Test bench | Acura Integra Type S: quiet strength

(Los Angeles, California) To draw the spotlight on the Integra, its designers did not hesitate to show excess with this Type S version.

Merchant of Happiness

This is not the first time that the Acura brand has twisted history. She’s not the only one either. But to be honest, we don’t care. If the iconic Type R is reborn under another letter – the following one – and gains two additional doors, it has remained faithful to the specifications of the founding model: to provide happiness.

The temptation is great to take a shortcut here. To write that Acura’s proposal is technically identical to Honda’s. Yes, they are the same ingredients, but the art of preparing it differs enough to give each of them a distinct flavor. And it goes well beyond the increased power that the Acura delivers compared to the Honda.

The 320 horsepower of its supercharged mechanics are only the tip of the iceberg. You have to be behind the wheel to appreciate the more linear power curve of the Acura compared to that of the Honda. This hint of flexibility alone makes it singularly more pleasant to live with on a daily basis than the Civic Type R. Especially since it is also better soundproofed, which largely explains its higher weight.

To those for whom the automobile hierarchy is measured in gross kilometers per hour, go your way. The Integra Type S is not aimed at customers who show off their exploits on social networks. And let yourself be driven even less with a cap screwed upside down on your head. The Integra Type S is more refined. In fact, it aims rather to distract potential buyers from Audi S3 and other BMW 230i (see rivals).

The latter have, on paper, a less imposing cavalry, of course, but they have the privilege of relying on four-wheel drive rather than two. “Simple” traction, the Acura finds it more difficult to express all its enthusiasm on a road surface with a low coefficient of adhesion. In the wet (and let’s not talk about winter), the right foot to the floor, the Type S struggles to catapult in a straight line under acceleration due to a torque effect in the steering.

All the while, you need to grip the rim tightly to channel the steering wheel rage. While it swings in all directions, you wonder when you can free your right hand to engage the second gear of the exquisite manual transmission, the only one offered. This makes the best use of the characteristics of this engine, which responds quickly to requests from the accelerator. A little hollow at low revs, this engine nevertheless climbs quickly in the towers and therefore shows pugnacity.

At the controls of this Integra, you very quickly imagine yourself as a pilot. With astonishing agility, this Acura behaves with great docility, and there is no need to steer too much to register it in the desired direction. The steering wheel transmits without interference each of your maneuvers with extraordinary precision, regardless of the selected driving settings (Comfort, Sport, Sport+). And that also applies to the suspension, which again, regardless of the chosen configuration, gently massages the irregularities of the road surface. Another particularity which distinguishes it from the Honda Civic Type R and which raises it to the rank of the best Europeans in its category. Fun to drive, especially on secondary roads, this Acura knows how to be perfectly civilized in town, despite a large turning circle for such a small car.

Acura claims the Integra is the most roomy in its class when it comes to rear legroom and trunk space. Well done, but the problem is that there are only four places. Cup holders have been integrated into the midsection cushion. And there’s headroom that’s at a premium due to the curved arc of the headliner. The latter also makes entry and exit more problematic. At the front, you naturally feel better and in a country of acquaintances. And for good reason, since the furniture is, apart from a higher quality of materials, identical to that of a Civic… Acura had the good taste not to multiply the distinctive signs of excessive sportiness. We only notice here and there a few discreet inscriptions responsible for reminding you of the exclusivity of this model.

The Integra Type S will appeal to those motorists who have calmed down, but are not yet completely settled, compact cars with a strong temperament. They will (re)find in it the happiness of driving a responsive, homogeneous, versatile car capable of meeting the needs of a small family.

Technical sheet

Engine

• L4 DOHC 2.0L turbocharged
• Power: 320 horsepower at 6500 rpm
• Torque: 310 lb-ft of torque between 2600 and 4000 rpm

Performance

• Weight: 1460 kg
• Power to weight ratio: 4.56 kg/hp
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.4 seconds

Gearbox

• Standard: six-speed manual
• Optional: none
• Drive mode: traction

Tires

Tank capacity and recommended gasoline

Dimensions

How about the Type R?

Forget the few additional horses which, in the end, do not mean much. The Civic Type R is lighter, drier, rawer than the Acura. Less expensive to acquire, however, the Honda is less refined. More stirring too. It requires a more sustained commitment and, for that, some consumers will find it too exhausting on a daily basis.

finish line

Last June, the Acura Integra Type S made its debut at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a famous American hill climb. For this competition, the Type S benefited from certain transformations, including lighter rims, a more aerodynamic front spoiler, a carbon bonnet and a spoiler as high as a skyscraper.