Sport in the Wagon

If you're looking for more activity in your wagon, you might discover it in the Saab 9-5 SportCombi, Subaru Outback 2.5XT, or Volkswagen Passat 3.6 4MOTION. But only the Subaru is close on price, the VW and the Saab are nearly 40 grand, and none of those cars feels as firm and composed as the V70 going down the road. The quiet console that the V70 provides is the automotive equivalent of Grandma's meatloaf. It makes you feel in good health after a long day.

A Recurring theme

The V70, comes across as a wallflower because it takes a while for its charisma to sneak up on you. Generally, I am not a fan of a spongy brake pedal and muffled steering feel, but both imitate the V70’s serene nature. Of course, I would give a round of applause for a stopping distance shorter than 178 feet, grip greater than 0.83 g, or handling that would make me wish even more for a stability-control system that turned off completely. Sure, it doesn't bend like a BMW, but it doesn't seem like that's what the V70 is going for, unlike the S80. 

Acura MDX with the best fit

The 300-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 has been re-tuned for more flexible power delivery, and Acura has built-in larger four-wheel disc brakes. Nineteen-inch wheels are now a plant option; 18-inches remain standard, although they're now lighter than before and have a new plan. All of this serves to boost the MDX’s already surprising agility, but I was taken aback by the ultra-light steering, at all speeds that felt much more fake and over-boosted than I remember.

Acura the best

The re-tuned active dampers that come as part of the Advance package with Acura, takes the place of last year's Sport package. Despite the MDX’s handling ability and all-wheel-drive grip, its ride is criticized for being a bit harsh and obstinate, particularly in the sportiest suspension setting. And although it remains solid, a brief jaunt north of Detroit revealed the new version to be far more acquiescent in both sport and comfort settings while maintaining good body control. 

Six Gears and a Better Ride

Perhaps the most distinguished upgrade is Acura’s first-ever six-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous five-speed. The transmission will reproduce through the company’s V-6 models, with the ZDX, in which the gearbox was first shown, being the next Acura to marketplace so equipped. Unfortunately, many other luxury carmakers already are moving on to seven- and eight-speed units, and the six-speed doesn’t get better fuel economy much in the MDX, which is now estimated at a still-thirsty 16 city mpg and 21 highway mpg versus 15/20 in 2009. The transmission shifts speedily and smoothly, and its ability to carry out multiple-gear downshifts nicely augments the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system during sporty driving. The gearbox’s standard and sport modes are chosen via the console-mounted shifter, and all trim levels get steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard.

2010 Acura MDX

With Acura’s upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover-coupe-whatever setting the tendency for the brand in terms of modification and technology, its once techno-trendsetting MDX sibling is looking a bit long in the tooth. Indeed, the second-generation MDX, has sat relatively unchanged since its 2007 debut, and this fact, combined with a number of newly engineered goodies also used in the ZDX, makes this year the ideal time for an update.