By Larry Printz
The Virginian-Pilot
Just off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla. resides Amelia Island, a 13-mile spit of land that has seen many visitors in its time, from pirates and bootleggers to Jose Marti, the Carnegies and Duke Ellington. Joining the list every March are thousands who flock to the Amelia Island's Concours d'Elegance , one of the country's leading classic car shows.
After viewing exotic machinery at the show, it's easy to feel let down when returning to the mundane creations in the parking lot outside the show. But drivers of the 2007 Acura MDX won't know the feeling.
This popular car-based SUV, introduced in 2001, has been redesigned for 2007, resulting in enough fun to qualify the MDX for a spot in your own personal car show.
Unlike some of the show cars on the field, the MDX is a blast to drive. It has a light, nimble feel that Honda and Acura drivers will appreciate.
The test car had an optional electromagnetic damping system that delivers a soft, smooth ride until you enter a corner, whereupon the suspension stiffens, lending the MDX a sporty feel.
Acura also equips the MDX with its "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" system, which delivers power side-to-side as well as front- to-rear.
Power can be delivered for maximum performance or maximum traction in foul weather. MDX owners get the best of all worlds, great traction, great handling and a great ride.
The MDX's power flows from a willing 3.7-liter V6 mated to a five- speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually. There's always enough moxie to swiftly move this machine. While you will never mistake it for a sports car - or even a sports sedan - it's a fun vehicle to drive, even at modest speeds around Amelia Island.
The interior boasts extremely comfortable seats covered in buttery, soft leather. There are three rows, two of which fold flat. As with other vehicles of this type, only children fit in the third row.
Boasting all the electronic goodies expected of a modern luxury vehicle, the MDX came equipped with a GPS navigation system, AM/FM/ XM with six-CD changer. There was a second-row DVD player, a nine- inch flat screen and inputs for games.
The car even recognizes verbal commands, but "follow that Ferrari " isn't one of them.
All the technology has a downside: a plethora of buttons that's overwhelming and a far cry from the simple, zen-like interiors that once characterized Hondas and Acuras. The interior seemed well- assembled until someone opened the front passenger door and a large portion of dashboard trim fell off.
In the end, the Acura MDX proved to be a modern show car on an island surrounded by classic ones. Capable, fun-to-drive and comfortable, this car was a star of the show, but in the parking lot.
(c) 2007 Virginian - Pilot. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.