Acura RDX

kyfdx

In my experience with sales people, not very much...

Especially with the car a year away.. If it were coming out next month, I'd put more credence in it...

Of course, he may well be right... I hope so..

ateixeira

Wishful thinking or rumor. I doubt he truly knows this far in advance.

-juice

ateixeira

Good points, however we see a lot fewer manuals in trucks of all kinds.

 

-juice

ksoman

yeah, a few honda heads will roll, if somebody out in the field had this much information so much in advance... so atypical of honda.

acuradave

It will be one of two.
80% The same engine thats in the TSX. 200 HP..
20% 4 cylinder hybrid totaling 200 HP...

The two things we do know 99% is 4 cylinders and 200 HP....

kyfdx

acuradave.. Welcome to Edmunds..

Interesting first post...

The engine in the TSX seems like it would be ill-suited for heavier vehicle...

And... I'm voting "NO" on the hybrid..

regards,
kyfdx

toast

If Honda puts in a 200HP engine in the RDX the vehicle will appeal to few unless it is priced in the mid 20 range. The V6 accord engine would be a better choice. Might have to wait for the MDX redesign in 2007 if this 200 HP is accurate.

Certainly not positioning to be a BMW competitor. But Honda maybe trying to get the early adopters in on a small engine and then upgrade to a V6 in 2007 when the MDX is bumped up in terms of HP.

ateixeira

They used a 184hp engine in the base X3, actually.

I think it's getting a boost to 215hp, but prices will creep up further than the $31k where they start now. Closer to $40k well equipped.

If Acura can equip it like the TSX and keep the price at just under $30k, I think it'll be popular.

-juice

kyfdx

Actually.. they have discontinued that engine choice in the X3 for '06...

I don't think the HP is necessarily too low, but the TSX is a peaky 4-cylinder... not an inline-6, like the BMW... Just doesn't seem suited to a heavier car..

I don't think it is going to come in under $30K , though... I'm thinking $32K.. with everything but NAV... I think it will still be popular at that price..

regards,
kyfdx

ateixeira

But the X3 was popular even when that was the base engine.

Agreed about the I-6, but still, it wasn't particularly torquey, either.

-juice

robertash

I can tell you from a good source, 2.4 l TSX engine with Turbo rated at 250 hp

ateixeira

Wow, how many "good sources" do we have?

Keep in mind sources may be purposefully leaking bad information to keep us guessing.

-juice

wco81

Is X3 popular? I thought it was being discounted.

What if RDX is no better than the X3?

ateixeira

Who isn't? I see Pilot LXs for $24.3k. Can they make money at those prices?

I haven't seen BMW sales figures for a while but the last time I did the sedans were down slightly but the SUVs picked up the slack.

-juice

kyfdx

Most X3s MSRP around $40K+

If the RDX comes in around $30K-$33K, it will be substantially cheaper...

Acura buyers like to say they cross-shop the BMWs.. but, most aren't willing to pay the price premium..

They will hold close to MSRP at first, like most other new models... Within a year, they will be offering $2K off.. (see TL, TSX, CR-V, S2000).

regards,
kyfdx

ksoman

i mean trying to drive them away?
Have they not learnt any lessons from the super-poorly selling RL's?
nobody in this lux mini suv category will bite a 4 banger... though personally i hate larger engines...

kyfdx

Nobody knows what powerplant it will be..... all speculation at this point..

jrynn

If Acura/Honda engineers troll these boards for consumer feedback, let me add this one suggestion: INCLUDE MEMORY SEATS! Don't make the same mistake with the RDX you made with the TSX.

kyfdx

I think the TSX gets memory seats for '06... So, that is a good sign..

dirk3111

BMW was the first with X3 and Acura the second with the RDX. Following them is Mercedes and Land Rover, the FX-35 is small enough to fit in this catagory. Its a growing market people still want SUV's but better gas mileage.

dirk3111

I will bet (by bet I mean know for sure) it will be a:
2.2 litre 255 - 260 HP Turbo I4
or
3.0 litre (Accord V6) with 250 - 260 HP.

bodble2

"or"

That means you don't know for sure! :P

ateixeira

That it will be a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder, with or without hybrid, with or without a turbo. :P

I think that ought to cover all the possibilities.

-juice

kyfdx

You know.. Honda used to put a five-cylinder in the Vigor...

ateixeira

Just to cover every possibility.

-juice

varmint

I predict it will have four wheels.

kyfdx

Including the spare?

ateixeira

You really think it'll have the PAX system from the Ody? :P

-juice

jrynn

Not that a car is a computer game, but when does a design "go gold" and get locked so there are no later changes?

If this car is launching in about six months, I'd have thought people would be locked in very soon on final dimensions, interior parts, etc., and that the remaining lead time wouldn't be design-related, it would be operational -- lining up suppliers, programming welding/assembly robots, finishing out production facilities.

What's a real-world timeline for a new model introduction?

kyfdx

I don't have an answer to your question, but everything I've heard puts introduction much later in '06...

I would guess we are closer to 11-13 months from introduction... and, if that is accurate, I'd say the March auto shows should have the RDX in it's final form...

regards,
kyfdx

ateixeira

NY show is in April, they'd debut it there if that's the case.

-juice

jrynn

What -- besides the X3 -- is in the RDX's niche?

jchan2

the Land Rover Freelander comes to mind.

jchan2

I predict it will have....

SIDE AIRBAGS!!!!!!!!

navigator89

There's not much of a niche now, but by 2008 the compact premium SUV market will grow considerably. Here's what's coming out.

Land Rover Freelander
Lincoln Aviator
Volvo XC50
Audi Q5
Mercedes MLK/MLX Class
Cadillac BRX
Infiniti CX25/CX35

And on top of this, I'd say the Lexus RX330 and Subaru B9 Tribeca are also in this segment, although they are larger than the other players.

geogirl1

What other small SUV's would the RDX be comparable to in size? I am looking for something similar in size to the Infiniti FX35.

ateixeira

Should be a bit smaller than that. The concept was.

The FX35 is not very space efficient inside, so it might actually have more interior space. But I think external dimensions will be smaller.

Compare the CR-V to the FX if you want to get a basic idea.

-juice

varmint

What part of "size" are you concerned with? Passenger space? Cargo space? Exterior dimensions for parking?

I think Juice is probably right comparing it with the current CR-V. But it may have a bit less cargo space due to compromises with styling.

geogirl1

I was referring to exterior dimensions. I want a small SUV. I will check out the CR-V as a size guide. I am just trying to figure out if I should wait for the RDX. I would rather wait for vehicle that has what I am looking for, than compromise now. I love the FX35 but it is out of my budget!
thanks for the help.

ateixeira

Space efficiency is not a strength, not even close. I think they tried to make it look butch, macho, and sacrificed a lot of room.

RDX should be tidier, easier to park, and have better visibility, if it's anything like the concept.

I'd wait. Or try a BMW X3. If you're not into badges, try a Subaru Forester XT Limited.

-juice

varmint

The CR-V is actually about the same size as a Highlander. Both are 5 inches shorter in length than the FX35. The CR-V should be easier to manuever, thanks to a tighter turning radius.

Going smaller than that, I'd recommend the Forester, RAV4, or Tucson.

daniik

i've been reading all the posts for the last couple of days, and TOV says its going to be bases on the TSX platform, and again - why would an RDX need a TL engine, its a beast but SUVs/SAVs are not performers they are supposed to be not practical but efficient, i believe that luxury would also involve less trips to the gas station, I'm 21, and live in Brooklyn, I am almost done with college and would like to drive to a reputable company in a reputable car - and i think 200HP out of a 4 banger would be fantastic - i hope the 4 cyl remains as an option, my father has a 2003 Element and for a car of that size (its pretty big) 160 HP really hits the spot. i have a 1998 mazda mpv allsport which will keep me driving around for a while but i find myself wanting the gadgets that my lucky [non-permissible content removed] friends 2004 TL has, 2007 model year will bring on a lot of new cars, and im waiting on something to meet my needs, i rather it be a honda product as i come from a honda/mazda family and all of the cars my family have owned have been around for 10 years plus. thats my story and im sticking to it.

-Danny

sockpuppet1969

We could not wait for the RDX and have went ahead and placed a deposit on an '05 CRV SE. Several factors contributed to this decision including a gas guzzling American SUV that we currently drive ('98 Chevy Blazer, 15 mpg :lemon: ) which is about to hit 100K miles, out of control gas prices, the desire for a safer car and me wanting my '03 Accord back from my wife. This months consumer reports also has an interesting article on new models in their first year of production and how they have a lot more problems than models that have been out for a while.

In the CRV we get a mini-ute with leather and all the safety features that is economical and takes regular gas. The only thing I am really bummed about is the lack of an integrated NAV system although we will install an aftermarket NAV, probably the latest Magellan system. We take delivery at the end of this month (car is not in yet).

I am still interested in the RDX, maybe it will be our next car.

varmint

...if it's not too late.

You might be better off buying an older CR-V as an interim car. Buy a 2003 model which has already taken the biggest hit in depreciation. Keep it for two years and see if you like the RDX. If not, maybe the 2007 CR-V will better fit your needs.

sockpuppet1969

Thanks for the suggestion. Believe me - we went around and around on this one. We considered the first generation CR-V (including the SE) and RAV4. We considered a late model CR-V also. The old CRV's did not have a sunroof. The old RAV4's mostly don't have ABS in the south. In the end we decided that we wanted a new car. More money but less hassle. Also, the safety issue was a big factor. I wanted a full compliment of air bags and stability control. We also really wanted leather (toddler).

I think we will be quite happy with the new CRV-SE. The RDX will be a lot more expensive, require premium fuel and get worse gas mileage. The increased power is not as important to us as gas mileage in the long run. And although the level of luxury and miscellaneous gadgets in the RDX will surely greatly surpass the CR-V, this is not as important to us given financial and timing considerations. As I said, we can always get either a new or used RDX in 5-10 years when we are ready to get rid of the CRV.

wco81

TSX engine is bad for mileage. For instance, the TSX is rated at 22/30 for that 4-cylinder while the upcoming Lexus IS 250 automatic is supposedly going to be rated 24/32 with a V6 in what should be a heavier car.

So the TSX engine in a heavier SUV may not even break 20 in the city.

ateixeira

Congrats.

We just got a Garmin StreetPilot c320. They're pretty nifty.

Portable does have some trade-offs, but it also has its advantages. For instance we've used ours in 3 cars already. And you can program address in the comfort of your own home.

Join the NAV thread, I put some detailed comments in there.

-juice

151ranch

I have an Element and a TSX (both manual transmissions). Element gets 25 mpg mixed driving and TSX gets 29 mpg mixed driving. So, I think the gas mileage would probably come in better than twenty. The E really needs a 6th speed for overdrive - 70 mph is at 3500 rpm. With that, I could probably get 28 mpg on the highway, easy.

jimc16

I currently lease a Lexus RX 330. It is the most unsatisfying car I have ever had, and I have owned Fords. The delay while trying to accelerate is 2 seconds. My lease is up next spring, and I have been following the RDX with great anticipation. I just saw a news release for the new RAV4. 181 inches long and a 268 HP V6. I hope the RDX is competitive, because I hate the thought of another Toyota.

ateixeira

I saw that too, and it sort of came out of nowhere. I'm surprised it'll be big enough for 3 rows, supposedly, given the RX330 isn't.

RAV4 ought to be a hoot with a 268hp V6, though!

-juice