For many Japanese car enthusiasts, the Acura Integra is an icon. It is enough to observe the immense value taken by the Type R copies of the model which lived through its golden years during the 1990s. Its return therefore caused a stir, announcing, in the words of Acura, “the welcoming a new generation of driving enthusiasts for years to come”. If we can analyze the discourse with a critical eye, this new generation will nevertheless have the merit of being rather accessible.
Posted at 11:45 a.m.
Acura Canada recently announced that it will retail this Integra in June at an entry price of $36,725 when all costs are added. That’s barely $1,000 more than a Honda Civic Si with which it shares many components, including its engine. The latter, a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, produces 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. The CVT box is bolt-on as standard.
For lovers of the manual transmission, however, it will be necessary to climb to the top of the hierarchy of versions to benefit from it. This Elite A-Spec version is offered at $44,925, which puts it in the company of many tough rivals among luxury compacts. A structure for the less curious options.
Instead, the Integra hopes to stand out from the Civic with its more expressive design, combining the rear line of a coupe with the practicality of a hatchback. As for its dynamic performance, it will take an exhaustive road test to judge its content.