2023 Acura Integra: A premium, fun-to-drive fastback

Unveiled as a prototype in November last year, the Acura Integra is finally in front of us in the road-ready form. For the unacquainted, the Integra is one of Honda's most iconic nameplates known for its fun-to-drive spirit. Honda's luxury division Acura has now revived the moniker and introduced it as a “Premium Performance Gateway for a New Generation.” 

The premium Acura Integra comes with a sleek liftback design to entice young enthusiast drivers looking for exhilarating driving fun. Let’s know the 2023 Acura Integra in detail, starting with its mechanical stats. 

Engine & performance

Powering the new Integra is a 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC-enhanced DOHC 4-cylinder engine that kicks out a maximum power output of 200 hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 260 Nm from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a standard CVT automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shifter paddles. Also part of the kit is a segment-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission dialing up the engagement even further. 

The new Acura fastback underpins a strong rigid body and sport-tuned chassis combined with independent suspension. The latter comprises MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link at the rear, together delivering a precise, sporty handling and a comfortable ride. 

Adding to the fun and engaging performance are-

• Integrated Dynamics System with three distinct driving modes - Comfort, Normal and Sport
• A coil type exhaust system delivering an emotional exhaust sound 
• Variable-ratio steering
• Adaptive Damper System for precise control of distinct damping characteristics of three modes
• A-Spec with Technology Package for adjusting in-cabin sound
• Powerful brakes
• Customized selection of steering, engine response, and suspension firmness for a tailored driving experience 

Exterior

Design-wise, the 2023 Acura Integra looks sleek and sporty with compact proportions inspired by predecessors. It sports a coupe-like profile, thin A-pillars, and a low cowl that creates an expansive greenhouse for better outward visibility.

On the front lies a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille edged by four JewelEye LED headlights and "Chicane" LED daytime running lights. The lower fascia dons with LED fog lights. The sporty rear of the fastback is kitted with dual exhaust finishers, an upswept tailgate, and a wide, single-piece LED tail light. The wheel size ranges between 17- to 19-inch.

Pumping up the sporty stance of the car is an A-Spec sport-appearance pack that adds gloss-black window surrounds, a sporty lip spoiler, and Shark Gray 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with larger all-season performance tyres. A-Spec badges are also positioned on the front fenders and tailgate.

Interior

Acura Integra is equally sporty on the inside. We can see high-quality materials everywhere with all touchpoints imparting a premium feel. The AC vents' finish matches the diamond mesh pattern of the exterior grille. 

The dash is equipped with a 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster and a 7.0-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The optional Technology pack can upgrade this to 9-inch with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-In, a 5.3-inch Head-Up Display, and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad.

The seats are wrapped in Synthetic leather (Ebony, Red, or Orchid) as standard with 8-way power adjustment for the driver seat. It can be upgraded to a 12-way powered driver seat and 4-way powered front passenger seats. Moreover, the A-Spec sport appearance pack adds a performance edge to the cabin with red gauge needles, contrast stitching, and stainless steel pedals.

Other significant inclusions are AcuraLink telematics, a standard eight-speaker sound system, keyless entry and start, and a powered sunroof.

Safety

Acura has packed the new Integra with cutting-edge safety technologies that start right away with the segment-first new-gen driver and passenger front airbags. These are specifically meant to reduce the risk of brain injuries, in case of offset collisions. It is also equipped with a blind spot information system with Rear Cross-Traffic Monitoring and the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistive and safety technologies as standard, The latter comprises -

• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist System

Price & availability

The 2023 Acura Integra bookings are now open in the US market with deliveries expected to start soon. The pricing will start at around USD 30,000 (SGD 40,804).

Also read: Honda introduces the new 2022 Step WGN MPV