The 2023 Acura Integra

                              The 2023 Acura Integra 

 The perspective on the 2023 Acura Integra largely depends on the context in which it is viewed. For those who hold nostalgic sentiments towards past Integra models, the new iteration may be seen as a disappointing successor. Positioned as a member of the Honda Civic family, the Integra combines desirable features from the Civic, such as the Si's 200-hp engine, hatchback body style, and six-speed manual transmission, albeit at a higher price point. Acura aims to compete with entry-level luxury German models like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA, positioning the Integra as a more affordable alternative with slightly less prestige.

• 2023 Acura Integra Gets 3 SEMA Tuner Treatments         
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• The decision to revive the Integra name instead of continuing with the alphanumeric nomenclature seen in other Acura models indicates a higher level of ambition for the new Integra. It could be viewed as a strategic move by Acura to generate attention and create buzz around the car, which has indeed been successful as discussions about the vehicle have been prevalent on the internet for months. Acura appears to be pleased with the outcome, as they have mentioned that the number of Integra preorders is surpassing their expectations. While they did not disclose specific figures, they did mention that a significant portion of early adopters are opting for the available manual transmission, indicating a continued demand for a more engaging driving experience.
  
  The introduction of the 2023 Acura Integra does not represent a groundbreaking or pivotal moment for the Acura brand. In comparison to other current Acura models like the MDX, NSX, RDX, and TLX, the Integra utilizes familiar Honda components that are already known to be of good quality. Rather than introducing entirely new or revolutionary features, the Integra focuses on leveraging well-regarded Honda components and combining them in an appealing package.
  
  

  Some of the notable strengths of the 2023 Acura Integra include:

  1. Eager handling: The Integra offers a dynamic and responsive driving experience, making it enjoyable for enthusiasts who appreciate nimble and agile handling characteristics.

  2. Hatchback practicality: With its hatchback body style, the Integra provides increased versatility and practicality. The spacious cargo area allows for easy storage of items, making it a convenient choice for daily use.

  3. Available manual transmission: Acura offers a manual transmission option for the Integra, catering to those who prefer a more engaging and hands-on driving experience. This option allows drivers to have precise control over gear shifts and adds to the overall driving enjoyment.

  These strengths contribute to the Integra's appeal for drivers seeking a spirited and practical compact car.

The 2023 Acura Integra benefits from a fresh foundation based on the recently introduced 11th-generation Honda Civic platform, setting it apart from the outdated platform and powertrain of the ILX. It shares its turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine with the Civic, providing an output of 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, which is the same as the Civic Si. Acura has made some adjustments to differentiate the Integra from the Civic, including tuning differences in engine software, suspension, and transmissions. Speaking of transmissions, the Integra offers both a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a six-speed manual transmission to cater to different driver preferences. Additionally, Acura claims that the Integra's body has been slightly enhanced for improved stiffness compared to the Civic. These updates contribute to the Integra's distinct driving experience within the compact car segment.

The 2023 Acura Integra's acceleration performance is comparable to its counterparts in the Honda lineup. With the manual transmission, the Integra achieves a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds. While it is slightly slower than the Civic Si's time by 0.2 seconds, it outperforms the Civic Sport Touring hatchback by 0.3 seconds, despite having 20 fewer horsepower.

One notable feature of the Integra Tech package is the inclusion of adaptive dampers, which are absent in the latest Civic Si. It raises the question of whether Honda intentionally omitted this feature from the Civic to make it unique to the Integra. Nevertheless, the adaptive dampers are a welcome addition to the Integra. In Comfort or Normal mode, they provide a more comfortable ride compared to the firmer suspension of the Si. However, when switched to Sport mode, the adaptive dampers enhance the Integra's liveliness, making it as spirited as the Honda counterpart.

The 2023 Acura Integra offers a satisfying and engaging driving experience thanks to several factors. The steering feels pleasantly heavy, the throttle is responsive, and the shifter operates smoothly, all contributing to an eager and playful driving feel. Furthermore, the Integra's manual transmission variant weighs just 3,062 pounds, which is significantly lighter than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLA or Audi A3.

While the Integra's turn-in could be sharper, it is worth noting that it lacks the grippier summer tires found as an option on the Civic Si. Instead, the Integra comes equipped with Continental Pro Contact all-season tires, which provide a grip level of 0.88 g compared to the summer-tire-equipped Si's 0.94 g.

Regarding the availability of a manual transmission, Acura requires customers to opt for the $2000 A-Spec package or the $3000 Technology package to unlock the "no-cost" manual transmission option. This means that additional investment is necessary for the privilege of shifting gears manually. The total cost for a manual transmission Integra with the aforementioned packages can reach $36,895 according to a test car's sticker price.

Overall, the Integra offers an enjoyable driving experience with its manual transmission, although certain performance features such as sharper turn-in and grippier tires may require additional package selections and associated costs.

The 2023 Acura Integra falls short with its lack of a summer-tire option, perceived refinement issues, and a higher price tag compared to the Honda Civic. However, it still delivers an engaging driving experience with its responsive handling and practical hatchback design.

In our testing, the automatic-transmission Integra exhibited slightly slower acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.5 seconds at 95 mph. The CVT performs similarly to the one found in the Civic, effectively managing the turbo engine's torque curve and offering simulated shift points to prevent excessive droning. However, without the engagement provided by the manual transmission, the Integra's refinement issues become more noticeable, including road noise at highway speeds. This could make it challenging for Acura to sway Audi and Mercedes shoppers, even with a lower lease payment.

The interior of the 2023 Acura Integra offers a pleasant and practical environment, but it lacks luxurious trimmings. While the A-Spec variant presents appealing upholstery options, such as red leather and faux suede or a white-and-black two-tone setup, the overall feel is reminiscent of the Civic, with mesh coverings for the air vents and piano-black trim on the center console. However, this is more of a testament to the high-quality materials found in the Civic rather than a criticism against the Integra. The cargo area is generous, and the hatchback design sets it apart from other entry-luxury models. With the seats folded, it accommodates up to 18 carry-on suitcases, and with the seats up, it can comfortably fit five. The rear seat offers ample space but lacks certain premium details like air vents that are typically expected in a luxury car.

Considering the starting price of $31,895, the Integra's interior is acceptable. However, the manual-transmission variant, which is the desirable choice, only comes in a fully loaded specification and costs several thousand dollars more. While the Integra is better equipped than the Civic Si, the significant price difference makes it difficult to justify the premium for the Acura badge. Furthermore, the Integra faces competition from other pseudo-luxury models like the turbocharged Mazda 3, which offers more power and potentially a more upscale experience.

While the Integra has its strengths such as fun driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, practicality, and appealing aesthetics, it fails to offer a significantly more compelling package than the Civic Si or even the Sport Touring hatchback, despite its higher price. Additionally, it falls short in terms of luxury compared to German rivals. To meet the expectations of loyal Integra fans, Acura will likely need to introduce a Type S version with more power and grippier tires. The burden of a legendary name like Integra comes with high expectations, and the current offering may not fully satisfy those hopes.

Specifications

2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Manual
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $33,895/$36,895
Options: Tech package (adaptive dampers, 9.0-inch touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, ELS Studio 16-speaker stereo, SiriusXM radio, dual-zone climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, keyless entry, remote engine start), $3000

ENGINE
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3
Power: 200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 192 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.3-in vented disc/11.1-in disc
Tires: Continental ContiProContact
235/40R-18 91W M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.7 in
Length: 185.8 in
Width: 72.0 in
Height: 55.5 in
Passenger Volume: 96 ft3
Cargo Volume: 24 ft3
Curb Weight: 3062 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.3 sec @ 93 mph
100 mph: 17.3 sec
130 mph: 36.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 10.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 8.5 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 135 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 358 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 31 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 30/26/36 mpg

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2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Automatic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $32,800/$33,300
Options: Liquid carbon metallic paint $500

ENGINE
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3
Power: 200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 192 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.3-in vented disc/11.1-in disc
Tires: Continental ContiProContact
235/40R-18 98W M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.7 in
Length: 185.8 in
Width: 72.0 in
Height: 55.5 in
Passenger Volume: 96 ft3
Cargo Volume: 24 ft3
Curb Weight: 3144 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.5 sec @ 95 mph
100 mph: 17.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 135 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 174 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 349 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.90 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 38 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 470 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 32/29/36 mpg