According to Acura's marketing department, the all-new entry-level luxury SUV, the

RDX, targets young professionals that are upwardly mobile, work hard and play hard, too.

RDX is Acura's answer to the BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2. RDX gives Acura a spot in the segment they say will grow five-fold in the next few years.

RDX is Acura's answer to the BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2. RDX gives Acura a spot in the segment they say will grow five-fold in the next few years.

The RDX is the first Acura light truck to be assembled in Honda of America Manufacturing's facility in Marysville, Ohio, the same factory that produces the Acura TL.

While the new RDX comes standard with a technologically-advanced all-wheel drive system, known as Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), this car-based SUV is built more for pavement pounding fun than for rugged off-roading.

Furthermore, with a tow-rating of just 1,500-lbs., you'd better look elsewhere if you have substantial towing needs. Now that you know what RDX isn't, let's move on to what RDX is.

RDX is a fun-to-drive all-wheel drive SUV with a luxurious cabin loaded with amenities. Carrying a base price of $32,995, RDX includes a 5-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, power moonroof, perforated leather seats (front seat heaters), dual zone automatic climate control, and much more.

With the optional Technology Package, RDX's pricetag is $36,495. The Technology Package adds navigation system with voice recognition; rearview camera; AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic; 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround premium sound system with multi-format DVD; a 6-disc changer; XM satellite radio, HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface compatible with many Bluetooth mobile phones; Multi-Information Display (MID) with steering wheel controls; and dual-zone, automatic climate control system.

My RDX tester came equipped with the Technology Package and I must admit the rearview camera was one of our favorite features as it gave us a bird's eye view while backing up.

Powering the RDX is Acura's first forced-induction engine. The all-new 2.3-liter (240-horsepower) aluminum engine features an advanced variable flow turbo designed to provide quick response at low rpm as well as strong high-rpm power.

Acceleration is almost instantaneous, without any perceptible turbo-lag. RDX's engine feels more like a 6-cylinder engine than a turbo-four. Even at high rpm, RDX's engine is smooth and quiet.

The RDX is rated to deliver 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. I never saw that kind of mileage, though I spent a fair amount of time driving my tester hard, using the F1-style sequential SportShift paddle shifters. There is a price for fun.

You have to drive RDX in a spirited fashion to really appreciate the SH-AWD system. First introduced in the 2005 Acura RL and then specially adapted for the RDX, the system shifts power to the outside rear wheel to help boost cornering power and steering precision.

While the RDX provides a nice alternative to a sporty sedan, the suspension was a bit too stiff for me. The ride went from firm to choppy while cruising along uneven sections of I-294.

Aside from the stiffness I experienced on the highway, RDX is very likable. The cabin is adequate and it will comfortably seat a family of five or four adults.

When the rear seats aren't needed, they can be folded down, increasing cargo capacity. As one would expect, there are numerous storage compartments throughout, too.

The athletic RDX is priced well below its competitors. We think RDX will delight buyers in this segment.