nicholascanada

For anyone who owned the first generation, we all know the new RDX is a complete departure from its origins. To each their own, and Acura needed to sell some cars. So off went the handling, sportiness and overall fun.

Now, with the new turbo engines being mentioned, and the market for smaller luxury sporty CUVs....

PLEASE ACURA! For the love of god! Throw one of those new turbos in the Honda HRV, upgrade the suspension, interior, slap on an Acura badge and call me...please, I beg you. You will sell them...

Or don't...and continue to watch the X1, Q3, GLA and Evoques of the world sell like hotcakes. What are you waiting for? Bankruptcy?

2012wagon

You mean something to compete with the Lexus NX?

Nexx

hot cakes huh?

X1 sold in 2014 22,808 units
audi Q3 in 2014 would have probably sold around 8,769 units if released for the full year
Evoque 12,440 units sold in 2014

RDX 44,865 units sold in 2014

i might be in the minority but i dont see much of a following in the small sporty suv segment. i dont see the appeal.

once again delusional acura owners wanting something acura that will not sell lol

nicholascanada

No something sportier and above that. The funny thing is that the 1st Gen RDX really I think was ahead of its time. Now we have smaller luxury CUVs that are sporty and not floating big mini vans. Spice up the HRV and I think you could compete with the Q3s, GLAs, and X1s of the world.

Nexx

to compare to its larger siblings

47,031 X5's sold in 2014
42,420 Q5's sold in 2014

now those hot cakes my friend not your small compact suvs.

2012wagon

Actually OP is correct. Current market trend is the small CUV..that is where the market is moving to...which is why the NX and HRVs and CX3...

ceb

Actually, the market trend fluctuates with the price of gas. For some reasons, Americans think bigger is better and "settle" for smaller only when gas prices go up. The current crop of small SUVs were designed well before the gas prices dropped and you'll see a decline in sales (with a corresponding increase in larger SUVs) this year as gas prices continue to fall or at least stay low.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I really enjoy the Mazda cx-3.

2012wagon

^^
same here

I do want to drive the Turbo NX when it reaches my dealership..

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

I just saw the NX F-Sport today. man, that thing is quite the looker.

HotRodW

You forgot Buick Encore ... 48,892 units in 2014. Obviously sporty isn't necessarily a requisite.

wildeklave

I can see them doing something off of the Honda HRV to compete with the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA. I think it would be an upgraded HRV with the engine being used in the ILX. It is possible the new turbo mentioned can be used as well. Since Lexus and Infiniti are not in this space it is not a slam dunk that Acura will enter it. Acura likes to be simple with only a few models that they can leverage. The Germans have a lot of models and variants that can be confusing to some customers and not as profitable to assemble. As a comparison the original RDX was 180 inches as was the original Lexus RX.

But is there a customer base for a luxury compact utility vehicle? Yes, you can get 1st time luxury buyers upgrading from a Nissan Juke or Kia Soul. You may also get some buyers that own a TLX or MDX that want a small fun weekend vehicle. They may be a Mini Countryman owner who wants something slightly larger but not too large. Maybe they own a Tuscon and want to upgrade to a luxury vehicle.

If they do it I would suggest about 172-173 inches long and about 63 inches high as a compact utility vehicle. Maybe also offer a drop top special version like the Jeep Wrangler's offer for those who want a fun car. This way it will be a good 10 inches shorter than the RDX in length and a good 2 inches shorter in height so as not to compete.

Looking at the space they would need to find their niche:
- BMW X1 is really a wagon that looks like an SUV - 177 in long and 61 in high
- Mini Countryman - 162 in long and 62 in high
- Honda HRV is 170 in long and 63 in high
- Audi Q3 - 173 in long and 62 in high
- Mercedes GLA - 174 in long and 59 in high
- Buick Encore - 168 in long and 65 in high
- Kia Soul - 163 in long and 63 in high
- Fiat 500X - not out yet - 167 in long and 63 in high
- Nissan Juke - 162 in long and 62 in high
- Hyundai Tuscon - 167 in long and 65 in high

2012wagon

Saw my first Lexus NX yesterday in Westlake. Also saw my first Huracan.

NX from the rear looked very narrow and small with fat fenders stuck on as an afterthought. Not very inspiring. Still looking forward to getting a closer look and drive at dealer.

panamera125

I think all they need to do is have a sportier RDX, even with current size/weight. The J35 motor makes tons of power for a medium sized suv, and if they just tightened up the steering, made it stiffer, bigger wheels and a louder exhaust, that would be a really sporty thing. But as it's been said, nobody would buy it anyway. Too bad!

sbiegalski

^^ we can keep dreaming, though.

AXMACD

I think it's small enough as is!

Kaputnik

I couldn't agree more. Even after test driving a 2015, I ended up buying a low mileage 2008 for the reasons you stated (handling, sportiness and overall fun). Despite the perceived faults of the 1st Gen RDX, the car is a blast to drive!

hadokenuh

I can see definitely a smaller/sportier SUV can sell really well for Acura.

But I strongly believe that it won't happen after they are done with the RLX MMC, RDX MMC, ILX MMC AND see improved sales numbers for the RLX and ILX.

Doubtit

Agreed not only not sporty but fugly

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

cant wait to test drive the CX-3!
sporty and fuN!!!!!

wildeklave

an article came out over the weekend that Toyota / Lexus is keeping an eye on the subcompact CUV market since they believe it is growing faster than the other markets. The success of the Soul and Juke have raised their eyebrows. With the A and B line vehicles they are usually small with almost no trunk space. While the length of these vehicles is similar they are higher up that some drivers prefer and have more trunk space because the trunk goes higher.

ceb

The Juke or Soul have never been mass market vehicles and never will be. The compact CUV market was under careful study during the days of $4 gas but not so much in the days of sub $2 gas. Americans have short memories and larger SUVs are again on the rise.

There will also be a niche market for compact CUVs, station wagons, hatchbacks and the like, but they'll not be mainstream in the US until gas goes back up and features increase.

atsx1313

hmmmm i don't want a small suv but would like acura to have them in the lineup. Acura should never replace any of their models but to add to its lineup... I don't have many choice for acura when it come down to a brand new car.

lumpulus

In my family we had an 07 RDX and now have a 2014 RDX, both Tech AWD models....the 2014 is leaps and bounds a better vehicle than the '07, which was excellent in it's own right.

Comfy

Sure, Acura could use the new Honda HRV sourced SUV as its entry level SUV. We are all for addition to the line up. This will free the RDX from price constraints and let it have more features.

wildeklave

An Acura version of the HRV, possibly coming only with the Hybrid engine would compete with the Lexus CT200H but with a higher frame. It would serve as an entry level vehicle that can be good in urban environments where a shorter length makes it easier to find a parallel parking space. It is also great as that extra car for the family with 2 Acura's (ie. MDX or RDX as main family vehicle). While I don't think financially a Hybrid makes sense as a drive to mass transit vehicle this vehicle can be used as such. The reason I think it doesn't make sense is because with a hybrid engine (if my idea has water) would mean it needs to drive enough miles to make up the cost difference of gas in a regular engine vs. hybrid. If they use the Civic engine then it could be a station car.

While the Juke, Soul, and upcoming HRV are nice vehicles those who are luxury brand buyers may be looking at a CT200H, Mini, or Buick as there small 2nd vehicle. An Acura entry can offer them another option.

Kaputnik

Even being a biased owner of a 2008, I agree about the new models being a better vehicle. But they no longer instill a fun factor in the driving experience, imo. Acura really got that part right in the 1st gen.

lumpulus

I disagree...I have the RDX today(oil change, tire rotate, wiper blades and inspection sticker), and it drives plenty fun to me, even compared to my daily drive(13 ZDX)

The "kick in the pants" turbo is missing of course, but the smoothness is just unreal.

Kaputnik

It's all relative of course to what our own definition of fun is I guess. I considered the new RDX a fun drive due to the great V6. Then I drove the first gen, which redefined fun in this vehicle for me.

I'd give the 2103-15 an "A" on the smoothness and the even power delivery, and the brakes are waaay better than the first gen. But the SH-AWD combined with turbo (even more awesome with a Hondata ECU reflash ), makes the experience akin to a sport sedan. The sportiness factor has also created a reasonable market for quality performance aftermarket parts, if that is your thing.

CanTex

Wasn't there mention in a recent press release about Acura expanding their offerings and a small CUV was in there?

From a purely selfish point of view, I'd be looking at a below-RDX CUV offering. I have a TLX but the H-point is way too low for my aging hip. We also have a '13 RDX. My need would be for a zippy around-town car, while the RDX is the over-the-road car for our annual trips to Canada, plus Austin plus whatever road trip we want.

Such a small CUV would need some poke to get it going without a lot of small engine fussing trying to get up to speed.

Is the market right for it? Well, the price of gasoline will return to "normal" and such vehicles will be in demand. Plus as cities get more crowded, maneuverability is important.

Nachtsturm

If I wanted a smooth riding, smooth powertrain in my SUV. I would go to the original. The Lexus RX.

The turbo, and sporty orientation of the 1st gen RDX is what lured to it. The current RDX does nothing for me.

People complained about the ride in the 1st gen RDX, I come from driving mostly sport cars, so that may skew my perspective, but I find the ride quite acceptable. In an article I read, the major demographics for the RDX are early empty-nesters and high income younger couples. I am neither, so my opinion doesn't matter.

Nexx

the current RDX does a great job of blending a nice ride with sportiness. is it as sporty as the previous gen, no but it also doesnt drive like boat like the RX. honestly for me i dont see the point of a sporty small suv. if i want sporty and small ill get a coupe. suv should be a decent size to make it functional.

Nachtsturm

I usually always have two cars, one sports car and a daily.

Before I was driving sporty cars as my daily with the exception of a few SUVs. E.g. SRT-4, SHOs, Z28, PT Cruiser GT, etc. More recently, still have it, a SVT focus. While the SVT focus is great in its own right, I grew tired of the limited ground clearance for winter driving.

That is where the small SUV is perfect for me. Much like the SVT focus, it still needs to be fun to drive. Going from a 400+ V8 coupe to say a CR-V would be painful.

The 1st gen RDX gives me everything what I need. The extra cargo capacity if required, I do not need something as large as an explorer. Ground clearance and AWD for winter, and handling and good power for a fun daily commute. Turbo is an additional benefit as enjoy adding aftermarket go-fast parts.

2012wagon

I haven't driven either RDX. However, looks lone, I htink the current RDX is head and shoulders above the design of the previous RDX, which looks quite feminine to me.

Kaputnik

I feel that way about the 2010-12 (no offense anyone!), but not the 07-09 version which I think looks quite sporty.

I agree with Nachtsturm too. Currently driving a S2000 for a fun car, and 4x4 Toyota Tacoma the last 10 years. Based on that perspective, the 1st Gen RDX seems smooth, comfy and quiet to me, despite the reputation of a harsh ride. And oh so fun!

YeuEmMaiMai

Subaru sold 138,790 Outbacks in 2K14 and yes when you get the loaded 3.6R they are in direct competition with Acura while giving you MORE content for about $2K less

Problem with previous RDX was high fuel consumption.... other than that it was an awesome thing to drive

2012wagon

I miss that Outbacks don't have manual trans anymore. Was my fave thing about my old Outback


Though I didn't appreciate their head gasket problems

Nexx

you forgot mention it was loud, too stiff, very little leg room in the back, full synthetic oil changes.

first gen rdx buyers in a nutshell = 25-45 single males making 75k a year wanting a small sporty suv. once all 15 of those buyers bought the had to go back to the drawing board and created the current gen RDX.

Kaputnik

^^LOL. This would be the perspective of somebody who bought the 2nd Gen RDX but also considered the Lexus RX as the main competition. At the end of the day, the OP wanted a smaller sporty Acura RDX. The 1st gen, especially 07-09 accomplished that amazingly well. To get sporty, likely you will sacrifice some MPG, ride and sound.

I certainly don't fit your description, being 52 yr old. There are many 1st gens around Marin County, driven mostly by older folks. Car seems quiet and smooth to me. But what do I know? I know that I still have two big fat shiny tail pipes and SH-AWD!

2012wagon

^^
Marin county folks have more money than they know what to do with. When we were in Monterey in Nov-we spotted over 7 Macan Turbo in driveways...it was THE car, it seemed like