The 2001 ACURA MDX SUV- If you think you've seen enough of the luxury SUV market, don't quit just yet. There's a new baby SUV that tries to raise the bar of luxury SUV's, and this one seems to do it perfectly. The new Acura MDX has thrown in an impressive level of control, comfort, and dignified refinement into an undoubtedly competitive market. Though it showed up fashionably late to the party, this Acura SUV has done a perfect job at putting together what people want and don't want.

Acura has finally found some time and money for some real SUV R&D, this purebred Acura should carve out a nice niche in this overcrowded class of luxo-4x4's.

The new MDX will hit showrooms this fall. And with competitors from three top luxury firms, it has a lot to prove. Rather than copying the softness of an RX300, the sport excitement of the X5, or the low-range driving abilities of the M-Class, Acura chose to blend elements of their various pluses for a balance including fun performance, real-world versatility, and foul-weather handling none of the others can claim. The MDX's long list of highlights begins right under the hood, where Honda's master technicians have done it again. Its 3.5-liter SOHC VTEC V-6 is essentially the same as that in the top-line RL sedan, but with several high-potency improvements (the same used to add extra zip to the 3.2CL Type S) that boost output from 210 horsepower to a stout 240 and torque from 224 pound-feet to 245.

The engine is complemented by a seamless four-speed automatic and Acura's new state-of-the-art VTM-4 automatic AWD system. With out getting into the technical details, let's just say that, even while gunning the throttle on a loose, gravel-strewn, slippery uphill, the all four wheels locked up instantly, with virtually no wheelspin. That's just what you want in any foul-weather situation.

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The driving dynamics of the MDX are typical Acura: Well refined and superbly controlled. It was perfectly controlled, never once giving the driver a feeling of slippage, or even an ounce of uncertainty. As a yardstick for cornering grip, Honda has measured the MDX's lateral acceleration at 0.73 g, which is right in the thick of its V-6 competitors (RX 300: 0.71; ML320: 0.73; QX4: 0.75). One of the high points of the MDX's spacious, comfy, and well-equipped interior is its highly flexible seating. With a 70/30 split middle seat and 50/50 split third-row seat, the MDX can accommodate a two person getaway or a seven person vacation. Moreover, when the third seat (or either side) isn't needed for people, it simply folds down and disappears into the floor, a great design that optimizes cargo space without the bother of having to remove a heavy third seat.

Safety ranks high with the same advanced front and side airbag system used in the RL and CL, This includes a smart front passenger seat that adjusts for the height of a person and whether he's leaning toward the door, and then readjusts the airbag settings appropriately. In addition, there are three-point seatbelts on all seven seats, and in Honda-conducted crash tests, the MDX's rigid body met the tough requirements for top ratings in both front and side impacts. What else? The MDX offers the world's first automatically linked front and rear climate control system, and Acura's advanced DVD navigation system is optionally available.

The MDX's long list of highlights begins right under the hood, where Honda's master technicians have done it again:Its 3.5-liter SOHC VTEC V-6 is essentially the same as that in the top-line RL sedan, but with several high-potency improvements (the same used to add extra zip to the 3.2CL Type S) that boost output from 210 horsepower to a stout 240 and torque from 224 pound-feet to 245. In addition, the torque is masterfully delivered over such a useable curve that 95 percent of its peak is available from 2000 to 5500 rpm. The outcome is an engine that's stronger and more responsive than competitors, yet well mannered and quiet, enhancing both the sport and luxury elements of the vehicle's equation. 0-60-mph acceleration is estimated at 8.5 seconds, which outpaces its prime V-6 competitors, the RX 300 (8.8) and Mercedes ML320 (9.0), as well as the new '01 240-horse Infiniti QX4 (9.1). In addition, the MDX is the first SUV to be rated as ULEV (ultra-low emission vehicle) in all 50 states.

Some inside news from AutoNetDirect: While pricing has yet to be announced, the MDX is expected to base in the mid-$30,000 range, which puts it head-to-head with the RX 300 and ML320, and should be an excellent value, considering its extended content list. Like other Acura models, perhaps the strongest criticism you can mount against the MDX is that it doesn't exude much pizzazz. It provides strong performance, refined mannerisms, good handling, inviting comfort, and excellent interior useability. This might just be the stand out we've been looking for in this crowded segment, and with just a few more luxo-utes on the way, Acura might have just raised the bar again. AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

SEE BELOW FOR THE NEW ACURA MDX SPECIFICATIONS