Integra is back and it's got a six-speed manual. Does that mean everything is right with the
world? Let's find out
It is scientifically proven that as the years go by, our brains recall memories in a more
blissful and positive light. Certainly, this name brings up good times. Acura Integra is
a beloved moniker, not all models lived up to the blissful reputation. Still, the all
new one has a lot to live up to. It replaces the ILX in the Acura lineup, a car so anonymous,
don t feel bad if you ve forgotten about it. The basic formula remains, this is front-wheel
drive and built on the same architecture as Honda Civic.
If Integra looks good to you know that pricing starts at $32,500 and yes that's with shipping
because it's really pretty tough to get a car without that is fully kitted out a spec
goes for 38 grand as tested it's kind of a chunk of change so you'll want to cross shop
you'll be looking at Audi A3 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes CLA
Compared to a base Integra, A-Spec doesn t get any extra power. And if you re looking
at it through the rose-colored glasses of the old Type-R, it might not seem all that
impressive. But it nabbed the 2023 North American Car of The Year title and if you stop and
think, how many other automakers are offering useful, sporty hardware for under 40 thousand
bucks? There s Volkswagen GTI, Hyundai Elantra N or Toyota Corolla GR IF you could find one
of those. And of course, Integra s half-sister, Honda Civic Si.
Many of you watch these videos because you're thinking about buying a new car, which means
the hassle of selling your old one, which is why I'm teaming up with Carmigo. Great
that they're supporting my channel. It collects offers from a nationwide network of dealerships
so you get the best one. It's easy, click on the link in the video description and just
fill out the form, upload some photos and name the price that you want for your vehicle.
Now if you don't sell your car to Carmigo, then you don't pay anything and normally,
if you do, it's a $350 charge but you know me so I'm getting your $50 off. And it's very
convenient, they do all the paperwork and Carmigo pays you right away. You don't have
to put out ads and talk to people that you don't know. So give it a try. Let's move onto
the powertrain.
There s a lot shared with Civic Si under here. The 1.5-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder makes
200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. (SOUND UP WITH GAUGES) turbo lag and whistle are
not things that are noticed much, even when focusing on them. It s easy to keep eyes on
the road. Most Integras come with a continuously variable transmission. A-Spec with Technology
Package unlocks the choice of a lovely do-it-yourself 6-speed with a single-mass flywheel. The clutch
action is nice and light with great take up. A benefit Integra has over Civic Si is an
adaptive suspension. As you d expect there are drive modes with a custom setting that
lets you snap instantly to a dynamic that perfect for you. Going through the different
modes, changes up the cluster graphics. I have to believe that once the novelty wears
off, people will long for true analog gauges. Humans. They re so predictable.
There are plenty of electric vehicles that'll do 0 to 60 in three or four seconds. If that's
what you're looking for Integra isn't going to impress it's just over seven seconds.
But you know sometimes it's not just about speed, EVs don't have a six-speed manual today
and this powertrain has that silky smooth on the feeling, which is why people love the
Integra in the first place same with a Honda prelude.
There s a limited slip differential and little to no torque steer. Acura engineers know how
to make a front driver fun. Arguably, this has similar performance to the Type R of 20
years ago. Maybe you want a rear drive car and you can get that in a Cadillac CT4 or
Genesis G70. You ll be paying more though.
The steering is crisp, responsive and direct, it's fun to fling this car around corners.
The steering wheel is nice and hefty, just the way I like it, plus the suspension is
adjustable. It can be comfortable if you want, it can be sporty if you want. Yeah, the tires
are low profile meaning you're gonna feel sharp bumps, potholes expansion joints, but
really it's about as good as you're gonna get.
There s a lot of pressure on this car to get things right considering the name. This is
an automobile, it s not sentient, it doesn t care what you think. But Acura largely nailed
this machine, at least the A-Spec with manual gearbox. It s engaging enough that you ll
want to drive roads like this, maybe even get up early on a Sunday morning to have them
all to yourself like I did.
The shift action here is terrific a great mechanical feel, mixed in with fluffernutter.
And rev matching downshifts. This is in the same league as the Cadillac V Blackwing, even
Mazda Miata. Throws might be a little bit longer, but still really really good.
Integra is on the light side, averaging 3,100 pounds. I wouldn t mind an extra 20 pounds
of sound insulation.
Back in the day, Integra was known for having a lot of road noise and this new one is substantially
better, but it's not a quiet car. There is still road noise. It's an Acura but you know,
it's not a luxury kind of dynamic that way.
The old Integra was known for having a lot of road noise this is substantially better,
but still not overly quiet.
If you want that luxury dynamic can go with a Lexus ES, this is sporty. And there was
no ADAS technology to be had on the old Integra. This has stuff like lane keeping, automatic
emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Going with the manual gearbox means giving
up low speed follow and traffic jam assist so you know.
It's easier to have fun in the Integra, knowing that the fuel economy is actually pretty good.
The EPA rates the average at 30 mpg, that is on premium fuel but still not half bad.
A-Spec gets larger 18-inch wheels, with slightly wider all-season tires. Brakes are no different
though stopping is solid, pedal feel is firm. I didn t check for fade.
You ll be doing business in a decent cabin. Acura is a premium brand, a cut above Honda,
but its not luxurious in here and not supposed to be. If red is too Deadpool for you, black
and white interiors are available. Between moderate bolstering and grippy fabric, there
s no sliding around in hard cornering. There s a hint of Civic s interior but Integra gets
stuff like heated seats that the Si lacks. The metal door releases feel great, better
than some cars twice the price. The piano black can be reflective on sunny days and
the sunroof is smallish but at least A Spec has one.
Acura s ELS studio 3-D sound systems are among my favorites, price no object. If you use
the right files, they have a terrific special quality about them, nothing gimmicky or over
colored, it's reference quality. It could be a tiebreaker when you're thinking about
buying this vehicle. And do you notice anything here? No trackpad, it's gone
Instead, the A Spec has a 9-inch touchscreen interface that s solid and straightforward,
if not kind of basic looking. There s no natural language voice commands if you like talking
to your car. Climate is dual zone and automatic so you won t futz with that much. Plus, a
volume knob. There s a Qi charger which was hit and miss with my iPhone 13 Pro. I say
that because Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless and those drain a battery lickity
split. So maybe have a cord handy. Storage. Yes. It s in the usual spots, all of the spaces
are average in size for a vehicle in this class.
Like that I coordinated with the interior this week? You always wear the same shirt
Details, details, more details, we're both 5 foot nine and let me duck under here for
a second and show you that headroom, I've got just enough. Knee leg and foot room are
pretty generous though and the cushions are pretty comfortable, high enough so that thigh
support is good. And if you've got kids, car seats go in and out no problem. Door pockets?
Kind of small and there is only one seat back pocket, boo hiss. No separate climate zone
or adjustable vents back here. There is a place to charge phones but the seats are not
heated back here. This is kind of a spartan space. This is a front wheel drive car. There
is still a little bit of a spine coming through the back it's not too intrusive. Two adults,
as long as they're not too tall, will be just fine Three will work in a pinch if you're
just going across town.
Between this and the Civic Si, arguably Acura wins the beauty pageant with a wedge profile
as clean as a door stop. All of the swage lines are purposeful and organic. Check how
the crease comes off the c-pillar and sweeps right through the front fascia. Would I like
a rear wiper? Well, I do live in Seattle so, yeah. This Liquid Carbon Metallic paint is
a $600 upcharge, same goes for splashier Performance Red Pearl or Apex Blue Pearl. Sadly there
s no yellow, would love to see Acura s Tiger Eye Pearl on this car.
If you're trying to sell this to your significant other, or you might mention that it's a practical
hatchback, it may not have a utility of an SUV crossover, but it is a lot more useful
than a sedan. There is a security cover, it snaps in and out very easily, and stows away
nicely.
These prongs that hold it in place get in the way when shutting the hatch though. Checking
under here for a spare tire nope just a repair kit. No bag hooks or power ports either. It
s kind of a deep cargo hold and hard to reach the release so it s best to go around to drop
the backs. Acura doesn t offer cargo volume specs with the seats down, at least the floor
is flat, it really comes in handy. With the back seat usable there s 24.3 cubic feet to
fill, plus the hatch is nice and wide, this is easy to load. Being careful to clear those
tabs on the liftgate, there s room for six packs of the two-ply. Enough luggage room
for two couples for a long weekend. Time for the Red Light Green Light wrap up.
Green Light- Integra is a lot of fun to drive, the kind of precision dynamic Acura and Honda
do so well. The design looks great with simple, clean and purposeful lines. You don t have
to sacrifice practicality to get an engaging vehicle. The ELS Studio 3D sound system really
is that good.
Yellow Light- Love the 6-speed manual, too bad it s only available on a fully equipped
A-Spec models. Fuel efficiency is good, it does prefer expensive premium fuel. The backseat
is roomy but spartan considering Acura s premium positioning.
Red Light- Would love to see the A-Spec add some power and bigger brakes. Even though
it s a sporty car, more sound insulation would make this a better road tripper. At 38 grand
as tested, this is substantially more expensive than the similar Civic Si.
Of course that looks a lot like any Civic. Integra will stand out more in the crowd.
It is different from what it once was, all modern vehicles are. Still the spirit remains
in a vehicle that needs to comply with all sorts of regulations that didn t exist back
in the day.
There are some that feel that this car is not hard-core enough and I get that Acura
to the rescue. They have been teasing the new Type S and that should add a lot more
fun but overall the Integra is a nicely balanced package, one that you could have fun in and
it's got a six speed manual.
We should be happy that Acura made this and not another crossover, a sporty hatch is a
gift to enthusiasts. Integra is a fun car that drivers will enjoy, it might even lead
to another wave of nostalgia.
I mentioned the ILX but a lot of people forget the Integra gave up its name to become the
RSX. Acura ditched names because people would say they loved their Integra or Legend, but
not there Acura. The names were too good? Does anyone else feel like this is like cutting
your nose off to spite your face?
Martin Campbell is in the Bahamas this weekend. Maybe Rob Callero doing the driving duties
Rob was not confused by that third petal no liking it
And Martin is not in the Bahamas. He s working his day job and rewiring a gear rack over
the weekend.
That's how I feel about the 2023 Acura Integra A Spec. Before I go I ve always been critical
of Acura's alphabet soup naming. I don't think it works and I told Brand Officer Jon Ikeda
at the launch of the TLX sedan and asked him- Why, why, aren't you using names? You have
some great ones like Legend. And he said that they were thinking about it, so this was around
three years ago, but they wanted to make sure that the vehicles lived up to the hype, because
those names were so beloved. So we have a new Integra. I don't think we're gonna get
a Legend because Americans just aren't buying large sedans anymore. Thanks for watching.
Remember, subscribe to this channel click notifications follow me on social media. I'm
all over the place and if you have a question leave it in the comments, OK? I'll try to
get to it. That's Driven on Tom Voelk.