Acura ADX – posh Honda ZR-V for US with 1.5L VTEC Turbo, CVT standard, optional AWD, from RM156k

Building on the success of the Integra, Acura has revealed the new ADX SUV, another compact premium model based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic – with pricing set to start in the mid-US$30,000s (around RM156,300). If you’re thinking that you’ve already seen a Civic-based compact crossover, you’d be right, as the ADX is essentially the posh version of the ZR-V (known to Americans as the HR-V).

In fact, the Acura shares the Honda’s 2,655 mm wheelbase, 1,841 mm width and even its 1,620 mm height, although it is 150 mm longer at 4,720 mm. It also uses the same petrol engine as its sole powertrain option – a 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder.

Outputs have yet to be released, but the ZR-V makes 178 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. In the US, the turbo mill will be exclusive to the ADX (the HR-V there uses a naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre engine). A CVT with seven virtual ratios is standard (no six-speed manual like the Integra, despite Acura drawing parallels with that car), with all-wheel drive offered as an option.

Instead, the similarities to the Integra – apart from the basic platform – are mostly cosmetic, the ADX also getting distinctive “Chicane” head- and taillights and Acura’s trademark Diamond Pentagon grille. The brand has distanced the design from the ZR-V’s through unique sheetmetal, including a prominent window line kink, although just like on the Honda you get copious amounts of gloss black body cladding here.

Aerodynamics have been improved through the use of an active grille shutter, front lip spoiler and air curtains, and an underfloor cover. A new exclusive colour, Adriatic Sea Blue Metallic, has also been added.

Inside, the ADX utilises the same elements found frequently in other new Honda and Acura models, including a simple horizontal dashboard, chunky physical buttons and dials, and mesh-covered air vents. As with those other models, you get a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with a physical volume knob, plus standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Weirdly, only higher-end models come with Google services, such Google Maps, the Google Assistant and the Play Store for apps, through a three-year free data plan. Other standard features include a Qi wireless charger, a moonroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front “Body Stabilising” seats and a powered tailgate with walk-away auto close.

Exclusive to the top-of-the-line A-Spec with Advance Package is the new 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with Acoustic Lens technology, Beosonic EQ adjustment, a 16-channel amplifier and an 8.8-inch subwoofer. Elsewhere, you can choose from three interior colour schemes, including a lurid white and blue. Acura is also boasting about the car’s 958 mm of rear-seat legroom (among the best in its class, it says) and 690 litres of boot space, the latter expandable to 1,560 litres with the rear seats folded.

All models come with the full suite of AcuraWatch driver assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with Low Speed Follow, lane centring assist, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor and a rear seat reminder. A total of ten airbags, including next-generation front airbags, knee airbags and rear side airbags, are also fitted as standard.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.