The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines polarizing as “breaking up into opposing factions or groupings.” We too, define polarizing

Love it or hate it, there's no denying the new ZDX has style. (Photo: Acura)

the same way, and further, direct you to the photos of the Acura ZDX accompanying this article by way of illustration.

Now, taken on your own, you may be at a loss to follow why we’d do that. However, show the picture to three other people, ask their opinions of the looks of the ZDX and you’ll immediately see where we’re coming from.

When it comes to the looks of Acura’s five-door “sports coupe” (Acura’s description, not ours) crossover, people definitely find themselves broken into opposing factions and groupings. They either love the way it looks and can’t wait to get inside it—or they rush away in search of a barf bag.

Our point?

There

The ZDX' rear design is its most controversial, and most distinctive angle. (Photo: Acura)

is no in between.

By the way, those of you with longer memories may recall a similarly styled vehicle called Aztek from a now-defunct company named Pontiac. We’re not sure, but there’s a definite possibility the design team responsible for the Pontiac subsequently found work at Acura.

Just kidding, but still…

Anyway, Acura’s ZDX falls into the category of autos known as mid-size luxury crossovers and was introduced at the New York Auto Show back in 2009 as a 2010 model. Based on Acura’s more mainstream looking MDX, the ZDX is powered by the same 300-horspower, 3.7-litre V6 engine capable of generating 270 ft-lbs of torque. The engine is mated to Acura’s

Interior remains performance-oriented and coupe-like, while thoroughly equipped. (Photo: Acura)

first ever six-speed automatic transmission, which feeds Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

Amazingly well equipped and now for 2011 only available in one trim level, the ZDX Technology wears 19-inch wheels and performance tires. Its hand-stitched leather interior is laid out to encourage sporty driving. Key features include power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic glass roof, Bluetooth connectivity, and an audio system head comprised of an AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio with a USB audio interface—capable of full iPod integration. The ZDX also features voice recognition, Acura’s brilliant ELS Surround audio system, a multi-view rear camera, a blind spot monitoring system,

ZDX refinement elevates Acura right up beside other premium players. (Photo: Acura)

xenon (HID) headlamps, an Active Front Lighting System (AFS), Acura’s Collision Mitigating Braking System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. In other words, whether you find it funny looking or not, it is not poorly equipped. Nor, quite frankly, can you fault the way it drives.

Remarkably agile, the ZDX turns in sharply, exhibiting only mild body roll. Meanwhile, Honda’s SH-AWD technology makes the big-ish Acura corner like an auto half its size. Basically, SH-AWD is capable of vectoring (OK, that was an unnecessarily big word); let’s say funneling up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque output to the outside rear wheel in a corner. This has the effect of making the rear end come around more quickly when the ZDX is asked to change directions quickly.

The 3.7-litre

Rear seat room is excellent and headroom better than its shape suggests, but the view out the back is restricted. (Photo: Acura)

V6, like all Honda-engineered powerplants, likes to have the living crap wound out of it—which is why you’ll find it’s delivering maximum torque output at a somewhat lofty 4,500 rpm. Happily, the six-speed automatic is calibrated to let this happen when you’re running hard, and lets you shift gears yourself using the paddles behind the steering wheel—if you really want to.

Speaking of choices, Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System allows you to choose the level of firmness you want from the suspension system, as well as dial in the amount of resistance you want from the steering to make the ZDX behave like either a curve bombing sport sedan, or a boulevard cruising luxury ride—at the twist of a dial.

All in all, it adds up to a fun drive in a comfortable ride, if for no other reason, you’ll enjoy the looks of astonishment on the faces of the drivers you flat smoke on

The ZDX's practical side shines through with a sizable cargo hold. (Photo: Acura)

winding roads in this different-looking vehicle.

And no, we’re not advocating racing, we’re just sayin’...

BTW, one more thing is certain, if you buy one, you won’t see yourself coming and going very often. In its first year on the market (late 2009), the ZDX found 79 buyers… and that was in the U.S. In 2010, 3,259 people opted for the ride south of the border. In Canada sales have been similar, low enough at least to force Acura to slap a $12,000 incentive on the hood in order to push the remaining 2010s out the door last November, which incidentally was twice that offered on the MDX. To say the ZDX is “rare” would be something of an understatement.

Still, regardless of how you feel about the way the ZDX looks, the Acura is fun to drive.

In our cathedral, that forgives a number of sins.

2011 Acura ZDX pricing starts at $54,990 plus $1,895 for destination fees.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint