MDX

MADE in Canada specifically for Honda’s Acura luxury brand and targeting the BMW X5, Honda’s MDX took almost three years to reach Australia.

By then it had started to feel a little dated inside, but dynamically the front-wheel drive-based, part-time all-wheel drive SUV four-door station wagon was a cut above most other similarly priced rivals, such as the Lexus RX 330.

Power was also a plus, coming on strong in 191kW/345Nm 3.5-litre SOHC 24V VTEC V6 guise and paired to a five-speed automatic gearbox.

Technically the Honda included stability control, a variable-torque 4WD system that directed drive to each wheel according to road conditions, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

A single well-equipped model was sold here. It included dual front and front-side airbags, heated and powered front seats, leather upholstery and cruise control, sunroof, wood trim and - from ’04 – a DVD player.

A minor facelift arrived in November ’04, adding new trim, head airbags, and a slightly more powerful (195kW) 3.5 V6.