Reinventing the Wheels

One gets a new bod, another a new motor and the last, a new everything.

by Steve Siler

Always looking for the latest and greatest? Got a contrarian streak? Here are three new cars that pretty much no one in your neighborhood will have.

2010 Acura ZDX

On the Outside

Basically an Acura MDX with a killer bod, this thing is pure rolling chic—the kind of style only singles and couples can pull off. The sloping roofline prompts Acura to call this thing a coupe, even though it has five doors. Whatever—with its all-glass roof, huge wheels, high stance and crazy proportions, the ZDX will cause a stir from the driveways of Wisteria Lane to the porte-cochere at the W.

On the Inside

The couple’s-skate theme continues inside. Seriously, got kids? Leave them at home (or drive your partner’s car). The front seats are splendid, and the materials used inside are hands-down the best Acura has ever used. The rear seats, however, are snug, even for my 5’10” frame.

Under the Skin

The MDX’ donor parts are splendid: a high-revving V-6, a six-speed automatic with manual shifters and a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system, all standard. It isn’t blitzkrieg fast, but it is quick enough and uncannily nimble. Fuel economy won’t win any EPA awards, but it is surely better than if powered by, say, a V-8.

The Verdict

Is it a coupe? An SUV? Who cares? I love wacky, practicality-be-damned cars like this. Although I can’t say I’d get it over, say, a real coupe.

Estimated Base Price: $45K
Engine: 3.7-liter V-6 (300 hp, 270 lb-ft of torque)
Drive Wheels: all
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 16/22

2009 BMW 335d

On the Outside

The new diesel-powered 3-Series is virtually indistinguishable from the regular-gas 335i; a good thing, given that today’s Three has always struck a careful balance of urban style and dynamic athleticism. Indeed, the only real way to tell them apart is by the “d” after the 335 on the trunk.

On the Inside

Like the outside, the 335d is 3-Series all the way inside. Like the Acura and Suzuki, it fits like a glove inside, though for a luxury car, it comes pretty sparsely equipped. Indeed, even at nearly $51K, the car I tested lacked a universal garage door opener, a navigation system or a premium audio system. Add those and you’re in M3 territory. Yikes.

Under the Skin

With low-sulfur diesel fuel now available Stateside, Europe is showering us with superstar diesels. And while diesels are costly to build (thus costly to buy) this one is a honey. Quiet, robust and squeaky-clean, the diesel six-cylinder provides V-8 surge while achieving eye-popping 24/36 city/hwy fuel economy. Handling, of course, is BMW-grade, which is to say awesome.

The Verdict

BMW may have given it a “d,” but I give it an “A.” Now if only BMW could lower that price.

Base Price: $44,725
Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 (265 hp, 425 lb-ft of torque)
Drive Wheels: rear
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 23/36 (est)

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

On the Outside

Suzuki’s all-new mid-sized Kizashi sedan takes more than a few styling notes from ever-sassy Alfa Romeo, with clean lines, perfectly located body seams and no superfluous bullshit on the exterior. It’s a touch wispy looking, but nonetheless carries about like a small-framed cutie in a fitted Italian suit. And I, for one, like that look.

On the Inside

A size smaller than the Accord and Camry, the Kizashi feels “just right” in terms of interior space—that’s no euphemism, it seriously does. The rear seats are more capacious than you’d expect, and materials are far nicer than one would expect from the still-budget-minded Suzuki brand.

Under the Skin

Considering its brazenly ethnic name, which means “something good is coming” in Japanese, Suzuki’s newborn feels surprisingly European. Indeed, while sweet, high-revving four-cylinder engines are Japan’s specialty, such sharp steering and tight roadholding are more German fare. All-wheel drive is also available. All are terrific.

The Verdict

Think of it as a Japanese sedan that was schooled in Europe and you won’t be far off.

Base Price: $21,500
Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (180-185 hp, 170 lb-ft of torque)
Drive Wheels: front, all
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 23/31 (22/30 AWD)