"Acura" is Honda's premium brand, which is in a similar position to Toyota's Lexus and Nissan's Infiniti. The "Integra" is a specialty car model with roots in the "Quint Integra" announced in 1985 in Japan, and production was discontinued in 2007 in the 4th generation. In the North American market, it was sold under the Acura brand and was eventually named "RSX."
The Integra will be back in North America for the first time in 16 years. Of course, as a model for the Acura brand. The announcement of the prototype in November 2021 was previously introduced in this Web Motor Magazine, but reservations are finally being accepted as a 2023 model.
Its styling is almost the same as the prototype, with a coupe-like roofline and a 5-door hatchback with a hatchback at the rear (called a liftback in North American Honda), featuring a dynamic and sporty design. The proportions of the new Integra are also inspired by the original Integra 5-door, which appeared when the Acura brand was launched in 1986.
Around the front, you can see the design cue that is the identity of the latest Acura adopted from the 2019 model Acura RDX. Four jewel-eye LED headlamps, a chicane-style LED daytime running lamp, and a frameless diamond pentagon grille. The rear end has a spoiler shape, and the wide integrated LED tail lamp is reminiscent of the 3rd generation Integra.
The interior is of high quality, befitting the Acura brand. The meter cluster is a 10.2 inch LCD monitor equipped with a 7-inch digital touch screen compatible with smartphones and 8-speaker audio as standard equipment. The seat is made of synthetic leather, but with an electric adjuster with a built-in heater, the space for the rear seat is large enough. The backrest is a 60:40 split foldable type.
The power train mounted under the aluminum bonnet is a 1.5L straight-four DOHC VTEC turbo. The maximum output is 200hp / 6000rpm and the maximum torque is 260Nm / 1800-5000rpm. As for the transmission to be combined, a CVT with a manual mode is standard, and a 6-speed MT with a blipping function is also available. In addition, a helical LSD is also set for MT vehicles.
Combining a rigid body with a sports-tuned chassis and a stand-alone suspension, the new Integra provides accurate and sporty handling and a comfortable ride. With the cooperation of the brakes, the power steering uses a variable ratio.
IDS (Integrated Dynamics System) is standard equipment, and the drive mode can be selected from comfort / normal / sports, and the AT mapping and steering feel can be changed. ADS (Adaptive Damper System) is also set, and you can adjust the ride quality and handling performance by switching the drive mode. It also has an individual mode that can be set individually (depending on the grade).
As with other Acura models, the safety equipment uses an ACE (advanced convertibility engineering) body structure that improves occupant protection even in the event of a collision from diagonally forward. The driver and passenger seats are equipped with new-generation airbags, and the bonnet also has an embossed internal structure that reduces the impact on the pedestrian's head in the unlikely event of a collision.
Advanced driver assistance systems and safety technologies called "Acura watches" are equipped with a camera system that supports a wide field of view and long distances. Collision mitigation braking by this system can distinguish between vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. In addition, it naturally supports traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist (CVT vehicles only), adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, etc.
The new Integra, which will be the 2023 model, will soon be in production with the improvement of Mary Hills, Ohio. The price starts from about 30,000 US dollars (about 3.5 million yen).
It has not been announced whether the Integra will be announced in Japan as the "Honda Integra", but considering that it is a sister model of the current Civic, it seems unlikely that it will be released in Japan.
● Overall length × Overall width × Overall height: 4710 × 1820 × 1400mm ● Wheel base: 2730mm ● Vehicle weight: 1900kg ● Engine: Direct 4 DOHC turbo ● Total displacement: 1496cc ● Maximum output: 200hp / 6000rpm ● Maximum torque: 260Nm / 1800- 5000rpm ● Transmission: CVT or 6-speed MT ● Drive system: Front horizontal FF ● Tire size: 215 / 50R17 ● Vehicle price: Approximately 30,000 US dollars (approximately 3.5 million yen) ~ (values are converted by the editorial department)