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Acura Going Small in the SUV Business with RD-X

Acura Couldnt Get More Vague with its RD-X Announcement Leading to Speculation

Some things just make sense, and when those things that just make sense dont yet exist its a challenge to fully understand why not.

Take the sport utility segment for a moment. Why hasnt Volkswagen, the automaker that once stood as the proud standard of every persons economy car, come to market with an affordable compact SUV? Pretty well every other automaker on the planet has, and VW being one of the worlds largest should offer one.

For Acura, considered to be a premium brand, to not have a compact SUV in its arsenal

For Acura to not have a compact SUV in its arsenal is puzzling. (Photo: Acura)

is slightly more acceptable, but not necessarily very smart. After all, Hondas sport/luxury division is as revered for fuel efficiency and low emissions as it is for sporty styling and entertaining driving dynamics, therefore a smaller, lighter, more efficient yet more agile sport utility just seems right for the Japanese marque.

Acura has teased us previously,

The first RD-X concept was too radically styled to be considered anything more than a designers flight of fancy. (Photo: Acura)

with the RD-X concept that debuted at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Despite being based on the bread and butter CR-V it featured a unique adjustable instrument panel, rear seats that converted to form a cargo floor, and a 200-horsepower hybrid powertrain with with a 4-cylinder engine. While its not too much of a stretch to believe Honda would integrate its hybrid powertrain into a next-generation Acura, the first RD-X

The next iteration of the RD-X is expected to arrive next fall as a 2006 model year vehicle. (Photo: Acura)

was too radically styled to be considered anything more than a designers flight of fancy.

The automakers stylists have been at it once again, and according to recent reports will launch their latest take on the RD-X theme at the Detroit show on Sunday, January 9th.

This time, however, if the artists renderings are to be taken as an overzealous attempt to portray the real vehicle, the new concept will most likely be a prototype of the production RD-X, expected to arrive next fall as a 2006 model year vehicle.

The new concept "combines the performance of a sports sedan with the versatility and utility of a premium SUV". (Photo: Acura) align="justify">Acura stated in its press release that the new concept "combines the performance of a sports sedan with the versatility and utility of a premium SUV". Yes, about as vague as describing a minivan as having versatile seating.

The automaker added that, "It features aggressive styling, a wide track, bold fender flares and a unique wood and leather interior based on the feeling of an upscale loft apartment."

The sketches were released last Thursday, but unfortunately left everyone speculating as to what architecture it will ride upon. Acura really has two choices, unless its engineers are planning an

Basing the new SUV on the brands nimble TSX sedan makes a great deal of sense, at least initially. (Photo: Acura)

all-new chassis architecture.

Basing the new SUV on the brands nimble TSX sedan makes a great deal of sense, that is if satisfying those customers who buy into the Acura name for its sporting pretenses. The TSX is the right size for a slightly larger than compact sport utility, and it offers a powerful 4-cylinder as part of the package.

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