AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

Honda's luxury US arm Acura has shown an updated version of its MDX seven-seat SUV at the New York motor show, with a lighter, more rigid body and improved economy.

The third-generation MDX is the first to offer two wheel drive and has a 76mm longer wheelbase and is 63mm lower than before. Acura claims improved legroom for second-row passengers in the MDX and easier access to the third row. Increasing the space between the axles also serves to boost ride quality. The SUV features multi-link rear suspension and adaptive dampers.

Acura says the 2014 MDX is 125kgs lighter than before, and is now the lightest in its class. Drag has been reduced by 17 per cent.

The Acura MDX is powered by a 3.5-litre direct-injection V6. Fuel economy is improved by 22 per cent over the engine it replaces.

Four-wheel drive is provided by Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), while front-wheel drive is also an option for the first time. A new dynamic driving model offers Sport, Normal and Comfort settings, tailoring the steering, throttle, torque vectoring and engine note to suit the driver.

Thanks to: Autocar