For 2003, the MDX gets a more powerful V6 engine, a new five-speed automatic transmission, a revised chassis and a number of state-of-the-art engine management systems, including a drive-by-wire throttle.

While the engine and transmission are revised in the 2003 MDX, thankfully the excellent exterior design is left intact. (Photo: Acura)

Essentially, these changes make what was already an exceptionally well-sorted vehicle perform even better. What Acura designers didn't mess with, thankfully, is the excellent exterior design of the MDX, from the solid yet flowing lines to the appropriately elegant chrome door handles. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are new, as is a lighter interior wood trim. Other updates to the interior are minimal and include auto-up driver's side power window, auto on/off headlights and auto on/off rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The Acura MDX is at the top of the heap in terms of car-like handling, and its new 3.5-litre V6 engine is no slouch either. (Photo: Acura)

The new 3.5-litre VTEC V6 adds 20 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque to last year's numbers (now 260 and 250 respectfully), and the power developed by the efficient engine is smoothly transferred to the 4WD system via a new gearbox.

Stability is improved by an all-new traction system (called Vehicle Stability Assist), whereby wheel spin is managed by a computer and adjusted accordingly.

Whatever Acura engineers have done, they've done it well. The MDX, in my mind, is still at the top of the heap in terms of car-like driving characteristics. The balance feels pretty much perfect; corners are tight and snug; and the 260 horses get the somewhat stocky MDX going in a hurry (not surprisingly, the gas gauge tends to move in a hurry, too).