In a world automobile economy where car models on the showroom floor could come from Slovakia, China or Brazil, it's nice to know that we Buckeyes continue to put out some of the best cars in the world, including a expanding line from Honda.

The latest vehicle to roll off the assembly line near Marysville is a sharp new Acura SUV, the RDX. The car hit dealer showrooms this month.

The RDX brings beef to the Honda lineup with a 240-hp turbo-charged four-cylinder i-VTEC engine. This engine is the first turbo built in Ohio, at Honda's Anna plant.

Honda also makes much of the RDX's handling, with their new Super-Handling All-wheel Drive system that continually monitors conditions and apportions power among the wheels for optimal control.

A full range of comfort and style accessories is, of course, available for the RDX. The base model lists at $32,995.

By price, styling and the emphasis on performance, the Acura RDX seems positioned to compete with the BMW X3. The car is not built for the budget-minded, with a mileage estimate of 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, and requiring premium gas.

Also built in Ohio are the Accord, Acura TL, Civic, Element, and the Goldwing, Shadow and Valkyrie motorcycles.