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Acura
is one of those vehicle names that seems to go
on forever without a hassle. That's the reputation
that its parent company, Honda, has built up for
years among buyers. So it might be surprising
that Acura's big news for its MDX crossover for
2006 is an extended warranty addition. Just something
to make sure the bounces of life don't intrude
on the MDX's luxurious interior. This year, the
sporty, seven passenger MDX gets a six-year, or
70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, as the
company again emphasizes longevity as part of
its track record. It also continues a standard
four-year, or 50,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper
coverage, all part of its $37 K to $44 K range
of prices.
Acura
has tended to refine rather than redevelop the
MDX periodically with major changes. But those
tweaks add up, resulting in a wealth of consumer-coddling
amenities, plus industry-standard safety and low
emissions features. Among '06 updates are interior
trim refinements and Amazon Green Metallic as
a new exterior color. The upmarket Touring versions
get an ebony-toned Zebra wood pattern and satin
chrome accents.
Don't
look for lots of options for the MDX. Standard
features tend to be the rule. Among them are recently
added XM Satellite radio on all models. Upmarket
Touring versions get Acura's "HandsFreeLink,"
with industry standard Bluetooth technology and
optional Nav system with voice recognition so
the driver keeps both hands on the wheel while
making phone calls. Other standard luxury items
on all MDXs include power moonroof, multi-function
digital trip computer, leather trimmed seats for
two rows, premium sound and synchronized climate
control. Among Touring package-only features are
roof rack, alloy wheels and upgraded 225-watt,
eight-speaker Bose sound.
While
it appears Acura has changed its engine capabilities
for the front-drive/all-wheel-drive MDX, it hasn't.
Rather, for 2006, it has adjusted horsepower ratings
to meet recently revised SAE engineering standards.
The MDX's 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 now rates at 253-horsepower
and 250-lb.ft of tow-worthy torque.
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