Acura Integra Motor Authority's Best Car 2023 Nominee

Posted on December 09, 2022
General
Acura Integra Motor Authority's Best Car 2023 Nominee

Could the return of an iconic car name usher in a new winner for Motor Authority Best Car To Buy? It could be the $31,895 Acura Integra.

The Integra has a history of inexpensive thrills dating back to the mid-1980s. Its peak was the 1992 GS-R model, which was selected for the "100 Cars That Matter" series. However, Acura abandoned the name when it transitioned to the RSX, leaving behind a large chunk of its history.

With the new Integra, Acura kept the entry-level formula of modifying the Honda Civic's framework, but dropped the tired ILX from the lineup.

The Integra started with a solid platform based on the 2022 Honda Civic Si, fixing most of the complaints about Honda in the upgrade process. According to Senior Editor Kirk Bell, the package results in an Integra that recaptures past glory.

Each Integra is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo four with 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Base and A-Spec models send power to the front wheels via a CVT with seven simulated gear ratios, but only the top model with the $36,895 A-Spec with Technology package, because it unlocks the option of a six-speed manual transmission, Enthusiasts will want the top model in the A-Spec with Technology Package. This manual transmission is a winner with short, clean, precise throws and sure engagement. Bell described this transmission as "too much fun" to pass up.

The Integra's chassis was stiffened by 5% and fitted with 27 mm hollow sway bars in the front and 17.5 mm in the rear (18 mm on A-Spec models).

The single biggest upgrade to the Civic Si, and the one that addresses the sporty Civic's biggest shortcoming, are the adaptive dampers that Acura installs with the Technology Package. On the highway, the suspension settles down. The ride is still soft, but body movement is controlled.

With a very quick ratio of 11.52:1 (the base model is even quicker at 11.33:1), the Integra's steering offers a deft response. It never feels too quick, and the Integra is never dirty, even on the highway.

The interior seats five, but only four can sit comfortably. The sport-type front bucket seats are firm and supportive, but the rear seats have a low bottom and a fast roofline that reduces headroom in the rear. The standard 7.0-inch touchscreen seems a bit small, but A-Spec models with the Technology Package add a 9.0-inch touchscreen that offers the Civic's easy-to-use tile-based interface and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be included. The hatchback body style offers 24.3 cubic feet of space, and the rear seats fold nearly flat to expand cargo room.

The Acura Integra is not perfect. A manual transmission should be an option across the board, and at 200 hp, I'd like some back-road power. Another 50-75 hp would be enough, some of the same power as the 21-year-old RSX Type S, which shows a lack of progress; the Integra Type S, due to arrive in 2024, should properly address this issue.

Will the Integra's attractive manual transmission, well-tuned suspension, and quick steering be enough to beat two hot hatches, a ridiculous SUV, a luxury EV, and a sports sedan? on January 4, our sister sites Car Connection and Check back as we announce the winner, along with the champs from "Green Car Report.

You may also like

Ford supercharges MegaZilla V-8 to over 1,000 hp
Ford supercharges MegaZilla V-8 to over 1,000 hp

Ford has taken its already potent MegaZilla V-8 crate engine to the next level with the introduction of the supercharged MegaZilla 2.0.The new engine,...

Jan 30

Morgan unveils first look at new flagship coming in 2025
Morgan unveils first look at new flagship coming in 2025

British sports car manufacturer Morgan is preparing to introduce a new flagship model to replace the Plus Six, which ceased production last year.Morga...

Jan 31

2027 Audi RS 5 Avant plug-in hybrid spotted again
2027 Audi RS 5 Avant plug-in hybrid spotted again

Audi's current A5 family consists of coupe, convertible, and liftback body styles, but the new generation A5, unveiled last year and slated for the 20...

Jan 31

Trending

Ford Mustang Predicts Future of Racing with EV Prototype for NASCAR
Ford Mustang Predicts Future of Racing with EV Prototype for NASCAR

Ford unveiled Thursday what the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV would look like as a NASCAR race car.The prototype is designed to look like a Mach-E, but ...

Jan 31

Ford Mustang Mach E to Conquer 2025 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Ford Mustang Mach E to Conquer 2025 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Ford will return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year with a one-off demonstrator based on the Mustang Mach-E.In a brief statement Thu...

Jan 31

Polestar Arctic Circle Collection like a Swedish rally car.
Polestar Arctic Circle Collection like a Swedish rally car.

Several years ago, Polestar gave its engineers the unique challenge of designing a Polestar 2 optimized for the harsh winter conditions of their home ...

Jan 30