2023 Acura Integra

 

Acura is performing its civic duty by voting the ILX out of its lineup and electing the 2023 Integra to replace it. Previewed by a thinly veiled Integra Prototype last fall, the production model is a sleek five-door liftback that promises to deliver a “premium, exhilarating driving experience.” The production model closely resembles last year’s prototype and features a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille that is flanked by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights with Chicane LED daytime running lights. The model also has an angular front bumper with vertical air curtains as well as embossed Integra badging. The upscale design quickly dissipates as the profile closely recalls the Honda Civic Hatchback. That being said, the Integra is a bit edgier and features distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels.

Continuing to the rear, there’s a curvaceous bumper and a dual exhaust system. The model also features stylish LED taillights and an angular rear hatch. Customers looking for a more aggressive appearance can opt for the A-Spec package. It adds gloss black accents, LED fog lights, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a Shark Gray finish. The package also includes a spoiler and A-Spec badging on the front fenders.

 

While the exterior styling is unique, the cabin borrows heavily from the Civic as there’s a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It’s not surprising that the screens essentially carryover, but designers phoned it in by ripping off the Civic’s switchgear and air vents. Putting that aside, the Integra comes nicely equipped as even the entry-level model features heated front seats wrapped in synthetic leather. Buyers will also find an eight-speaker audio system, a power moonroof, split-folding rear seats, and eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side.

Models equipped with the A-Spec sport appearance package go a step further as they’re outfitted with stainless steel pedals and red gauge needles. Buyers will also find contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shifter. Customers looking for something more upscale can opt for the A-Spec with the Technology Package. It features fancier synthetic leather seats with microsuede inserts as well as 12-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way power adjustment for the front passenger. The upgrades extend beyond the seats as the range-topper sports a larger 9-inch infotainment system with Alexa as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other highlights include a 5.3-inch head up display, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with two speakers mounted in the headliner above the front seats. They’re joined by LED ambient lighting and three USB-C ports including two for rear passengers.

 

A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood, where it produces 200 hp and 260 Nm of torque. If those number sound familiar, they should as they’re the same as the Civic Si. While the Integra is billed as a car for a “new generation of enthusiast drivers,” the engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels. A number of people have scoffed at this, but Acura said the CVT responds quickly to throttle inputs and features Step Shift programming that “simulates gear changes when accelerating.” The Integra also features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an Integrated Dynamics System with Comfort, Normal and Sport modes. The latter adjust the throttle response, transmission mapping, steering feel, and gauge coloration.

Thankfully, the CVT isn’t the only option as a six-speed manual is available on the A-Spec variant. It features a short-throw shifter and automatic rev matching. As an added bonus, manual models are equipped with a limited-slip differential. The range-topping Integra A-Spec with the Technology Package adds adaptive dampers and an Individual mode for the Integrated Dynamics System. The latter enables drivers to customize the car’s performance settings to their liking.

 

While the jury’s still out on the driving experience, the Integra comes with the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System that can distinguish between vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The model also features Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist (CVT only), and Traffic Sign Recognition technology. They’re joined by a standard blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Integra A-Spec with the Technology Package goes even further by adding front and rear parking sensors as well as Low-Speed Braking Control, which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.

Furthermore, all Integras have a new generation of driver and front passenger airbags that are “specifically designed to cradle the head and reduce the risk of brain injuries, especially in offset collisions.” Acura also noted the car’s aluminum hood features an embossed inner structure, which will distribute the force of an impact with a pedestrian’s head in the event of a collision.

Acura is currently accepting reservations and the first 500 customers will have the opportunity to claim a limited edition NFT. Deliveries are slated to begin this spring and pricing will start at around US$ 30,000 which is a significant jump over the ILX, which began at US$ 27,300. Full details will be released closer to launch, but the 2023 Acura Integra will soon go into production in Marysville, Ohio. It will be built alongside the TLX and feature an engine sourced from the nearby Anna Engine Plant.