Introducing one of my all-time favorite rides. The new 2024 Acura Integra Type S. I've written up some news posts about it in the past, but, admittedly I was not prepared in the least for the gorgeous sedan that showed up recently for me to review. Wow, did Acura get it right. This premium compact sedan is simply amazing. The Integra Type S is one of those non triple-digit price tag vehicles that engages you in a way few others do (the Toyota Supra is another example). So if you're one of those drivers who looks for excitement in a vehicle, you've met your match here.
The Integra Type S is the fourth Type S performance variant that Acura's launched in recent years. It looks A-MAZING. This thing is can't-take-your-eyes off GORGEOUS. In my book, probably one of the most stunning fastback sports cars on the road today. (Acura liked to refer to its as a 5-door liftback design.)
The Type S is wider than the standard Integra with 2.8 inch fenders that really highlight its wider stance. It also sits low to the ground - as in just 4.0-inches of ground clearance.
The Type S I'm reviewing is a STUNNER in dazzling Apex Blue Pearl paint and incredible (and optional) 19-inch Copper alloy wheels with red Brembo front brake calipers.
In front, you find large air intakes, Acura's Jewel Eye headlights and a Diamond Pentagon grille withType S badging. Acura says a new vented aluminum hood improve airflow by 170%, which helps cool the engine.
It's sporty status is further cemented on the tail end where you find Chicane LED tail lights, a gloss black rear diffuser, Type S badging and, wait for it, a center-mounted rear triple exhaust. An optional carbon fiber lip spoiler is the finishing touch.
Oh, and fun fact: In the photos you'll also spot "Integra" embossed in the rear and front fascias. Acura says it's a throwback to the 3rd-generation model.
Powertrain
The Type S's hood vent meant one thing: I knew I was going to like what was underneath. And that's a high-performance turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine that delivers 320 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. The power and acceleration feel great.
Be forewarned - the Type S only comes with a 6-speed manual. And the precise, short-throw gearbox (with rev-matching) is perfection. It will leave any driver enthusiast grinning ear-to-ear.
Interior
A sporty vibe greets you when you open driver's door to a fabulous two-tone Orchid interior with dark metal trim. It's well-crafted with great stitching and switchgear along with soft-touch materials.
The front sport seats are heated and feature perforated Ultrasuede inserts and side bolsters to keep you in firmly in place. The comfortable driver's seat is 12-way power, too.
Type S badging can be found throughout the interior, on the gear shift, headrests, and perforated leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.
The Integra is void of haptic controls and opts instead for traditional knobs to control the climate and volume. A flat wireless charger is conveniently located just beneath the USB ports and a 12-V on the center stack.
If I had any complaint it would be this: Is it wrong to wish for something other than honeycomb vent trim? Maybe, but I'll wish for it anyway.
On the center console you'll find controls for drive modes -- and Dynamic is what you'll want to select here. There is also an electric parking brake and auto brake hold.
A perforated leather-wrapped 6-speed gear shift knob features an ultrasuede shift boot.
Moving to the second row, it's also roomy though you lose a bit of headroom due to stadium seating. A couple of surprises back here. One, there's not a drop down center console. Instead, the cupholders are integrated into the middle cushion seat. (This means the Integra seats four not five.) Two, there are no A/C vents.
When it comes to cargo area, it looked spacious to me and I liked the nice cargo cover. The 60/40 split second-row fold flats if you need additional cargo space.
Standard features include dual zone climate, ambient lighting, and heated front seats.
Technology
A 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit greets you as you sit down in the driver's seat. The graphics are great.
A 9-inch multimedia system and touchscreen could use an update (for instance it does not offer Navigation anywhere in the lineup) but it's responsive and compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth, HD Radio and SiriusXM capability. It also houses a multi-view rear camera with dynamic gridlines though I'd wish for better resolution.
There are USB and USB-C ports, but there's no Wi-Fi hotspot in the Type S or Alexa Built In.
A 5.3-inch head-up display is also standard.
Ride and Drive
Wow, is the Integra Type S incredibly fun and engaging! This car is a thrill ride. The acceleration feels fantastic. The way it shifts gears is superb. Handling is engaging thanks to its dual-axis front suspension and performance-tuned Adpative Damper System.
I also love the weighty feel to this sedan - it's a roughly 60/40 weight distribution with most of it to the front wheels. The large Brembo 4-Piston aluminum front brake calipers up there also do not disappoint.
The Integra has an active exhaust valve, which means you're going to love the exhaust note which changes depending on your drive mode. Sport+ mode will be music to your ears.
The Integra Type S is equipped with AcuraWatch which on the Integra Type S includes: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Low-Speed Braking Control,Traffic Sign Recognition, Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Auto High-Beam Headlights and Front and Rear Parking Sensors. Additionally, Rear Seat Reminder is also standard.
Options on this model include the Apex Pearl paint ($600), Carbon Fiber Tailgate Spoiler ($950), Premium Carpet Floor Mat Set ($240), and the priciest option, the 19-inch Copper wheels. ($2,186.) Total MSRP is still an incredible $55K which, to me, is an outstanding value for a sedan as gorgeous and fun to drive as this one is.
If you're a 6-speed enthusiast who prefers a sports sedan over a coupe, look no further than the high-performance Integra Type S.