The Acura Integra 2023 arrives with a completely different look from its predecessors and mechanics identical to… a Honda Civic Si.
If there is one model that makes people nostalgic for the 1990s react, it is the Acura Integra . It has almost turned into a legend over time due to its monster popularity within the tuning world two decades ago, not to mention its Type R variation, the value of which continues to climb in the tuning market. ‘opportunity. However, when Acura announced its big comeback last summer, we all had very high expectations. Alas, the result is rather a monumental disappointment.
Acura has unveiled the concept of the 2023 Integra , which will hit our market next year. The automaker has confirmed that the production model will be identical to this concept. Honda’s luxury division even gave some information about its mechanics.
A luxury Civic Si hatchback?
Design-wise, Acura does very little to camouflage the Honda Civic hatchback hiding under the body, even though I personally find the Civic prettier because of its more understated looks. This Integra reminds me more of an inflated ILX (it is also its replacement) with the addition of a tailgate. It incorporates absolutely no design reminders of its ancestors.
And no, a coupe is not in the plans. The 2023 Acura Integra will only and always be marketed as a five-door hatchback.
But unlike the old Integra who went out of their way to distance themselves from the Civic in terms of design, suspensors and powertrains, this Integra looks like a cut-and-paste of a Honda Civic Si , which doesn’t. only increases the disappointment.
Not yet the complete picture
Acura remains quiet about full specs, however, but has confirmed that the Integra will be powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder as the Civic Si, meaning it should develop at least 200 horsepower. Does Acura have a surprise in store for us by offering an Integra that is a little more powerful than a Civic Si? The SH-AWD all-wheel drive? Adaptive suspension? We hope so!
Fans of the model can at least rejoice in the fact that this engine will be mated to the same 6-speed manual transmission as its cousin, as well as its limited-slip differential. It will therefore be the only model in the range to offer a manual transmission. The manufacturer also spoke of an automatic transmission, without specifying which it would be. In all likelihood, the Integra could accommodate the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission from the old ILX.
Acura also did not reveal anything of the interior, which could resemble that of the TLX and RDX, including the irritating touchpad of the manufacturer to operate its multimedia system …
No price has been confirmed for our market, but some US media are reporting a starting price of US $ 30,000, which appears to be in line with the older ILX’s prices. Of course, Acura plans to eventually add a Type S version, which will undoubtedly receive the same engine as a Honda Civic Type R.
Hopefully, the 2023 Acura Integra can make up for it when it comes to driving, because based on the few pictures the automaker has sent us, it’s more of a crude, compact luxury sedan of odd proportions – as it looks. does so much – and dressed in a huge INTEGRA sticker on its sides. The Indy Yellow color only adds to the insult.