pace 30t AWD. Despite the much-improved performance fuel economy is minimally affected, with the XE 30t AWD estimated to consume 11.8 L/100km in the city, 8.2 on the highway and 10.2 combined, and the F-Pace 30t AWD rated at 10.9 city, 8.7 city and 9.9 combined.

2018 Jaguar XE
Jaguar uses an intelligent space-saving dial-type gear selector finished in beautiful knurled metal, plus steering wheel paddles on most of its models. (Photo: Jaguar)

Of note, both XE and F-Pace can also be had with a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that’s good for 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, making the so-named XE S AWD a noticeable 0.3-seconds quicker from zero to 100km/h than the XE 30t AWD, with a quickest time of 5.2 seconds albeit no faster in its overall top speed, while the F-Pace S AWD takes a full half-second off of its zero to 100km/h launch time at just 5.5 seconds, before arriving at a higher terminal velocity of 250 km/h.

Like all Jaguars, the XE and F-Pace are built using lightweight, recyclable aluminum body panels, internal framework and chassis components, setting them apart from the majority of their competitors.

The XE is Jaguar’s entry-level sport-luxury sedan, positioned below the mid-size XF, which also gets both base and high-output versions of the new four-cylinder engine, and full-size XJ flagship model, whereas the F-Pace sits above the all-new 2018 E-Pace subcompact SUV, which is now Jaguar’s entry-level model at just $42,700, and also incorporates the two new turbo-four engines.

Winning the Best Large Car category in the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada’s annual Car and Truck of the Year awards was no easy feat this year, especially considering the qualifying contenders…

New Honda Accord voted best in class by Canadian auto journalists

2018 Honda Accord Touring 1.5T
The 2018 Honda Accord Sedan, shown here in Touring 1.5T trim, just won the Best Large Car category in AJAC’s annual Car and Truck of the Year awards. (Photo: Honda)

Winning the Best Large Car category in the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada’s annual Car and Truck of the Year awards was no easy feat this year, especially considering the qualifying contenders on hand.

To qualify for entry a vehicle must be entirely new or significantly updated, and the winning 2018 Honda Accord Sedan was up against the completely redesigned 2018 Toyota Camry and refreshed 2018 Mazda6, plus other new four-door offerings that didn’t make the “finalists” cut in December.

Mazda won’t likely complain about losing out to the Accord as it won three 2018 AJAC Car and Truck of the Year categories including Best Small Car with its Mazda3, Best Small Utility Vehicle with its CX-5, and Best Large Utility Vehicle with its CX-9, beating out the renewed Highlander in the latter class, but that last point only rubs salt in Toyota’s wound of the new Camry losing out to the new Accord.

2018 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T
The 2018 Honda Accord Sedan, shown here in Touring 2.0T guise, gets a sleek four-door coupe body style. (Photo: Honda)

Whether earning the coveted AJAC award will help the Accord surpass the Camry’s current sales lead is impossible to tell, with 2017 coming to a close at 14,574 units to 13,504 in favour of the Toyota, but it certainly can’t hurt matters. More importantly, winning the award is testament to the new Accord’s many positive attributes.

The 2018 Accord arrives on the Canadian market with sleek new four-door coupe styling that should win more hearts than it offends. A dramatically deep black centre grille is positioned below a bright chromed horizontal strikethrough up front, which melds into dazzling LED headlamp clusters up top and an intricate lower fascia with LED fog lamps in just-above-base trims, plus a sweptback rear roofline ending in an abbreviated rear deck lid.

2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T
The Accord Sedan can be had in performance-oriented Sport trim, here with its most potent 2.0T engine. (Photo: Honda)

Like its predecessor, the new Accord’s tastefully applied chrome trim, premium LED lighting elements, and stylish alloy wheel designs help it look richer than its value pricing suggests, this upscale styling carried inside where innovative design, premium finishings, and fine attention to detail join an impressive array of digital user interfaces and plenty of features.

Its 55-mm longer wheelbase adds rear seat roominess that includes 75 mm of additional legroom over the outgoing model, whereas 10 mm of extra width allows for more shoulder and hip room front to back.

Accord pricing starts at $26,490 plus freight and fees for the entry-level LX, while the top-line Accord Touring can be had for just $35,790 with the 1.5-litre base engine or $38,790 with the optional 2.0-litre. Sport and EX-L trims are also available, although Sport is the only other trim available with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine.

2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T
All new Accords feature LED headlamps, whereas Sport trim adds LED fog lamps and 19-inch alloys. (Photo: Honda)

Both four-cylinder engines are turbocharged and direct-injected for improved performance and efficiency. The 1.5-litre, which makes 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, replaces the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder in the previous model, whereas the new 2.0-litre four makes 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and therefore relinquishes the old 3.5-litre V6 to the history books.

The entry-level engine continues forward with a six-speed manual transmission in base LX and Sport trims, or an available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in LX trim that’s standard with the EX-L and Touring, but the 2.0-litre gets an all-new 10-speed automatic that Honda claims as a first for front-wheel drive cars. This said the six-speed manual is also standard when the Sport model gets upgraded to the 2.0-litre engine, Honda clearly aiming to satisfy its many enthusiast drivers with this rare but welcome addition.

2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T
The Accord’s updated interior, shown here in Sport trim, is more refined and filled with premium tech. (Photo: Honda)

Performance in mind, all Accords upgraded to the CVT or automatic transmission get a Sport mode and steering wheel paddle shifters to go along with the Accord’s standard Econ mode button, while both of these sporting upgrades come standard in Touring trim.

What’s more, even base LX and mid-range EX-L trims feature standard 17-inch alloy wheels, although Sport and Touring trims get new 19-inch alloys, while the top-line Touring 2.0 benefits from an upgraded suspension with active dampers.

As for efficiency, the base engine with the manual transmission is five-cycle Transport Canada rated at 8.9 L/100km in the city, 6.7 on the highway and 7.9 combined, while the same engine with the optional CVT gets a 7.9 city, 6.3 highway and 7.2 combined rating. That compares to 10.4 L/100km city, 7.4 highway and 9.0 combined for last year’s four-cylinder and manual combo, while the old CVT-equipped 2017 Accord was rated at 9.2 city, 6.9 highway and 8.2 combined.

2018 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the Accord Sedan line. (Photo: Honda)

Compared to the 2017 V6 it replaces, which was rated at 11.4 city, 7.2 highway and 9.5 combined with its sole six-speed auto last year, the new 2018 model’s upgraded 2.0-litre engine makes considerable progress with a claimed rating of 10.7 city, 7.3 highway and 9.2 combined with the manual, or 10.4 city, 7.4 highway and 9.1 combined with the new 10-speed auto.

Additional features that come standard across the entire 2018 Accord Sedan line include auto on/off headlights with automatic high beams, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, remote engine start (with CVT), proximity keyless entry with pushbutton ignition, an electromechanical parking brake, speed-sensing variable intermittent wipers, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with four-way powered lumbar support, heatable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, SMS text message and email reading capability, a 7.0-inch colour TFT meter display with a driver information interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, Wi-Fi tethering, two front USBs, illuminated vanity mirrors, a sunglasses holder, active noise control, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, and much more.

2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T
Base LX and Sport trims can be had with a six-speed manual, even the powerful Sport 2.0T (Photo: Honda)

Along with those LED headlights, all Accords also come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control (with low-speed follow when upgraded to the CVT), forward collision warning, autonomous emergency mitigating braking, lane departure warning, and road departure mitigation, while additional standard safety features include a multi-angle backup camera with dynamic guidelines, traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor to warn of possible fatigue, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring, front knee airbags (an Accord first), the HondaLink Assist automatic emergency response system, and more.

Of note, Honda’s exclusive LaneWatch blindspot display system comes standard with Sport and EX-L trims, but this gets replaced by blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert in Touring trim.

2018 Honda Accord Hybrid
Lower end Accords get a CVT automatic, as will the upcoming Hybrid shown here, whereas top-line models utilize a new 10-speed auto, while all receive this unique gear selector. (Photo: Honda)

Options in mind, Sport trim adds fog lamps, dark chrome trim, a rear deck lid spoiler, aluminum-trimmed sport pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather shift knob, leather and fabric upholstery, 452-watt premium audio with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, a powered moonroof, near field communication, and more, while some of the sportier features get replaced by more luxury-oriented finishings in EX-L trim, while this upgrade also adds an acoustic windshield, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a HomeLink garage door opener, a heatable steering wheel, two rear USBs, satellite radio, perforated leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory, a four-way powered front passenger seat, heated outboard rear seats, and more.

Lastly, Touring trim builds on the EX-L by adding LED high beams, rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting, a head-up display, navigation with detailed mapping, voice recognition, wireless device charging, HD radio, an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot, ventilated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, and more.

2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T
Rear seat roominess is improved thanks to a longer wheelbase. (Photo: Honda)

Additionally, the Accord Hybrid returns for 2018, but has yet to go on sale. It pairs a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors that are powered by a new, smaller battery pack housed below the trunk’s cargo floor to improve cargo capacity over the previous model.

We’ll be back soon with a full road test review of a 2018 Accord Sedan Touring 2.0, at which point we’ll give you our take on this award-winning mid-size sedan. Until then, check out these two video overviews from Honda Canada:

Quick overview (1:25):

Detailed overview with commentary (4:29):

Acura unveiled its 2019 RDX Prototype earlier this week in Detroit as part of the North American International Auto Show, and fittingly the brand’s best-selling model became the first to see a total…

Game-changing 2019 Acura RDX Prototype hits the stage in Detroit

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Acura’s game-changing RDX Prototype is a thinly veiled preview of the upcoming 2019 production RDX. (Photo: Acura)

Acura unveiled its 2019 RDX Prototype earlier this week in Detroit as part of the North American International Auto Show, and fittingly the brand’s best-selling model became the first to see a total ground-up redesign in quite some time. In fact, Acura’s own press release calls the upcoming 2019 RDX the “most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade,” signalling “the beginning of a new era for the luxury automaker.”

Last year’s TLX redo and the 2017 MDX update that arrived the year prior were merely mid-cycle refreshes, the latter introducing the brand’s now trademark “Diamond Pentagon” grille design as part of its remake, but this 2019 RDX Prototype ushers in the first complete redesign of an Acura model since the third-generation 2014 MDX arrived in 2013—the TLX arrived more recently, in 2014 as a 2015 model, but rather than a redesign it was an entirely new vehicle that replaced both the smaller TSX and larger TL.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The new RDX makes a dramatic statement both coming and going. (Photo: Acura)

Speaking of the TLX, last year’s refresh was more comprehensive than the MDX’, but both received thorough updates to their front fascias, as did the RLX late last year as part of its 2018 makeover. After this all-new RDX hits the market in production trim later this year, the entry-level ILX will be next, at which point the entire Acura line will wear the new sharply angled Diamond Pentagon face.

For a bit of history, Acura was launched in Canada and the U.S. in 1986, and has since struggled to find a distinctive identity amongst premium brands that rely heavily on prestige. Even as parent company Honda rolled the brand out in Hong Kong in 1991, Mexico in 2004, China in 2006, Russia (and Ukraine) in 2014, plus Kuwait in 2015, Acura’s original somewhat generic looking pentagon-shaped grille design (often compared to the grille used by Mazdas of the era) merely morphed into a pentagon shaped “shield”, which wasn’t universally appreciated. The bold shield grille was toned down over the years until it once again appeared generic, causing the new Diamond Pentagon design first adapted by a production vehicle in 2016 by the current MDX.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The RDX’ new “Diamond Pentagon” grille looks like a carbon copy of that used on Acura’s new TLX and RLX. (Photo: Acura)

On an aside note, the Acura brand is still not available in its home market of Japan. Honda hoped to introduce it to Japanese buyers in 2008, but the plan was delayed for economic reasons, a decision that’s been upheld since the 2008 financial crisis.

The current second-generation RDX dates back to 2012 when it arrived on the scene as a 2013 model. A 2016 model year facelift modified its grille and added the standard “Jewel Eye” LED headlamps that have become a fixture across the entire Acura lineup, but take note the new 2019 RDX Prototype modifies those LEDs with a septet of smaller rectangular units instead of its current five.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The outgoing RDX’ five-element LED headlamps will make way for this new seven-unit design. (Photo: Acura)

The RDX Prototype’s Diamond Pentagon grille appears identical in shape if not size to that already in use by the TLX and new RLX, all of which are slightly bolder and more pronounced than the first MDX variant, but the lower front fascia of the prototype pulls cues from that used by the Japanese brand’s larger SUV, particularly the pointed body-colour strike-throughs within the corner vents. They’re much larger and point in the opposite direction with the RDX Prototype, these, along with their horizontal row of LED fog lamps instead of the MDX’ vertical stack, flowing more naturally into the centre portion of the fascia. We think the RDX Prototype’s lower fascia design works well, especially how it wraps around to the sides of the bumper, and hope it makes production and even influences the MDX’ future mid-cycle update.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The lower fascia is attractive, with unique design elements and horizontal LED fog lamps. (Photo: Acura)

Likewise the more expressive headlamps wrap more fully around the sides of the new prototype’s front fenders before following the curvature of the front wheel cutouts upward to where they finalize at the hood line. Those fenders are rounder and more organically shaped, flowing naturally into more fluidly sculpted door panels, with the arcing greenhouse culminating at the centre point of the rear quarter window instead of the base. Look no further than the recently redesigned Honda CR-V for the side windows’ inspiration, although we should take note that the upswept similarity to the CR-V has little to do with matching hard points that were previously difficult to masque in the old RDX’ transition from mainstream volume-branded model to premium luxury variant—more on that in a moment.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Hopefully these 21-inch alloys make it to production on top-tier A-Spec trim. (Photo: Acura)

The top corner of the RDX Prototype’s rear design forms a visual “X” where extended chrome window trim butts up against body-colour rooftop and side panels plus glossy black rear window trim extensions, resulting in a unique take on current floating roof trends used by Lexus’ RX and Nissan’s Murano, while the multi-angled LED taillights probably have more in common with the aforementioned CR-V than anything in Acura’s past, albeit strike an even closer resemblance to Honda’s fabulous new Accord Sedan. Either way it’s all in the family, with a look that’s fresh, modern and harmonious to the rest of the RDX’ design. Lastly, the gloss-black diffuser style rear bumper cap hints at this prototype previewing Acura’s sportiest A-Spec trim level, a performance upgrade not yet offered with the RDX but nevertheless promised for the 2019 production model, while the gorgeous machine-finished 21-inch alloys further this argument.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Will these narrow side mirrors find their way to production? Probably not, but something similar albeit slightly larger will. (Photo: Acura)

All in all, each and every curve and fold that forms the new RDX Prototype, from the front grille rearward, shows greater influence by Acura’s Precision Concept than anything the brand has created since the sensational four-door coupe debuted at 2016’s Detroit auto show, which we consider a very good thing. The RDX adapts the two-year-old concept’s “low, wide and sleek presence to a five-passenger SUV,” says Acura, which results in a “more athletic stance and proportions” thanks to a 30-mm (1.2-inch) wider track, 63-mm (2.5-inch) longer wheelbase, and a shortened front overhang, the performance-oriented look further enhanced by each wheel getting pushed farther toward the SUV’s corners.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Acura executes a unique take on the floating roof trend. (Photo: Acura)

“The all-new RDX delivers a powerful statement about who we are and where we are headed as a brand,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of Acura. “For our customers, the new RDX is a quantum leap forward in design, style and performance, with luxury features and technology that will elevate their ownership experience.”

So, about the new RDX not needing to conform to the CR-V’s hard points: according to the Japanese automaker it will soon ride upon its own Acura-exclusive platform architecture. Acura hasn’t named the platform per se, instead only expanding on the subject by saying it gets a “lighter and dramatically stiffened body” and a “sophisticated new chassis,” so it’s more likely the new RDX gets a modified version of the same Honda-sourced modular architecture used by the latest Civic, and yes, the CR-V. No one should have issue with this considering just how good these two Honda-branded vehicles are, and more importantly Acura promises the “quickest, best-handling RDX ever.” Anyone who’s spent time in a Civic Si or, better yet, Civic R will attest that Honda’s new modular platform is one impressive bit of kit, so if indeed a version of this setup underpins the new RDX, upgraded with premium-level improvements, we’d hardly complain.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Check out the new Honda Accord’s taillights to appreciate their familial familiarity to these RDX lenses. (Photo: Acura)

As most expected, the RDX’ much-lauded V6 gets the axe for 2019, marking a return to turbocharged four-cylinder power, a formula that launched the original RDX way back in 2006 and quickly gave it a reputation for performance. The replacement engine is a much more efficient 16-valve, DOHC turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with direction injection and, of course, VTEC. To be more accurate, the turbocharger is a low-inertia mono-scroll design, promoting a wider, fatter torque curve, resulting in 40 percent more low-end torque than the outgoing RDX, no doubt helped along by its dual variable timing cam.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The new RDX’ cabin appears to be a major move upmarket. (Photo: Acura)

Acura isn’t talking numbers at this point, but it will likely produce something north of the current SUV’s 279 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque in order to live up to faster portion of the aforementioned claim of “quickest, best-handling RDX ever,” although part of its accelerative advantage may come from its segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission, which “responds quickly” and “to the will of the driver,” says Acura, “with crisp and refined shifts that capitalize on the 2.0-litre engine’s flat torque curve.” Acura hasn’t announced an electrified version of this new RDX yet, but the new engine’s 2.0-litre displacement is identical to the new Accord Hybrid’s four-cylinder, which might make inclusion of that power unit more feasible.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Few rivals offer a head-up display unit in this compact luxury SUV class. (Photo: Acura)

Making sure all wheels find traction will be the next-generation of Acura’s impressive Super-Handling All Wheel Drive “in its most advanced form yet.” It gets a new rear differential capable of 150 percent more maximum torque capacity than the outgoing RDX. Whether or not this justifies the Japanese company boasting of its new SH-AWD as “the most sophisticated and capable torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system in its class” remains to be seen, but no doubt the claim will ruffle a few feathers at Audi, let alone BMW and Mercedes. Still, we shouldn’t question Acura’s engineering prowess when it comes to fast-moving all-wheel drive, as SH-AWD was one of the first torque vectoring AWD systems offered in the premium sector.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Configurable gauges provide a lot of functionality from the multi-info display at centre. (Photo: Acura)

Acura ties the RDX’ new Adaptive Damper System to the NSX-inspired Integrated Dynamics System, which features four drive modes including “Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Snow.” The system’s rotating dial selector has been positioned high on the centre console, similarly to its placement within the NSX’ cabin, which allows quick on-the-go adjustment from eco-friendly passive modes to performance settings.

The driver’s environment in mind, in the same way exterior styling was inspired by Acura’s Precision Concept, the new interior design and technology took cues from the Acura Precision Cockpit. This means it gets a more steeply raked floating centre console that’s really a combination of centre-stack and lower console in one, not unlike Porsche’s new centre console layout, albeit with Acura’s new single-display tablet-style widescreen up top, unique dual-zone HVAC interface in the middle, downright unorthodox gear selector setup below that, and totally new infotainment touchpad at the bottom.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
This impressive 10.2-inch widescreen infotainment display is now at the head of its class. (Photo: Acura)

Acura calls the latter its True Touchpad Interface, which it says is a completely new design that combines “the best elements of a touchscreen and remote interface in one powerful system.” The touchpad controls an Android operating system-based infotainment interface that appears to be at least as good as anything available in the compact luxury SUV segment thus far, the full-HD display measuring 10.2 inches in diameter, with ultra-crisp resolution, attractive graphics and deep, rich colours and contrast. Alternatively the system will project onto the windshield ahead of the driver via an available interactive head-up display, although despite photos provided (see the gallery) we’ll need to wait until we’ve tested it to comment.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The infotainment system is controlled by this advanced “one-to-one” touchpad. (Photo: Acura)

Perfecting the infotainment experience has been a top priority amongst automakers since BMW was lambasted for its original iDrive system way back in 2001, the then-new E65 7 Series dumbfounding customers and industry professionals alike with its complex Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive-based user interface. BMW and every other manufacturer have come a long way since, with the majority of premium makes attempting to one-up their rivals with innovative ways to digitally interact.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Acura’s unique button-actuated gear selector is joined by a rotating driving mode selector above. (Photo: Acura)

With voice recognition still a long way from perfection despite this upcoming RDX featuring a “new natural language voice recognition system” that Acura claims “dramatically improves the ease and intuitiveness of voice commands” (again we’ll defer judgment until tested), hand/finger actuation remains the sole process, with BMW’s rotating/side-tap dial having been joined by variations on the theme, some with switchgear on top and others with tiny touchpads, while Lexus has introduced both a joystick and touchpad of its own, neither of which has been widely lauded. Along the way Apple’s iPad and Android tablets that followed arrived on the consumer electronics market and similar touchscreen’s took on automotive roles, with Tesla and Volvo earning kudos for theirs, but no system satisfies everyone.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The new RDX uses authentic woods, metals and Nappa leathers. (Photo: Acura)

Acura’s outgoing dual-display setup attempted to satiate the masses with a best of both worlds’ scenario, the top monitor operated via a rotating dial plus surrounding buttons and the lower one a touchscreen, but the new RDX will introduce the aforementioned single widescreen display along with a new touchpad design said to deliver “the advantages of both conventional touchscreen and remote-based approaches.” Basically, Acura has devised a touchscreen featuring “one-to-one” realism, with the tap of a specific spot on the touchpad duplicated on the exact same spot of the display above. The system responds similarly with other tablet-like gestures, such as swiping and pinching. So, why not skip the touchpad altogether and simply install a touchscreen like so many others? As those who’ve lived with touchscreens already know, they can sometimes be a stretch, especially if mounted up high on the dash where they’re closest to the clear line of sight to the road ahead. A remote touchpad can be mounted closer to a driver’s hand for easier and safer operation, but again we’ll have to wait to experience it firsthand in order to judge it.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The RDX’ front seats are 16-way powered and heated, with optional ventilation. (Photo: Acura)

“Absolute positioning transforms the touchpad experience, making it personal, intuitive and particularly well-suited for premium, driver-centric, performance machines,” said Ross Miller, senior engineer of user interface research. “It’s also designed to be adopted quickly and easily, as drivers become acclimated and comfortable in minutes.”

Comfort in mind, this larger RDX, in particular its longer wheelbase, promises a “more spacious” interior “with first-class comfort for five passengers,” which Acura claims as having “class-leading cabin space, rear legroom and rear cargo space.” The Japanese brand highlights the RDX’ new sport steering wheel as being key to its upmarket experience, this matching new “more intricately sculpted and styled” sport seats with 16-way powered adjustment for both the driver and front passenger, full-grain perforated Nappa leather for its soft, supple texture and durability, as well as seat heaters and cooled ventilation. Overall Acura says the RDX’ cabin will include “contemporary detailing using authentic, high-grade materials throughout,” including brushed aluminum and open-pore Olive Ash wood.” Lastly but hardly least, its “new ultra-wide panoramic sliding moonroof” is “the largest in its class.”

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
This is the largest panoramic sunroof in the compact luxury SUV class. (Photo: Acura)

The RDX Prototype also features a 16-channel, 710-watt Acura ELS Studio 3D audio system developed by Panasonic and tuned by Grammy Award-winning music producer and longtime Acura partner, Elliot Scheiner. Unique to this system are four “ultra-thin, ceiling-mounted speakers” that “add a new dimension of sound and fidelity to the audio experience,” so we’re hoping to hear it in person if included in the production RDX.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Rear seat roominess appears expansive, while rear seat heaters are available. (Photo: Acura)

That 2019 model will definitely include the brand’s AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, however, which (depending on model) currently features forward collision warning, autonomous collision mitigation braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, and more, while additional connected-car and driver-assistive features like next-generation AcuraLink with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, hill start assist, a 360-surround camera system, front and rear parking sensors, blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

2019 Acura RDX Prototype
Acura promises the most rear cargo space in the compact SUV segment. (Photo: Acura)

Important to Acura’s largest customer base, this is the first time the luxury brand chose to use a U.S. research and development team to create a new vehicle, the RDX’ styling penned by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, California, and engineering done at its Raymond, Ohio facility. North American-market models will continue production at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio plant, although the new 2.0-litre turbo will be built in Anna, Ohio, in the same building as the NSX’ twin-turbo powerplant. The RDX’ 10-speed auto will hail from Tallapoosa, Georgia, making the RDX more American than many produced by U.S. domestic brands—Buick’s directly competitive Chinese-built Envision immediately comes to mind.

Whether buy-American sentiments are behind the current RDX’ strong sales or not can’t be confirmed, but either way the SUV has long been a hit. After 12 months of 2017 it sits amongst America’s top-three best-selling compact luxury SUVs and holds second-place in Canada, despite being well into its lifecycle, so expect this all-new version to shoot up the sales chart after arriving here midway through the year.

Until then, enjoy our complete 2019 RDX Prototype photo gallery as well as the videos Acura provided below:

Full Detroit auto show press launch (20:31):

True Touchpad Interface explained (2:01):

Quick technology overview (0:47):

Don’t get too excited. While last year’s sensational QX50 Concept was a definitive firsthand view at the future QX50 production model, Infiniti made sure to clearly state in the opening lines of its…

Infiniti brings Q Inspiration concept to Detroit auto show

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
The Q Inspiration concept provides a glimpse at Infiniti’s future styling. (Photo: Infiniti)

Don’t get too excited. While last year’s sensational QX50 Concept was a definitive firsthand view at the future QX50 production model, Infiniti made sure to clearly state in the opening lines of its press release that “the Q Inspiration Concept is meant to demonstrate future technologies and will not be available for sale.”

We car enthusiasts love to dream, and concepts like the Q Inspiration are purely designed for this purpose, plus providing a glimpse at tomorrow’s technologies integrated within a feasible luxury car, of course.

“The new Infiniti concept car will take the traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution,” said Karim Habib, Infiniti Executive Design Director. “A shift towards smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains; we were able to create an alternative form with flowing gestures, more engaging in character and more enriching in experience. With its long cabin, balanced proportions and muscular stance, the concept heralds in a new era for Infiniti models.”

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
The glass roof adds to the Q Inspiration’s airy ambience. (Photo: Infiniti)

We’ll get to that powertrain in a moment, but the Q Inspiration’s styling might be the most talked about of its many noteworthy attributes just the same. Unique above all, a body-colour grille insert is filled with fine vertical slats that mimic baleen hair, as if their sole purpose were to extract floating krill from the atmosphere, yet as unimposing as that might sound to any creature more than a couple of centimetres long its surrounding “double-arch” maw and myriad ducts appear anything but passive.

The deeply grooved hood line seems pulled from a Formula One car’s fuselage, as does the lower front fascia’s intricate latticework of aero-formed wings. Even the headlamp clusters appear sliced into the composite, while deeply carved front brake vents are duplicated on the opposite side of the wheel cutouts, this time to allow that air to escape rearward via heavily sculpted door and fender panels.

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
There’s no shortage of swoopy ducts, the Q Inspiration one dramatic ride. (Photo: Infiniti)

“The premium sedan segment has become rather conservative,” said Christian Meunier, Infiniti Global Division Vice President. “The Infiniti Q Inspiration previews something that could appeal to a younger audience, who seek modern design and new technologies to inspire and empower them.”

Innovative lighting elements prove how LEDs can be minimized to the point they don’t overpower a car’s overall design, yet at the same time highlight specific details when daylight turns to dusk. Those up front are hardly noticeable under the sun’s rays yet encircle the entire grille cutout at night, while the headlamps get a narrow horizontal beam backed by multiple angled strips of bright light, whereas the single body-wide taillight design is used to broaden the car’s overall visual appeal from behind. Front and back emblems, plus the rear deck lid’s “INFINITI” branding light up in the dark as well, while a scripted “Q Inspiration” nameplate seems to hover on its own within a dual-plane integrated rear diffuser. If this is the future of Infiniti, we’re in for some pretty artistic rolling lightshows.

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
The Q Inspiration uses LEDs to highlight key design elements, such as the grille surround and emblems, at night. (Photo: Infiniti)

As should be the case with all luxury cars, Infiniti’s left the best to those inside. Wedged between open-pore birch hardwood planks is a full-width digital display that houses primary driving instrumentation as well as a multi-information display and infotainment interface, whereas a second tier of digitization floats above the lower centre console, featuring touch-sensitive access to the audio system, HVAC controls, and more.

Infiniti provides a two-tone leather-wrapped rectangle of a steering wheel who’s shape suggests inspiration from F1 as well, although its controls are an exercise in touch-sensitive minimalism compared to the motorsport series’ master of hub complications. Likewise for the cabin-length cream, black and orange decorated leather-covered centre console that merely houses an infotainment controller up front and a T-shaped ultra-widescreen monitor for two in back—so much for cupholders.

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
The Q Inspiration concept’s interior was designed to inspire, as the name suggests. (Photo: Infiniti)

These touchscreens are specified as “human-machine interfaces” in Infiniti’s press information, with each passenger getting their own display filled with the expected infotainment, plus a special “meditation-regeneration mode” that minimizes displayed info while providing a guided meditation designed to “leave any stress behind when they start a journey.” The system can also monitor occupant biometrics, or rather the measurement and statistical analysis of each individual’s unique physical and behavioural characteristics. Hopefully it only uses this highly private information to keep the driver relaxed yet alert and further unwind passengers.

According to Infiniti, the Q Inspiration’s unique design and the materials used maximize cabin space while minimizing exterior noise and absorbing the din within, the result being a calming, thoroughly comfortable environment.

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
A digital display spans the entire instrument panel. (Photo: Infiniti)

Further diminishing noise, vibration and harshness levels, the door inserts are finished in the same padded cream leather as the centre console, also enhanced by black and orange detailing plus birch woodwork for a cohesive look that’s rich yet mid-century modern chic, as if the entire interior were penned by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich.

In actual fact it was the work of Infiniti’s in-house design department under the watchful eye of Mr. Habib, introduced earlier, as well as Alfonso Albaisa, SVP Global Design.

“As a new wave of technologies begins to take shape, our Detroit concept car heralds a new generation of Infiniti,” said Albaisa. “A seamless and stunning new design philosophy demonstrating Infiniti artistry in the new age of autonomy and breakthrough drivetrains. In Detroit, shown alongside Prototype 9, Infiniti aims to showcase a new elegance, one that strikes harmony and simplicity in a complex world.”

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
The tufted leather pedestal seats look straight out of some futuristic airliner. (Photo: Infiniti)

It certainly lives up to Albaisa’s claim of harmony and simplicity, not to mention luxury. The seat upholstery, also finished in cream leather, appears craftily stitched into tufted golf ball dimples at centre with black piping around their edges, the seats themselves on raised pedestals and shaped like they were pulled from some futuristic airline’s first class section.

“The Q Inspiration interior is reduced to a minimalist expression of wellbeing and comfort, and strives to create a warm and uncompromisingly modern atmosphere, like one so often finds in Tokyo residential architecture,” added Habib. “The purpose being to enable users in a new era of connectivity, while simultaneously enriching the driving experience with materials of the best quality, crafted by the hands of the artist.”

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
Weight-saving hollowed out headrests look fabulous too. (Photo: Infiniti)

Despite its resplendent luxury and shapely form, the kilowatt-infused era we live in as well as the Q Inspiration’s pure-as-the-driven-snow paint scheme and shapely albeit chrome-less styling causes a person to scan its body panels for somewhere to plug it into an EV charger, but Nissan Leaf fans hoping for a premium version of their zero-emissions ride will have to wait a bit longer. Instead, this new concept is powered by Infiniti’s formidable yet efficient new VC-Turbo engine that was first introduced at last year’s Los Angeles auto show in the all-new 2019 QX50.

VC stands for variable compression, an industry-first technology capable of varying compression from 8:1 for high performance to 14:1 for best efficiency. While VC should work in any type of turbocharged internal combustion engine size or configuration, for this application a single-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder is used, and while Infiniti chose not to disclose output numbers for the Q Inspiration, it makes a considerable 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm in the upcoming QX50.

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
Each rear passenger gets their own personal infotainment display, this widescreen split in two. (Photo: Infiniti)

“As a brand with technological innovation at its core, the wider introduction of our advanced VC-Turbo powertrain is a natural next step for Infiniti,” said François Bancon, Vice President, Product and Programs. “After the recently launched QX50, the Q Inspiration proposes an alternative application for VC-Turbo technology in a potential new product.”

As you might expect, straight-line performance isn’t the only VC-Turbo attribute, with fuel-efficiency factoring into its design just as critically. Infiniti claims city/highway combined mileage of 27 mpg (8.7 L/100km) with the front-wheel drive QX50, or 26 mpg (9.0 L/100km) with the all-wheel drive variant, which is a 35- and 30-percent improvement over the outgoing V6-powered QX50 respectively.

“The beauty of the VC-Turbo powertrain is that it is a global technology,” added Bancon. “While we have plans to electrify our product portfolio in future, drivers all around the world are still reliant on internal combustion engines for their transport needs. This revolutionary engine offers a compelling blend of turbocharged performance and high efficiency. These qualities need not be unique to hybrids and diesels.”

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
Not your average rear door hinge, but the Q Inspiration concept is not your average luxury sedan. (Photo: Infiniti)

Yes, Infiniti promises the immediate torque and responsiveness of a hybrid or turbodiesel powertrain, while its all-wheel drivetrain means it should get off the line with minimal slippage no matter the weather or road conditions. The powertrain is compact for such a sizeable sedan too, which helped Infiniti make the most of available passenger space so occupants can stretch out and relax.

This is where a fully autonomous drive system would be ideal, and to that end the Q Inspiration includes the next best thing, Nissan/Infiniti’s semi-autonomous ProPilot system.

“The Infiniti Q Inspiration reveals the next stage of development for the brand’s ProPilot autonomous drive technologies,” added Bancon. “The new, near-future technologies previewed here seek to both empower and liberate drivers.”

ProPilot responds to the road ahead and surrounding vehicles via camera and radar technology, plus it can drive you to your destination effortlessly via the navigation system’s route guidance.

2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
Look to the future for Q Inspiration inspired Infiniti product. (Photo: Infiniti)

“ProPilot empowers drivers with end-to-end autonomous driving, providing autonomous multi-lane highway driving and intersection auto-navigation functionalities,” says Infiniti. “These near-future technologies work alongside existing ProPilot Assist technologies, such as the capability to navigate stop-start highway traffic and monitor the positions of surrounding vehicles.”

As noted earlier, don’t expect to see the Q Inspiration piloting itself around your neighbourhood anytime soon. It’s a concept that’s been designed to inspire future styling directions, interior materials usage, and leading-edge technologies. To that effect it does a commendable job, although we’ll have to wait a few years to see how impactful it becomes to future generations of Infiniti vehicles.

For now, check out these videos of the Infiniti Q Inspiration concept:

“The next step in Infiniti design” (0:40 minutes)::

“Power beyond convention” (0:44 minutes):

Quick tech video (1:23 minutes):

Detailed overview (6:16 minutes):

While sales of some premium brands are more or less flat in Canada, Audi’s Canadian division has been on a charge with growth of 17.9 percent in 2017. Sales increased from 30,544 units in 2016 to 36,007…

Audi Canada achieves 17.9 percent growth for another record year in 2017

2018 Audi Q5
Sales of Audi’s new 2018 Q5 grew by 23.5 percent last year. (Photo: Audi)

While sales of some premium brands are more or less flat in Canada, Audi’s Canadian division has been on a charge with growth of 17.9 percent in 2017.

Sales increased from 30,544 units in 2016 to 36,007 last year, thanks in part to the all-new 2018 Q5 compact SUV that was up 23.5 percent from 8,313 to 10,271 units, once again the most popular in its class by a long shot.

If you think this upswing is all about buyers’ collective preference for SUVs over cars, consider that the redesigned 2018 A5 sports coupe increased its sales by 142.1 percent in 2017, from 1,516 units to 3,671, while the new A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad crossover wagon were up 16.1 percent over the same 12 months, from 6,031 to 7,007 units.

2018 Audi A5 Sportback
Sales of the new 2018 A5 grew by a staggering 142.1 percent in 2017, helped considerably by the entirely new A5 Sportback five-door. (Photo: Audi)

Incidentally, if you add those two D-segment totals together you end up with a sum of 10,678 units, which means the A4/A5 threesome almost matched the mighty Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and Coupe, which managed just 170 units more for a total of 10,848, while BMW’s combined 3 and 4 Series sales weren’t that much farther ahead with 11,440 deliveries.

2018 Audi S4
Audi’s ever-popular A4 line, which includes the namesake A4, the A4 Allroad and the sportiest S4 (shown), found 16.1 percent more buyers in 2017. (Photo: Audi)

Other than R8 supercar deliveries that spiked by 48.7 percent from 158 to 235 units, most of Audi’s other models grew at a more modest pace, with Q7 sales increasing by 7.6 percent from 4,335 to 4,666 units, A3 deliveries up 5.3 percent from 3,795 to 3,997 units, A6 popularity growing by 4.1 percent from 834 to 868 buyers, and the compact TT sports car finding 3.7 percent more takers from 599 to 621 units, while the only Audi losers were the Q3, which was off by 3.5 percent from 3,860 to 3,724 units, the mid-size A7 Sportback, down by 14.2 percent from 887 to 761, and the full-size A8 flagship sedan dropping 13.9 percent from 216 to 186 units.

2018 Audi Q7
Sales of the new Q7 were so strong in 2016 that last year’s deliveries only grew by 7.6 percent, which is still impressive by most other brands’ standards. (Photo: Audi)

To be fair, Audi sales are only soft for products nearing the ends of their lifecycles, the new 2019 A8 set to arrive this fall, the fully redesigned A7 due to hit our market either later this year or early 2019, and the next-generation Q3 expected sometime in 2019.

Audi’s recent upswing in the Canadian market raises its jurisdictional profile at the brand’s Ingolstadt, Germany headquarters as well, with Canada “establishing itself as a firm fixture among the top ten largest markets,” stated a press release put out by the luxury brand earlier this month. This bodes well for future investment.

2018 Audi R8 V10
Sales of the R8 supercar increased by a stunning 48.7 percent in 2017. (Photo: Audi)

With 1,878,100 vehicles sold globally, Audi saw growth of 0.6 percent through 2017, from 1,867,738 units delivered worldwide the year before. Surprisingly, sales in China were only up 1.1 percent last year, while the Eurozone, which appears to be on the upswing by most economic factors, only grew by 0.4 percent, albeit certain markets were individually strong, with France up by 3.6 percent, Spain by 8.1 percent, and Italy by 10.5 percent.

2019 Audi A8
Sales of the A8 dropped by 13.9 percent last year, but they should pick up when the redesigned 2019 A8 arrives this coming fall. (Photo: Audi)

Last year the U.S. saw an overall vehicle market decline for the first time since 2009, dipping by 2.0 percent to 17.2 million units, but nevertheless Audi’s sales grew by 7.8 percent. This increase was dampened by a 1.8 percent decrease in Mexico and a plunge of 16.5 percent in Brazil, although these two markets, while presenting strong future growth opportunities, are not yet seen as core markets by Audi.

“Despite a very challenging situation we achieved positive growth in all core markets in 2017 and achieved a new record-breaking sales result worldwide,” said Bram Schot, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “Every single market contributed to this outcome. This demonstrates the attractiveness of our product portfolio to our customers.”

Acura, Honda’s luxury division, topped 20,000 sales in Canada for the third consecutive calendar year in 2017, a solid effort that was given an image boost by the all-new NSX Sport Hybrid supercar and…

Acura tops 20,000 sales in Canada for third year in a row

2018 Acura RDX
Acura’s RDX was once again the star of the show, growing sales despite the current generation being in its last full year of availability. (Photo: Acura)

Acura, Honda’s luxury division, topped 20,000 sales in Canada for the third consecutive calendar year in 2017, a solid effort that was given an image boost by the all-new NSX Sport Hybrid supercar and a real shot in the arm by the refreshed 2017 MDX mid-size SUV, both having arrived partway through the previous year, while an upgraded 2018 TLX sedan that went on sale halfway through 2017 pushed the premium brand over the top.

Acura’s 20,299 2017 deliveries beat last year’s 20,227-unit total, although in a refreshingly honest Honda Canada Inc. (HCI) press release the brand’s parent company called this modest gain “relatively flat sales versus the previous year.” HCI was clearly proud of its combined Acura and Honda brand sales, however, with its 197,251 unit total showing an annual increase of six percent over the same 12 months in 2016, which resulted in an all-time annual sales record for the fourth consecutive year.

2018 Acura MDX
The MDX continues to be a powerhouse in the three-row luxury SUV sector, topping overall sales. (Photo: Acura)

In a comparatively small way next to the 50,443 Honda CR-V deliveries in 2017, HCI’s total was nevertheless helped along by Acura’s top-selling RDX compact SUV that achieved its best-ever sales of 8,101 units despite being near the end of its current lifecycle. This marks six years of consecutive sales growth for the RDX, a vehicle that also managed an impressive second in sales volume out of 17 competitive nameplates, only beaten by Audi’s redesigned Q5 that broke five figures at 10,271 units.

“Acura’s RDX luxury SUV served as the brand’s success story last year, driving sales to surpass the coveted 20,000-unit mark for the third consecutive year, despite being in its final product cycle year,” said Jean Marc Leclerc, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Honda Canada Inc. “Representing the most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade, the all-new RDX will launch later this year, signaling the beginning of a new era for Acura products inspired by Precision Crafted Performance.”

2018 Acura TLX
Sales of the new 2018 Acura TLX are up too, despite the D-segment slowing for most rivals. (Photo: Acura)

The RDX follows a value packed strategy that benefits all Acura models, with other strong sellers including the just noted MDX that’s up from 5,425 sales in 2016 to 5,838 deliveries in 2017. The MDX is the most popular dedicated three-row SUV in Canada, while at 4,205 unit sales in 2017, also improving on the previous year’s total, the renewed TLX sport-luxury sedan is the most popular non-German car in the highly competitive D-segment, by a long shot.

2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
Acura’s flagship RLX Sport Hybrid gets refreshed for 2018, but that won’t be enough to cause even a ripple in the force. (Photo: Acura)

As for Acura’s entry-level entrant, at just 2,047 deliveries for 2017, down from 2,459 in 2016, 2,551 in 2015, 2,752 in 2014, and a high of 3,192 in 2013, it’s hardly the slowest selling C-segment luxury car. That would be Lexus’ long-in-tooth CT at 367 units, while BMW’s 2 Series also suffered losses with sales coming in at just 1,929 units. Mercedes saw CLA deliveries sag too, albeit at 3,764 units it’s still number two in the segment, while B-Class sales grew to 2,369 units and Audi finished on top with 3,997 A3 sales. Still, Acura dealers (and fans) can hardly wait to get their mitts on the completely redesigned 2020 ILX to be based on Honda’s evermore-popular Civic, which was once again the best-selling car in Canada thanks to 66,935 buyers in 2017.

So what can we expect from Acura in 2018? A fully redesigned 2019 RDX won’t be the only boost to sales this year, albeit despite receiving an attractive refresh for 2018 the brand’s impressive yet slow-as-molasses-selling RLX Sport Hybrid flagship sedan will need a miracle to see it break three figures after finding just 59 buyers in 2017, although a full year with the new TLX should help the Japanese luxury brand grow its sales further.

Acura’s RDX doesn’t continually gravitate to the top echelons of compact luxury SUV sales leadership by accident. It’s finding upwards of 8,000 Canadian buyers per year, placing it a close second…

Acura RDX receives 2018 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award

2018 Acura RDX
According to Consumer Guide, the Acura RDX is one of the best vehicles to buy in its compact luxury SUV class. (Photo: Acura)

Acura’s RDX doesn’t continually gravitate to the top echelons of compact luxury SUV sales leadership by accident. It’s finding upwards of 8,000 Canadian buyers per year, placing it a close second behind Audi’s Q5 year after year.

How does Acura do it? After appealing to aesthetics with styling that pleases the majority of consumers, making sure fit, finish and materials quality are up to par, and delivering big on performance while not forgetting the importance of fuel efficiency in the compact SUV class, it comes down to bang for the buck.

2018 Acura RDX
The RDX had to rate highly in a number of criteria to win the Automotive Best Buy Award. (Photo: Acura)

Proving this point, the RDX was one of three Acuras to receive a 2018 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award, the RDX earning its award in the Premium Compact Crossover/SUV category. Even more significant, this is the sixth consecutive year it achieved the honour.

The other Acuras earning top marks include the larger MDX mid-size luxury SUV, which earned its Best Buy Award in the Premium Midsize Crossover category, and the D-segment TLX sport sedan given its Best Buy Award in the Premium Midsize Car category.

2018 Acura RDX
Standard full LED headlights helped the RDX achieve its top rated status. (Photo: Acura)

The 2018 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award selection process once again came down to performance, features, accommodations, fuel efficiency, resale value and price, with the RDX said to be one of the most balanced SUVs on the market.

2018 Acura RDX
The RDX also includes standard AcuraWatch safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking. (Photo: Acura)

With a base price of $42,390 plus freight and fees the RDX isn’t the least expensive compact luxury SUV in its segment, but it’s far from the priciest either. More importantly, along with the best rear legroom in its class as well as the most total cargo volume available, the rear seatbacks even folding down via handy levers on the cargo sidewalls, the RDX packs in loads of standard features that cost thousands more when added to its European competitors, such as standard V6 power, AWD, full LED headlights, proximity keyless access, pushbutton ignition, steering wheel paddle shifters, adaptive cruise control, a colour multi-information display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a multi-angle backup camera, SMS text and email reading capability, Siri Eyes Free, satellite radio, a universal garage door opener, heatable powered front seats with driver’s side memory, a powered moonroof, a powered rear liftgate, and much more.

2018 Acura RDX
A high-quality interior filled with standard features help the RDX attract value-conscious luxury buyers. (Photo: Acura)

On top of all these convenience features, its long list of standard safety gear is highlighted by a host of AcuraWatch driver assistance technologies including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and the list goes on, resulting in a best-possible 5 Star safety rating from the NHTSA and a top-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick + rating, making the RDX one of the safest compact luxury SUVs available today.

2018 Acura RDX
The RDX has the most rear legroom in its class. (Photo: Acura)

In addition to all the standard features, Acura offers a bevy of RDX upgrades available on two higher-grade trims, the mid-range $45,390 RDX Tech including remote engine start, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, AcuraLink connectivity, navigation with detailed mapping, voice activation, a 410-watt 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system, heatable second-row outboard seats, blindspot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, and more, while the $47,390 RDX Elite adds all of the above plus larger 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming side mirrors, ventilated front seats, and more.

2018 Acura RDX
The RDX delivers more total cargo volume than any compact luxury SUV rival. (Photo: Acura)

Of note, the RDX shared its Best Buy Award status with the Lincoln MKC, whereas Volvo’s XC90 was chosen alongside the MDX in its category, and Lexus ES was also given the spotlight next to the TLX.

Plenty of other cars, SUVs and trucks earned 2018 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Awards, so make sure to check out the long list at Consumerguide.com/best-buys.

The mucky dirt Land Rover left all over this new Discovery SVX prototype when posing for its photo shoot says it all. This is no lily white (or Fuji/Yulong white) soft-roader, but a bold, brash 4×4…

Discovery SVX shows how far Land Rover’s newest mid-size SUV can go

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
The new Discovery SVX prototype will be coming in production trim next year. (Photo: Land Rover)

The mucky dirt Land Rover left all over this new Discovery SVX prototype when posing for its photo shoot says it all. This is no lily white (or Fuji/Yulong white) soft-roader, but a bold, brash 4×4 cut from the same gritty emery cloth as the legendary Defender.

Most of today’s sport utilities can’t say the same. Even after the most purposefully utile off-roaders like Land Rover’s Series I staked their claim on the wild, when much more refined alternatives ushered in the SUV craze that replaced wagons and minivans as family favourites, boasting rough and rugged nameplates like Blazer, Cherokee, Trooper, 4Runner, Explorer, etcetera, with real truck-based 4×4 capability, few could really slog it out in the mud alongside anything from Land Rover. How much less so for today’s car-based SUVs, which are oftentimes little more than gussied up wagons.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
Check out the videos below for a glimpse at the new Discovery SVX’ 4×4 heroics. (Photo: Land Rover)

The Discovery was introduced back in the late ‘80s when SUVs were changing the face of the auto market. It quickly rose to prominence in the luxury sector, and has never looked back. For a bit of history, the Discovery Series I was replaced by the slightly roomier and more refined 1998-2005 Discovery II, while the much improved 2003-2009 Series III was renamed LR3 in North America when introduced for the 2005 model year, before the 2010-2016 LR4 brought Land Rover’s most family friendly model fully into the premium class both stylistically and luxuriantly.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
A raised suspension promises better water fording capability. (Photo: Land Rover)

The new 2017 Discovery, which remains mostly unchanged as it moves into the 2018 model year, other than some minor yet important updates including standard autonomous emergency braking, standard InControl Touch Pro Navigation now benefiting from a larger 10-inch touchscreen, the turbo-diesel powertrain now available throughout the entire model lineup, and a revised second-gen head-up display system that can now be had on HSE and HSE Luxury trims, is a completely reimagined sport utility that eschews nearly everything from its LR4, LR3 and Discovery past.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
Plenty of styling updates will make the SVX stand out against other Discovery trims. (Photo: Land Rover)

Most obviously its blocky corners have been wholly smoothed over, but more so that metalwork is now formed from aluminum instead of steel, while an even more significant change sees the old Integrated Body Frame (IBF) platform architecture left behind for a monocoque body shell. The suspension is aluminum as well, the result of these lightweight materials being a 480-kilogram (1,058-lb) reduction in curb weight from the outgoing model, for much improved driving dynamics and efficiency.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
New tech that aids the SVX off-road also helps it perform better on pavement. (Photo: Land Rover)

While this strict alloy diet should theoretically aid off-road capability, some naysayers point to the change from partial body-on-frame architecture to monocoque (a.k.a. unibody) as a negative when the pavement ends and trail begins, which makes it all the more important for Land Rover to highlight that its new Disco is every bit as capable off-road as its outgoing LR4. What better way to prove this point than to showcase a special off-road optimized version of the new SUV, that every diehard Land Rover 4×4 fan will want to call their own.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
If the wilderness knows your name, the Discovery SVX might be your ideal companion when it arrives next year. (Photo: Land Rover)

Meet the new Discovery SVX, just revealed at the Frankfurt motor show. It’s a “production preview” of what the British SUV brand is calling “the ultimate all-terrain Land Rover Discovery.” Just one look should have even the most jaded 4×4 purists wanting a turn at the wheel, plus news that behind its matte grey, black, silver and orange coloured front fascia is Land Rover’s 518 horsepower supercharged 5.0-litre V8.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
Land Rover made a point of photographing a muddied up Discovery SVX, making its off-road purposes clear. (Photo: Land Rover)

“The SVX product line gives us a fantastic opportunity to deliver the ultimate Land Rover all-terrain capability in a dynamic and distinctive manner, creating a rugged and versatile SUV that the whole family will love: effortless, unstoppable and connected, whatever the terrain,” said Mark Stanton, Jaguar Land Rover SVO Director. “Discovery SVX is designed to reward off-road driving enthusiasts with the next level of all-terrain capability, without compromising comfort and practicality.”

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
The SVX prototype’s matte grey and orange highlights look sharp. (Photo: Land Rover)

The list of kit that makes it worthy of the brand’s “most extreme Land Rover yet” claim is extensive, including a raised monocoque and four-corner air suspension with long-travel dampers and modified knuckles for better approach, departure, and breakover angles, as well as heightened ground clearance for overcoming obstacles, while all of the above gets assisted further via bigger 20-inch forged aluminum alloys wrapped in meatier 815-mm diameter 275/55 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain rubber. Land Rover points out that the tires’ higher sidewalls “reduce contact pressure and improve performance on soft surfaces,” which when “combined with a more aggressive tread pattern… improves grip in muddy conditions.”

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
More mud anyone? These large all-terrain tires are ideal for mucking through thick gumbo. (Photo: Land Rover)

Aiding both off-road performance and on-pavement stability is new Hydraulic Active Roll Control (H-ARC). This SVX-exclusive technology allows for increased wheel articulation when tackling aggressively uneven trail surfaces, plus reduced body-roll during fast-paced cornering.

An additional Land Rover first is the Discovery SVX’s specially tuned Terrain Response 2 four-wheel drive system, which, along with manually or automatically modulating throttle, brake, and torque distribution from a dial atop the centre console, includes active centre and electronic rear locking differentials for optimizing traction in all weather conditions and all types of surfaces.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
Unique SVX badging is reminiscent of Land Rover’s SVR and SVAutobiography lines. (Photo: Land Rover)

Likewise, the model’s eight-speed automatic gearbox and twin-speed transfer case have been tweaked with “unique software calibrations,” says Land Rover, while variable ratio electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) joins the Discovery’s usual assortment of advanced driver assist systems, including Hill Descent Control, Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Adaptive Dynamics, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC).

Providing “optimum control of gear selection in off-road manoeuvres,” the current production Discovery’s Drive Select rotating gear selector has been replaced by a Pistol Shifter that looks as if it was pulled straight out of a Jaguar F-Type, other than the tiny orange cross-stitched “X” that’s applied overtop the leather shift knob’s regular French stitching and some minor changes to the lever’s backside design, this JLR parts bin-sourced item making perfect sense for an SUV that’s bound for production.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
How about a cleaner look? Like what you see? You can register your interest below. (Photo: Land Rover)

Yes, something very similar is on the way next year, with Land Rover confirming the “Discovery SVX will be the first Land Rover assembled by hand at the SVO Technical Centre when production begins in 2018.”

What might change ahead of production? True 4×4 aficionados would most likely rather have the fuel-friendly and therefore much more range-capable turbo-diesel in place of the hyper-tuned V8, the formidable powerplant’s 461 lb-ft of torque tempting yet more in tune with off-road racing than any serious, adventurous safari-like 4x4ing. In stock trim the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 is good for 254 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and a still impressive 443 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 to 2,250 rpm, while fuel economy is rated at 11.2 L/100km in the city, 9.0 on the highway and 10.2 combined, which won’t only save weekend warriors a lot of coin on the way to their trails of choice, but get them much deeper into the wilderness per tank of fuel.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
The design changes certainly toughen up Land Rover’s seven-passenger family hauler. (Photo: Land Rover)

If you’re wondering where the SVX nomenclature hails from, JLR’s aforementioned SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) division is fully responsible. It also produces the highly acclaimed Range Rover Sport SVR and new Range Rover SVAutobiography (SVA), the former representing the ultimate in SUV performance, the latter being the ultimate in SUV luxury. SVX, of course, is for those wanting the ultimate in off-road capability.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
These artistic tread plates might not make the transition to production. (Photo: Land Rover)

As for styling, this SVX production preview certainly looks the part. The front and rear bumpers are unique, featuring protective skid plates and exposed Rush Orange-painted recovery eyes that Land Rover says can manage more than 6,000 tonnes (6,614 lbs) of SUV and gear, if the need to get unstuck via a two vehicle or winch arises (never do any serious 4x4ing without a handheld come-a-long). An electric winch is mounted within the rear bumper, its orange hook hanging from the left rear recovery eye in the photos.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
This Jaguar F-Type-sourced shift lever replaces the rotating dial gear controller, said to work better in extreme off-road conditions. (Photo: Land Rover)

Land Rover calls the matte-finish exterior paint Tectonic Grey, which is as much of a dark silver as a light grey. While attractive, this surface treatment also provides an anti-glare finish for the hood, helpful for reducing strain in the eyes when trying to keep a lookout for obstacles ahead. Additional unique details include a Narvik Black Dynamic grille, Narvik Black side vents with V8 badging, silver roof rails, and a roof-mounted light bar up front featuring two rows of LED driving lights for help in low-visibility situations.

Inside, the SVX gets a combination of Lunar and Light Oyster greys with more Rush Orange accents, the little “X” on the shift lever complemented by more X logos on the SVX-branded seats.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
The infotainment system will likely be loaded up with useful off-road tech like an inclinometer, plus by the looks of the photos provided by Land Rover, it could also use an altimeter. (Photo: Land Rover)

“SVO designers are embedded within the Land Rover team and have worked with our engineers to unleash their own passion for adventure to create another truly desirable and versatile vehicle in the Land Rover line-up,” said John Edwards, Special Vehicle Operations Managing Director.

Longtime Discovery fans will likely find the SVX’ orange highlights familiar, the colour previously used as the livery for G4 Challenge events, plus the race replica production models that soon followed. Land Rover’s Camel Trophy branded Discovery and Range Rover models wore more yellowish-orange paintwork, which will no doubt make a comeback at a later date when yellow comes back in popular favour. Now, the SVX’ grey and orange colour scheme is the height of fashion.

2019 Land Rover Discovery SVX
The seats include SVX script and orange detailing. (Photo: Land Rover)

“The combination of design excellence and engineering integrity inherent in every Land Rover is the foundation of everything we do,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer. “The Discovery SVX reinforces Land Rover’s unrivalled reputation for building vehicles with true all-terrain capability for customers who desire the ultimate in off-road performance.”

If you like what you see, register your interest at https://www.landrover.ca/en/special-vehicle-operations/discovery-svx/index.html or talk to your local Land Rover dealer. Also, make sure to check out our photo gallery above, as well as two beautifully produced videos below, the shorter one dubbed “The Goat” just for fun, and the longer one named “The Journey” showing the new Discovery SVX in its element:

“The Goat” video:

“The Journey” video: