Well, now there is an alternative. The new Acura RDX has its sights trained on the X3 and future entries in what is expected to become a fast-growing niche in the vast SUV/CUV pantheon.

Like all Acuras, the RDX is based on a car-like front-drive architecture, but it adopts the Super-Handling-AWD concept first seen on the RL. This street-oriented system (no transfer case, no diff locks) not only can vary torque distribution from 90/10 percent front/rear to 30/70 percent, it can also speed up the outside rear wheel during cornering.

The net result is an SUV that -- riding on 235/55VR18 tires and with near-50/50 weight distribution -- can corner like a rear-drive sport sedan. One price you pay, though, is a stiff ride.

The 2.3-litre "four" under the hood is Acura's first turbo unit. It's good for 240 hp, and 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds. The engine isn't as musical, however, as we usually expect in an Acura. The transmission is a 5-speed automatic with a sequential paddle-shift mode.

Athletic road moves are not at the expense of utility. The driver gets a commanding seating position, and there's ample room for passengers and cargo. An optional Technology Package adds GPS navigation, a rear-view camera and super-duper audio.

Drives more like a sports wagon than an SUV ...

... a sports wagon, that is, with very stiff suspension