Acura is doing its civic duty by dropping the ILX from its lineup and choosing the 2023 Integra to replace it. Screened for a thinly veiled Integra Prototype last fall, the production model is a sleek five-door liftback that promises to deliver an “exciting, premium driving experience.”
How does it look from the outside?
The production model closely resembles last year’s prototype and features a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille that is flanked by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights with Chicane LED daytime running lights. The model also has an angular front bumper with vertical air curtains, as well as an embossed Integra badge. The exclusive design quickly dissipates as the profile is very reminiscent of the Honda Civic Hatchback. That said, the Integra is a bit more daring and features distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels.
Continuing to the rear, there is a curvaceous bumper or bumper and a dual exhaust system. The model also features stylish LED taillights and an angular rear hatch. Customers looking for a more aggressive appearance can opt for the A-Spec package. It adds gloss black accents, LED fog lights and larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a Shark Gray finish. The package also includes a spoiler and A-Spec badging on the front fenders.
A luxury interior, but civic style
While the exterior styling is unique, the cabin takes heavy cues from the Civic, as there’s a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay compatibility. Not surprisingly, the screens are essentially carryovers, but the designers phoned in ripping off the Civic’s switch and air vents.
That aside, the Integra comes very well equipped, with even the base model getting heated front seats wrapped in leatherette. Buyers will also find an eight-speaker audio system, power sunroof, split-folding rear seats, and eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side.
Models equipped with the A-Spec Sport Appearance Package go one step further as they are equipped with stainless steel pedals and red gauge needles. Buyers will also find contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shifter.
most luxurious package
Customers looking for something more upscale can opt for the A-Spec with the technology package. It features more upscale leatherette seats with microsuede inserts, as well as 12-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way power adjustment for the front passenger.
part of their technology
The updates extend beyond the seats, as the top of the range sports a larger 9-inch infotainment system with Alexa, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other highlights include a 5.3-inch head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with two speakers mounted in the headliner above the front seats. They’re joined by ambient LED lighting and three USB-C ports, including two for rear passengers.
Turbo power with six-speed manual transmission
A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood, where it produces 200 horsepower (149 kW/203 PS) and 192 lb-ft or some 260 Nm of torque. If those numbers sound familiar to you, they should be, since they’re the same as the Civic Si.
While the Integra is advertised as a car for a “new generation of enthusiast drivers,” the engine is linked to a continuously variable transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. Several people have scoffed at this, but Acura said the CVT responds quickly to throttle inputs and features Step Shift programming that “simulates gear changes under acceleration.” The Integra also features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an Integrated Dynamics System with Comfort, Normal and Sport modes. The latter adjust throttle response, transmission mapping, steering feel, and gauge coloration.
There is also manual gearbox
Fortunately, the CVT isn’t the only option, as a six-speed manual transmission is available on the A-Spec variant. It features a short throw gear lever and automatic rev matching. As a bonus, manual models are equipped with a limited slip differential.
Other technical extras
The range-topping Integra A-Spec with Technology Package adds adaptive dampers and an Individual mode for the Integrated Dynamics System. The latter allows drivers to customize the car’s performance settings to their liking.
Security comes as standard
While the jury is still out on the driving experience, the Integra comes with the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a collision mitigation braking system that can distinguish between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The model also features adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist (CVT only), and traffic sign recognition technology. They’re joined by a standard blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Integra A-Spec with Technology Package goes even further by adding front and rear parking sensors, as well as Low Speed Brake Control, which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
Additionally, all Integras have a new generation of driver and front passenger airbags that are “specifically designed to cradle the head and reduce the risk of brain injury, especially in off-center collisions.” Acura also noted that the car’s aluminum hood features an embossed internal structure, which will distribute the force of an impact with a pedestrian’s head in the event of a collision.
Reservations begin and deliveries this spring
Acura is currently accepting reservations and the first 500 customers will have the opportunity to claim a limited edition NFT. Deliveries are scheduled to begin this spring and pricing will start at around $30,000, which is a significant jump from the ILX, which started at around $27,300.
