Acura has just released official info on the 2010 RDX luxury crossover with the biggest news being a new base model that comes standard with a front-wheel drive layout – unless if you live in Canada.

Previously only offered with Acura’s SH-AWD system, the new FWD RDX gets better fuel-economy and costs $2,000 less. A spokesperson from Acura Canada told AutoGuide that there just isn’t a market for a front-wheel drive model in this segment, which makes particular sense considering how suited the AWD model is to the Canadian climate.

But not to worry, you fuel-conscious Canadians. Acura Canada says the new RDX (in AWD trim) gets improved fuel-economy by as much as 8 percent. This was achieved through the use of higher fourth and fifth gears, better aerodynamics and an improved lock-up clutch. The new Transport Canada fuel-economy rating for the RDX is 11.7 L/100km city (20.1 mpg)  and 8.7 L/100km highway (27 mpg), for a total combined average of  10.3 L/100 km (22.8 mpg), as compared to 11.1 L/100km (21.2 mpg) on last year’s model.

The 2010 RDX continues to be powered by Acura’s turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 240hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque.

Outside the RDX gets Acura’s new corporate “shield” front fascia, a near rear bumper with hexagonal exhaust pipes and redesigned 18-inch wheels. New standard equipment includes a backup camera an electronic compass and USB connectivity.

Official release after the jump:

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It looks like the folks in Acura’s marketing department are working well ahead of the folks in PR, as the company’s consumer website was updated today with images of the new 2010 RDX, before any press release about the luxury crossover was sent out.

We can now confirm (as can anyone who heads over to Acura.com) that the 2010 RDX will be offered in a front-wheel drive layout with a lower base price and better fuel-economy.

Whereas the AWD model costs $34,520, the front-drive model comes in $2,000 less at just $32,520. Fuel economy also improves a good bit, from 17/22 mpg (city/highway) for the SH-AWD model to 19/24 mpg.

The consumer site doesn’t list anything about the front-drive’s curb weight but we can expect that to be about 200 lbs lighter, meaning that it might actually be quicker than the AWD version – although the lack of AWD grip may negate the weight advantage).

As is obvious, the 2010 RDX does get Acura’s corporate shield up front. We do, however, like the hexagonal exhaust tips.

All 2010 RDX models will retain the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 240hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. And a backup camera is now standard equipment.

GALLERY: 2010 Acura RDX

The photos above and below are reported to be of the 2010 Acura RDX, complete with a mid-cycle redesign. Visually, the entry-level luxury crossover gets a little less attractive thanks to the addition of the corporate Acura badge. And if not attractive, at least it will help to set the crossover apart in an incredibly competitive segment.

The only other significant design change is to the tailpipes, which get a new hexagonal shape.

According to SatoAuto, the biggest change to the RDX for 2010 is the addition of a new front-wheel drive layout. This should cut as much as 200 lbs from the crossover, making it a little peppier, while also helping to reduce fuel-consumption – which is particularly important considering the RDX’s less than stellar 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway EPA rating.

On top of those advantages the FWD RDX will no doubt cost noticeably less than the SH-AWD model. Currently the standard RDX costs $33,895, so look for something closer to the $32,000 mark.

Additional upgrades for 2010 include USB and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, a better backup camera and ambient lighting in the cabin.

GALLERY: 2010 Acura RDX

[Source: SatoAuto]