First look: Acura RD-X concept

IT’S logical to assume the RD-X compact SUV concept exhibited at Detroit by Honda’s US luxury brand Acura is in fact the next-generation Honda CR-V due for release in 2006 – the same year RD-X is slated for US production.

It’s not so, however, according to Honda Australia, which claims Acura RD-X – like the Ridgeline pick-up also shown at Detroit - will likely be a left-hand drive vehicle only, to be sold alongside CR-V in the US.

At the same time, CR-V production shifts to the US for the first time this year following high UK and European demand for diesel versions of CR-V, which will continue to be produced in Swindon.

Either way, RD-X’s relevance as a new compact SUV from Honda is significant, not just because it features the brand’s new "Super Handling" all-wheel drive system as introduced on the new Legend luxury sedan to appear here in October.

SH-AWD is able to split torque not only between front and rear axles, but between left and right rear wheels.

In RD-X concept guise, it’s used in concert with fully independent suspension front and rear, as well as large Brembo disc brakes with slotted rotors and 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/50 R19 tyres.

Following the design study of the same name shown two years ago at Detroit, the RD-X concept is claimed to hint strongly at the vehicle set for production in 2006 at Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville, Ohio - as well as other future Honda off-roaders.