The iconic Acura Integra has returned, sporting a sporty two-door coupe design with a modern twist. With a turbocharged engine and advanced technology, including a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen display, the Integra promises an exhilarating driving experience. Thanks to its sharp handling and sleek appearance, the new Acura Integra promises to be a head-turner and a favorite among original model fans.
EXTERIOR/INTERIOR
The new Acura Integra A-Spec with Technology features an eye-catching and aerodynamic exterior design, finished in an exclusive Liquid Carbon Metallic color that accentuates its bold and dynamic profile. The front fascia of the car is distinguished by its black mesh grille with gloss black accents, surrounded by sharp LED headlights that lend an aggressive, yet refined look to the car.
With unique 18-inch wheels finished in Shark Gray, the A-Spec package accentuates the car’s sporty character and complements the Liquid Carbon Metallic color of the body. The athletic stance of the car is further emphasized by gloss black accents on the side mirrors, lower rocker panels, and rear diffuser, and the exclusive rear spoiler adds downforce and visual appeal.
Featuring a stunning blend of sporty and lavish design, the interior of the Integra A-Spec with Technology boasts a red leather finish accompanied by Microsuede seat inserts that provide a comfortable yet stylish seating experience. The aluminum sport pedals and leather-wrapped steering wheel enhance the overall athletic vibe of the cabin. Additionally, the A-Spec badging on the seats and floor mats not only adds a sense of exclusivity but also serves as a reminder of the car’s exceptional performance capabilities.
Advanced technology features included in the A-Spec with Technology package are a 10.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen display with navigation, a premium 16-speaker ELS Studio sound system, and a wireless charging pad, all paired with seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Additionally, the A-Spec with Technology package includes advanced safety features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.
Overall, the new Acura Integra offers an exceptional combination of performance, luxury, technology, and safety, making it a standout among sports coupes.
FUEL ECONOMY
When it comes to the Integra, its fuel efficiency is comparable to that of its closest rivals. Estimated at 26 miles per gallon in the city, 36 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined rating of 30 miles per gallon, the vehicle delivers remarkable fuel efficiency. In our personal testing, the average fuel economy was approximately 29.7 miles per gallon, which only solidifies its impressive rating.
PERFORMANCE
The new Integra and Civic Si models share a potent 1.5-liter VTEC turbo engine that generates an impressive 200 horsepower. Its energetic power delivery and responsiveness make for an immersive driving experience. But what sets these vehicles apart is their cleverly engineered design, providing a seamless and well-rounded ride. With a perfect blend of comfort and excitement, these cars easily adapt to any driving scenario, from leisurely rides to spirited backroad excursions. It’s an engineering masterpiece that elevates driving to a new level of enjoyment.
With a clutch that strikes the perfect balance between lightness and stiffness, gear shifting is effortless and intuitive. In normal drive mode, the suspension and steering strike a perfect balance, delivering just the right amount of feedback without feeling heavy. Switching to comfort mode instantly transforms the driving experience by reducing the effort required to turn the wheel and dampening road harshness.
Sport mode enhances the driving experience as the steering gains weight, and the engine becomes incredibly responsive, making the car feel more dynamic. The gauge cluster adds to the enjoyment by changing color and playing a distinctive sound effect as the drive mode changes. Additionally, the individual mode provides the option to create a personalized responsiveness setting if none of the pre-set configurations are satisfactory.
As with its predecessors, the Integra’s peak power lies in its high rev range. Acura claims the peak torque is available from just 1,800 rpm, and this feels accurate. The energy build-up when pressing down on the gas pedal without a downshift is exhilarating. However, the car’s driving experience will leave you itching to downshift and push the tachometer needle even higher.
Operating the manual transmission is a sheer pleasure that takes the driving experience to a whole new level of enjoyment. While some may prefer automatic transmissions, the Integra’s clutch is easy to manage and the shifting is silky smooth, providing an enjoyable driving experience. The car is immensely gratifying to drive whether it’s for everyday commuting or just a joyride. In general, Acura Integra’s powertrain, body, and manual transmission make it a remarkable sport-luxury car that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and fun.
COMPETITION
The Acura Integra’s competition comes from a range of sport-luxury cars in its segment. Here are some of the pros and cons of the major competitors:
- Honda Civic Si: The Civic Si shares the same 1.5-liter turbo engine as the Integra, and it is slightly less expensive than the Acura. The Civic Si is also available as a coupe or sedan, while the Integra is only available as a hatchback. However, the Civic Si has less horsepower and torque, and its interior is less luxurious than the Integra’s.
- Volkswagen Golf GTI: The Golf GTI is another popular sport-luxury car that is comparable to the Acura Integra. It has a powerful turbocharged engine, a sporty suspension, and a refined interior. The Golf GTI also has a more spacious interior and more cargo room than the Integra. However, it is slightly more expensive than the Integra, and it is not as fuel-efficient.
- Subaru WRX: The WRX is a popular all-wheel-drive sport sedan that is known for its performance and handling. It has a more powerful engine than the Integra and comes standard with all-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. However, the WRX has a less luxurious interior than the Integra, and it is not as fuel-efficient.
- BMW 2-Series: The BMW 2-Series is a luxurious sport-luxury car that is more expensive than the Integra. It has a more powerful engine and more luxurious interior than the Integra, as well as the prestige of the BMW brand. However, the BMW 2-Series is significantly more expensive than the Integra, and it is not as fuel-efficient.
Overall, the Acura Integra’s main competitors offer different features and benefits. The Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI are both slightly less expensive than the Integra, but they have less horsepower and torque. The Subaru WRX has more power and all-wheel drive, but it is less fuel-efficient and has a less luxurious interior. The BMW 2-Series is more luxurious, but it is significantly more expensive than the Integra.
Conclusion
The 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec with Technology that we had the opportunity to drive for a week comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $35,800. With the inclusion of the A-Spec package and Tech package, the final price of the vehicle is $37,395.
After a long hiatus, the Acura Integra has returned with a sleek design, advanced features, and powerful performance that will excite any driving enthusiast.
Photo Credit: Copyright 2023 Angel Mosqueda / Car Fanatics Blog
