2014 Acura MDX Rated 'Advanced' in IIHS' New Crash-Prevention Program

Peabody, 10/10/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

With active-safety technology becoming more prevalent in the auto industry, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has introduced a new test program focused on front-crash prevention systems to guide car buyers' choices. The redesigned 2014 Acura MDX fared well in the IIHS' inaugural round of testing, earning an "advanced" rating when equipped with its Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

An "advanced" rating from the IIHS requires that a vehicle have autobrake and either avoid a crash or reduce its speed by at least 5 mph in a 12-mph test or a 25-mph test. When outfitted with its optional CMBS, the 2014 Acura MDX uses a radar transmitter to identify the distance and closing speed of objects ahead, automatically tugging at the driver's seat belt and initiating light braking if he or she doesn't start to slow the vehicle. Should the system sense that a frontal collision is imminent, then the front seatbelts are tightened and strong braking is employed to reduce the impact.

"The new MDX is well ahead of the curve when it comes to preventing or mitigating accidents, whether you're looking at the front-crash prevention systems that the IIHS tested or the model's available side-focused technologies like Lane Departure Warning or the Blind Spot Information system," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody, a Massachusetts Acura dealer. "In those cases where a crash can't be avoided, though, the Acura MDX is among the industry's best at providing comprehensive crash protection."

Earlier this year, the 2014 Acura MDX received a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The new MDX even achieved the top rating of "good" in the IIHS' new small-overlap frontal crash test, which has caused headaches for many automakers since debuting for the 2013 model year.

Featuring Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, the 2014 MDX incorporates extra braces at its front corners to better absorb and distribute energy during small-overlap impacts. Inside the cabin, the MDX now boasts a new driver's knee airbag, bringing its number of standard airbags to seven.

"Acura thought outside the box when designing the 2014 MDX's frame, making sure that all the angles are covered during an impact," added Avery. "It's also an added bonus that the automaker used strong-yet-lightweight materials like high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium to drop 275 pounds and improve the MDX's acceleration, handling and fuel economy in the process."

About Acura of Peabody:
Thanks to a complete commitment to the Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) philosophy from the sales, parts and service teams, this dealership has the best customer satisfaction and retention rates of any Acura dealership in the Northeast. They offer an extensive inventory of new and used Acura models, backed by a service center with the highest customer loyalty in the Northeast. Visit their website at www.acuraofpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acuraofpeabody, visit their Acura showroom and service center at 233 Andover Street in Peabody, Massachusetts, or call them at 888-825-7965.