2023 Acura Integra A-Spec
To meet the demands of driving enthusiasts, Acura launched the Integra brand in 1986. Conceptualised as a Japanese sports car, the Integra was among Acura's first models ever released.
The small two-door coupe offered drivers a low price and reasonably powerful engine along with its balanced handling. By the 1990s, generations of upgraded models were being released, providing further bang for driving enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, the Integra soon gathered a cult following, with many coming back for more at an increasingly impressive rate.
Despite a hiatus for a couple of decades, the Integra name badge has been reborn. Acura promises a combination of external style, affordability and performance potential, things beloved by many passionate drivers throughout the years.
Does it stand up to the expectation of today’s drivers? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s new?
1986 marked the launch of Acura and with it, the beloved hatchback Integra. Early adopters praised its performance and affordability. The 2023 Integra is the new entry-level offering from Acura – replacing the ho-hum ILX sedan. It promises to provide drivers with an entry-level model to Acura's lineup, featuring mild luxury and a fun driving experience, topped with some notable nameplate cachet.
The Integra is based on a modified version of Honda's global small car architecture. With a mixture of 33 per cent aluminum for reduced weight, high-strength steel in key areas and strong structural adhesives, this model offers some impressive strength and rigidity. Yes, it shares the same wheelbase as its Honda Civic Si sibling at 107.7 inches, but the 2023 Acura Integra adds an extra 6.8 inches of length and is also 5 per cent stiffer than the Civic hatchback, according to Acura.
Styling-wise, these days, Acura is embracing homogeny across its line-up. The 2023 Integra is no exception. It sports Acura's signature bunker-window headlights and the latest implementation of the corporate pentagonal grille, creating a clean, contemporary look. It has a liftback body style which is somewhere between a small sedan and a hatchback in size and silhouette. I appreciated the small retro touches, such as the debossed “Integra” wording integrated into the rear bumper. Only the O.G.’s would know, as they say.
Critics may say that the Integra may not be a big enough difference from the Civic upon which it’s based. However, one of the unique (and coolest) value propositions is that the Integra is available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Granted, you can also get a stick shift in the Civic, however, the Integra is a class above, marketed as a sport luxury car.
The Integra's liftback design offers great versatility, allowing for plenty of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. Indeed, the switch from a (Civic) sedan to a liftback body style helps to improve rear cargo space from 12.4 to 24.3 cubic feet.
You can also fold down the rear seats to open up a generous cargo hold. However, the low-slung profile requires quite a bit of stooping to get in and out – definitely something to keep in mind if you're tall.
How does it drive?
The front-wheel-drive Integra is equipped with the 1.5-liter, 200 hp VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine – which also powers the new '22 Honda Civic Si – and is available with either a CVT or slick-shifting six-speed manual. The engine offers responsive performance, especially when paired with the stick shift (as tested). The Integra may not be the outright fastest, recording a 0 to 100 km/hr time of around 7.7 seconds, but in normal driving conditions it is entirely adequate.
The slick shifting 6-speed transmission has short throws, offering up the snick-snick motion of a Honda/Acura manual shifter. The clutch is just right, not too heavy or too springy. Finding the bite point was easy, once again very much like the award-winning Civic. One of my favourite features is the auto rev match system, ensuring rev-perfect downshifts every time.
Acura’s engineers have done a great job of tuning the vehicle’s platform, making for a comfortable ride that's neither too dull nor too overly stimulating. As with any modern sports sedan, Acura offers up a variety of driving modes with the Integra. My Technology Package A-Spec model also includes adaptive dampers, tied into said driving modes.
When the manual transmission is chosen, a limited-slip front differential is also included. Interestingly, the A-Spec model also includes a slightly quicker steering rack, with a mechanical variable ratio that dials in quicker responses the more the driver turns the wheels.
The Integra transitions gracefully from casual cruising to backroad revving and back down again – confident and predictable, albeit on the firmer side than its Honda Civic cousin. I do wish there was a little less road noise permeating the cabin though. While marketed as a sport luxury hatch, the Integra shouldn't be confused with a true performance car – you’ll need to wait for the Integra Type S for that.
Alongside the Integra’s lack of summer performance tires, it also has street brakes. Up front, 12.3-inch vented discs with 2-piston calipers work together with 11.1-inch solid rotors with single-pot calipers in the back. These are perfectly suitable for your daily commute and occasional quick drives, but they probably won’t stand up to sustained heavy braking situations on the track.
Technology and creature comforts
I appreciated the straightforward controls of the 2023 Acura Integra, which are borrowed from the Civic. This makes it the only Acura model that doesn't come with its hard-to-learn touchpad infotainment control interface. Instead, you get a straightforward touchscreen infotainment system.
Only the top-end Integra trim (the A-Spec with Technology package) includes standard dual-zone automatic climate system, along with a wireless phone charger and access to wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
Behind the driver sits a standard 10.2 inch virtual gauge cluster to complement the 9.0-inch touchscreen (standard on the A-Spec). Lesser models get a smaller 7.0-inch infotainment screen.
The honeycomb air vents feel nice to adjust, and the chrome knurled climate control knobs have a satisfying “click” with each turn. To make the interior even more aesthetically pleasing, our A-Spec has bright red leatherette seats and armrests. If you opt for the Technology package, you'll get even nicer seats that mix soft micro-suede and leatherette together.
Rear legroom is spacious compared to other compacts but headroom is limited and even shorter adults may brush up against the headliner.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane centering assistance, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams come standard.
Final thoughts
The 2023 Acura Integra embodies the classic Acura spirit with its liftback design, sporty dynamics, and available manual gearbox.
Although it doesn't quite reach the same heights of playfulness as its predecessors, it's a modern interpretation that fits well with the times. Those looking for an even more thrilling experience can look forward to the release of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S in the near future!
