The Acura Integra Type S emerges as a sophisticated and exhilarating evolution of the Honda Civic Type R, carving its niche as a top-tier daily driving performance car. While sharing its spirited DNA with the Type R, the Integra Type S elevates the experience with enhanced refinement, comfort, and a dash of grown-up sophistication. For those who appreciate the raw thrills of a performance vehicle but desire everyday usability, the Integra Type S strikes an exceptional balance. Let’s delve into what makes this car a standout, focusing on its impressive performance and how it translates to real-world driving enjoyment.
Alt text: Front profile of a silver 2024 Acura Integra Type S showcasing its sporty design.
Beyond the Civic Type R: A More Mature Performance
While the Honda Civic Type R is undeniably a performance icon, its track-focused nature can be a bit uncompromising for daily commutes. The Integra Type S addresses this by offering a more mature and comfortable alternative without sacrificing the exhilarating performance that enthusiasts crave. It retains the fierce spirit, evident in its aggressively flared fenders and distinctive triple exhaust outlets, differentiating it from the standard Integra A-Spec. Having previously enjoyed the base Integra, the Type S variant immediately impresses with its significantly enhanced performance capabilities. Although positioned at a premium price point above the Civic Type R, the Integra Type S justifies its value by delivering a superior blend of daily drivability and engaging performance.
Is the Integra Type S truly worth its price tag, especially considering it’s a front-wheel-drive vehicle derived from a Honda platform? The answer becomes clear once you experience its exceptional driving dynamics and overall package. The improvements over the Civic Type R are substantial, including a more refined and elegant exterior design devoid of excessive spoilers, a quieter and more upscale interior, and a suspension system engineered for daily comfort without compromising handling prowess. Interestingly, the price point of the Integra Type S aligns with what BMW M3s used to command not too long ago. In terms of size, power output, practicality, and the sheer joy of its six-speed manual transmission, the Integra Type S presents a compelling modern interpretation of that classic performance sedan ethos. While not a direct M3 replacement, it capably occupies that space in today’s market, offering a similar level of driver engagement and everyday usability.
Alt text: Side view of a red 2024 Acura Integra Type S driving on a winding road, emphasizing its handling.
Performance Unleashed: Integra Type S 0-60 and Driving Dynamics
What truly distinguishes the Integra Type S is its exceptional performance in diverse driving scenarios. From mundane highway commutes to exhilarating backroad adventures, this car excels. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine churns out 320 horsepower, delivering a potent surge of power throughout the rev range. This engine is designed to be driven hard, maintaining its eagerness even at higher RPMs, accompanied by a satisfying engine note. While some turbo lag is present at lower speeds, it actually enhances the driving experience, building anticipation for the exhilarating rush of power that follows.
The Integra Type S 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in a brisk 5.2 seconds. While this figure might not shatter records, it’s crucial to understand that the Integra Type S is engineered for real-world driving enjoyment, not just track statistics. On public roads, the car consistently feels faster than the numbers suggest, offering readily accessible and highly exploitable power. Coupled with the outstanding six-speed manual transmission, featuring perfectly spaced ratios and a smooth, precise mechanical feel, the Integra Type S becomes an incredibly engaging machine. Its ease of driving is a testament to the engineering team’s success in creating a car that simply works in harmony with the driver. The light clutch might be perceived as slightly too effortless for some purists, but it contributes to the overall user-friendliness of this performance sedan.
Alt text: Interior shot of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S dashboard and steering wheel, highlighting the driver-focused cockpit.
Handling and Engagement: Mastering the Road
The front-wheel-drive configuration of the Integra Type S does introduce some torque steer and wheelspin, particularly at lower speeds in the first two gears. However, this characteristic isn’t necessarily a drawback; instead, it adds a layer of driver involvement, requiring a nuanced approach to throttle application. Learning to manage and utilize these traits becomes part of the enjoyable learning curve of driving the Integra Type S. Understeer is remarkably well-controlled, with the car exhibiting exceptional grip and composure through corners. The 265-width Michelin tires at all four corners play a significant role in this, but it’s also the chassis and suspension tuning that allow the Integra Type S to confidently grip the asphalt and pull through corners with impressive tenacity. While judicious throttle input is sometimes needed when exiting corners, this only enhances the overall engagement and driver satisfaction. The inclusion of a sophisticated limited-slip differential further aids in power delivery and handling, but it still requires driver input to maximize its effectiveness, fostering a rewarding sense of connection between driver and machine.
Point-to-point on real-world roads, the Integra Type S is remarkably quick, challenging even supercars in terms of usable pace. Its accessibility to performance sets it apart; unlike a supercar that often remains underutilized on public roads, the Integra Type S can be driven to its full potential more frequently. A skilled driver in the Acura Integra Type S can genuinely surprise owners of more exotic and expensive performance cars. The handling remains remarkably neutral, inspiring confidence through winding roads. Furthermore, the Integra Type S distinguishes itself from the Civic Type R with its superior bump absorption, offering a more controlled and comfortable ride without the harshness sometimes associated with the Type R’s suspension. While the seats prioritize comfort over extreme lateral support, they remain supportive enough for spirited driving outside of a track environment. The brake pedal provides consistent and reassuring stopping power. Customization options for throttle response, steering feel, and suspension firmness allow drivers to tailor the car’s dynamics to their preferences and road conditions. While the steering feel might not be perfect in all modes, the overall driving experience remains highly engaging and enjoyable.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a white 2024 Acura Integra Type S parked, showcasing its sporty stance.
Interior Refinement and Daily Comfort
As an Acura, the Integra Type S naturally boasts a more premium interior compared to its Honda sibling. Soft-touch materials are abundant throughout the cabin, and the faux-suede seat inserts add a touch of luxury. The overall ambiance is noticeably more upscale than the Civic Type R, both visually and tactilely. Significantly improved sound deadening is a key highlight, transforming the Integra Type S into a relaxed and comfortable highway cruiser, ideal for long journeys. While a road trip in a Civic Type R might be considered less appealing due to noise and stiffness, the Integra Type S, with its more comfortable seats, compliant suspension, and reduced noise levels, is a far more agreeable daily companion. Despite the added comfort features, Acura has managed to keep the weight increase over the Type R to a mere 31 pounds. Remarkably, fuel economy remains impressive, averaging 26 MPG during a week of varied driving conditions.
Conclusion: A Standout Performance Sedan
There’s very little to fault in the Integra Type S. As previously noted in reviews of the Integra A-Spec, a high-performance variant was not just desirable but almost essential to fully realize the Integra’s potential. The original DC2 Integra Type R set a high benchmark for the nameplate, and the new Type S effectively captures that spirit and nostalgic appeal. Even with its turbocharged engine replacing the high-revving nature of its predecessor, the Integra Type S stands out as one of the most engaging and analogue performance vehicles available today, offering a truly rewarding driving experience. The primary drawback remains its price, which positions it at a premium level. Even the Civic Type R, while less expensive, still represents a significant investment. Competitors like the Hyundai Elantra N offer compelling value at a lower price point.
However, the subjective experience of driving the Integra Type S is overwhelmingly positive. Its visual appeal, the tactile pleasure of its controls, the engaging powertrain, and its dual nature as both a thrilling performance car and a comfortable cruiser all contribute to its desirability. For those who can justify the cost, the Acura Integra Type S is an exceptional car, rightfully claiming its place as one of the best sports sedans currently on the market.
2024 Acura Integra Type S Review: Pros & Cons
As-tested price: $52,595
Pros: Exceptional driving dynamics, refined interior, comfortable ride, strong performance, engaging manual transmission.
Cons: Price point.
Alt text: Front angle close-up of a 2024 Acura Integra Type S in white, highlighting its aggressive front fascia.
Alt text: Detailed interior view of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, showcasing the dashboard and infotainment screen.
Alt text: Close-up detail of the Acura Integra Type S badge on the front fender, emphasizing the Type S designation.
Alt text: Interior detail of the six-speed manual shifter in the 2024 Acura Integra Type S.
Alt text: Rear seats of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, showing legroom and interior space.
Alt text: Driver’s perspective of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S interior, emphasizing the driving position.
Alt text: Front view of a white 2024 Acura Integra Type S, highlighting its headlights and grille.
