By Nauman Farooq
The Integra nameplate is back in Acura showrooms after a two decade absence. Question is, is it a worthy return?
To answer this, I borrowed a new Acura Integra Type S from its manufacturer, to see how it really is!
Styling: If you buy cars based on how they look, then you’ll be very impressed by the Integra Type S. This is a sharp, muscular looking fastback (yes, that trunk opening also lifts the rear glass, like a hatchback) with 19-inch alloy wheels wearing fat rubber (265/30 ZR19). All this results in a menacing look that sure garner admiring glances. So, if you’re the shy type, this is not the car for you!
Interior: Step inside and its all business! This is no cheap and cheerful econo-box, this is a compact sized luxury sedan, dressed in fine leather and high quality materials.
All that you expect is already here, such as a wonderful 16-speaker ELS sound system, and a infotainment screen that can run your favorite apps.
The seats are comfortable, and there is plenty of space for the occupants in the front; although, rear seats passengers would prefer more head and legroom – especially if they’re taller than 5-foot 8-inches!
A really nice touch is how the air vents are housed in the dashboard, as the main grille stays intact, and the elements behind it move to control the direction of airflow – that’s pretty neat!
Also, thank you Honda/Acura for putting a big, visible, hazard button in the middle of the dashboard – something that many new cars are missing the point on recently.
To sum it up, the Integra offers a good place to spend time in! 
Powertrain: The Integra is offered in two flavors. The A-Spec model gets a turbocharged 1.5L, inline-four cylinder motor, that is good for 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. This is not the car I’m testing here.
The model I am testing is the Integra Type S, which is propelled by a turbocharged 2.0L, inline-four cylinder engine, that produces a whopping 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Power is fed to only the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox (no automatic option for the Type S).
Performance: As you can imagine, over three-hundred horsepower in a compact car, will result in some impressive performance numbers! We did our own testing, and recorded a 0 to 100 km run in just 6.34 seconds. If we have access to a prepped drag strip, you can bet that number would easily drop into the mid-fives!
Driving Dynamics: Numbers are one thing, the real test is how a car feels in your hands, and out on public roads!
I’m happy to say, this Integra Type S is fantastic on pretty much every road.
Sure, the ride is a bit stiff (this is a sporty car, after all), but it never felt harsh. So, it is not a pain to use one in the city.
Out on the highway, it really shines. The stability and road holding it exhibits is excellent, and the rush of power from its turbocharged engine will surely plant a smile on anyone’s face!
The best bit has to be its six-speed manual gearbox. It’s throws are tight and precise, the clutch is light and easy to use (and it doesn’t feel like a sponge, like in some older Honda products I’ve tested in the past). Also, if you don’t know how to rev-match on downshifts, don’t worry, the car will do it for you.
Couple that with excellent steering and a willing chassis, and what you’re left with is a very competent performance car, that can easily be used on a daily basis.
Fuel Economy: First of all, this is a performance car, so feed it premium fuel – it needs the good stuff! Secondly, it is geared for speed, not economy, so it will drink a bit more than a regular car. That said, I averaged 9.5L/100 km on my test cycle. That’s not bad at all!
Price: The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is yours from $58,327. That’s not cheap; but it is priced fairly, given the thrills it offers.
Verdict: The Integra nameplate took a long time to make a comeback, but not only am I glad to see it back, I’m also happy to report that the end product is one that was worth the wait!
Video link: A Tale Of Two Acura Integra Models – The Type S vs A Spec – Which Is Quicker? Automotive Affairs
