| NSXBill |
I know there are a couple of posts on the other LONG thread about actual test drives, but I decided to start one dedicated to actual experience with the new MDX.
Dealer called Friday the 13th and said they were in. I couldn't get by until today, which they said was the actual intro date. Their intro PARTY is next Wednesday evening.
I will bias my comments by saying they are comparing my 2003 Base MDX. I had no interest in NAV or RES, so didn't look closely at those things. They had a silver/black and a black/taupe. There was no dealer add ons on the sticker (yet?).
I think it looks good. The shield grill looks ok. The original MDX was kinda "pointy-looking" anyway, and anyone who liked the original will have no problem with the new front. Nice lines, the hood kinda swoops up to a peak at the top of the fender, unlike the RDX. Can't see this in the pictures. Back looks cool. Overall, very Tourag or Cayennish. D-pillar looks like a lot of other newer crossovers. Looks good without roof rack, which I don't believe is true of the original, IMO.
Interior is very nice, but the cheap, hollow sounding plastic wood is horrible. Would be great, if it was real. Needs more soft-touch materials on the doors. Rear visibility is terrible compared to original MDX. Couldn't believe some of the hard plastic for this more-upscale version. Must be cost cutting, like the lack of auto mirror - ridiculous! Does have the LED soft interior lighting beams shining on the console, a' la BMW. Also like BMW 7 is the clamshell console door. Not a good idea. Nice to see the 3-way climate control. The info center included tire pressure readings that showed each pressure...very nice. It also has a mode where you can see the SH-AWD at work...kinda cool.
Driving: It was pouring down rain, so good time for test drive. Power increase was not that dramatic to me. Did seem to be a nicer, smoother ride. When imitating a slalom course, the difference was VERY noticable. It didn't wallow like an SUV. In fact, it seemed to drive like a normal car (although certainly not as good a my Sport 325 or NSX, but like a normal car instead of the old MDX or other SUVs). I have not driven an X5, Cayenne or Tourage for comparason though. Definently several orders of magnatude better than original MDX in handling. It was so weard sitting up high, but handling like a car. SH-AWD is for real.
Overall, it is evolutionary vs revolutionary with the exception of the handling. With the exception of Pearl White, the available colors are the same as the Pilot?!
As an aside, upcoming CX-9 will have 20" wheels (optionaly) and vented rear brakes, as well as an auto mirror standard.
JMO, ICBW,
Bill |
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| Colin |
My thoughts are similar, I just posted my impressions and some pictures on my site for my clients.
First Drive Impressions |
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