The return of the Acura Integra might be mistaken for nothing more than the all-too-common practice of dredging up a prized old nameplate for the sake of nostalgia. Spending time in this new Integra, however, quickly proves that the car is much more than just a warmed-over legend.
After a two-decade absence, Acura’s most affordable model is back, and that’s a good thing. This fifth-generation Integra offers much of the same sporty goodness that made the original so wildly popular back in 1986 when it helped launch the luxury brand.
Outside, the Integra features sleek styling that gives it a definite performance vibe. Under the hood, it gets the same gutsy 200-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers the high-performance Honda Civic Si model on which it’s based. A passable—yet nowhere-near-as-fun-to-drive—continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard across the lineup, but the Si’s excellent close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox (a no-cost option on the top-of-the-line Integra model), gives it engaging performance to match its racy good looks.
On the road, the Integra delivers responsive handling, with precise and nicely weighted steering. An adaptive suspension automatically adjusts to deliver both good ride quality on rough pavement and excellent handling when the road turns curvy.
Inside, the cabin has comfortable accommodations up front, but rear seat passengers will wish for a little more headroom and legroom. Road noise is also louder than you’d expect from an upscale brand. On the upside, the large hatchback opening and split-folding rear seatbacks give the Integra added cargo-carrying practicality.
There’s technology galore here as well, including an available nine-inch infotainment screen, a heads-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, a wireless phone-charging pad and a 16-speaker premium audio system. The downside is many of these goodies are reserved for the top-of-the-line A-Spec model with the Tech option package.
While the return of the Integra is welcome news, this new version faces some stiff competition.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (MPG*)
- 29 City/36 Highway
PRICING
- Base Price: $31,300
- As Tested: $37,395
*Before taxes, fees and destination charges
