The Acura ZDX is a mid-size, luxury crossover that was launched in 2009 with the goal of rivaling the successful BMW X6. And we all know how that turned out; the ZDX failed miserably in its mission, shifting only 1,564 units in 2011 and a mere 416 in the first half of 2012.
If Acura's head honchos gave it the boot, everyone would understand the reasoning behind such a decision. In much the same way, it would make sense to revamp it in order to generate customer interest and higher sales, as it had previously said.
Doing both at the same time, though, is something rather unusual…
The official press release reads as follows:
“The innovative and stylish Acura ZDX crossover vehicle, introduced in 2009, will receive numerous styling and technology enhancements for the 2013 model year, which will be the final year on the market for ZDX as the Acura brand sharpens its focus on new models and core products.”
Of course, the company didn’t pull out all the stops for a model, which by its own admission, is already on the death row.
The 2013 MY ZDX gets a redesigned grille, dark wheel accents, front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors, safety features like Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems.
Equipment is lavish, with a 435-watt, 10-speaker audio system sporting a 15 GB hard-disk drive, an 8-inch screen with a voice-recognition capable navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry and engine start and heated and ventilated front seats with perforated “Milano” leather upholstery.
"People shopping for a luxury crossover vehicle will find the Acura ZDX an even more attractive product", said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Honda’s Acura division.
On the other hand, Acura will probably understand if buyers won't come rushing in on its showrooms to purchase its "even more attractive product" and the 416 who have already bought the “old” model this year won't be too willing to trade in either.
In any case, the 2013 MY ZDX goes on sale on October 19 with an MSRP of US$50,920, plus an US$895 destination charge.
So what do you say; will you miss the ZDX or do you think Acura did the right thing? Share your answers in the comments after the break.
By Andrew Tsaousis
20 Comments:
it's a nice looking vehicle. i might even buy one if i had the budget for this.
it's a $50+ honda for God's sake!
Good friggin' riddance!
Only problem left is the chrome beak. I wonder if Acura is smart enough to figure that one out.
This car and the BMW 5GT are ahead of their time. They don't sell well now but as the population ages (catches up to me) they will become ever more popular....they are higher than a sedan (and more spacious) but lower than an SUV so much easier to enter or exit the older you get. I've owned numerous sports cars but now my needs and my body are different. It happens to all of us eventually...better than the alternative.
If you have ever sat in one, you'll know how incredibly well made that interior is. But a tiny hatch area = impractical for such a large vehicle. It addresses a segment that has no customers. A shame.
I like this car. Looks great!
Wish I had the budget for it though
As weird as these style cars are, I like them. The only problem is the ridiculous price point (even for the Honda version).
they will of course say it didn't sell because it's a hatchback... but the truth is is that it's like a cave inside.
The problem is in the freaking grill! That makes all the whole line-up hideous.
and a LS isnt a 100,000 Toyota? or an Audi the same with VW? get outta here
i personally always liked this car, it was just simply executed poorly. Its interior didnt quite match its price (which i think is true of most Acuras) it didnt offer any added performance over the MDX despite looking like it should, and it was marketed poorly. THis has to be one the coolest riskiest vehicles any Japanese car maker has made in several years, great concept poor execution
Good Riddance?! Hell no!! shitty car design trend started by BMW, thought it gonna hit big like the SUV but never catches on, only Asians with no taste drive shits like that. So it is time to move on and never speak of it again.
I love the appealing look of the car. It confirms that there
is much in what people perceive in cars. I must admit the car looks elegant and
attractive. I am more interested in wheels being that I specialize in their
dealerships. From the illustrations herein, I would suggest a trial of a
variety of wheels selection from 4wheelonline. They have quite a number of car
and truck wheel varieties from which you can choose. The car would look more
appealing and nice in some unique wheels. You can link to KMC_Wheels
for more details on how and what wheels to go for..
What happened to honda? They used to make nice looking cars. In the 80's.
I prefer the back end of this over the X6. It looks more aggressive. Still not my preferred segment though.
I'm sad to see this car go it's way better looking then the x6 and 5 series gt.
Most hideous car on the market today, followed closely by its Honda sibling. I'm not including the Chinese market, though I suspect this car probably sold well there; it is, after all, the place where Frankensteinian automobile abominations thrive.
I used to like Acura styling... 12, 15 years ago. It's like their entire design studio had a collective brain seizure some time in the last decade, and never recovered.
It is unfortunate that the Honda brass didn't see fit to kill this model off at the end of this year. It was obvious that virtually no-one was interested in it. I do know though that all the plant workers who have to slap these things together once every 6 or so months will be dancing on it's grave. Word is they hate having to build them.
I am not a BMW X6 fan at all, but this Acura can be its rival in Honda's marketing unit only. Anyway, they have made right decision to kill it, though late and costly.
Here's a suggestion for honda kill off every single acura model except the mdx because thats the only car that sells good. Go back to the drawing board and design new engines and rwd platforms that can all be fitted with your sh-awd because its a very good system. Upgrade your interiors and tech. I know that seems all expensive but your owned by honda and they sell like a million accords and civics a day so I know they got the money to do it. Design a new tsx but drop the name and call it the integra and make a coupe/droptop version and there you go thats a 3 series killer. Stretch that platform and make a new tl and thats your 5 series killer. Then put a lot of work into a luxury flagship with a v8 if you want it to compete with the 7 series and s-class and call it the acura legend. Then when those models are established offer type s versions on all of them. Keep the rdx the same just tweak it a little. Oh and p.s. hurry up with that nsx and please do it right.
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