For enthusiasts longing for a more understated version of the Honda Civic Type R Touring, it materializes in a different guise—the 2024 Acura Integra Type S.
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This model carries the Acura badge and is known as the Integra Type S.
Following the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, which garnered the accolade of AutoMotorMart’s Best Car To Buy 2023, the Integra Type S emerges a year later. It offers a slightly more opulent experience and a less ostentatious appearance, yet still retains the prestige of its brand.
My experience with the 2024 Acura Integra Type S, encompassing several days and hundreds of miles, revealed a desirable blend of features, though its price may pose a hesitation for some. The Integra Type S boasts numerous strengths and weaknesses, which I will outline below.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Advantage: Subtle Yet Powerful Aesthetics of the Acura Integra Type S
Contrasting the Civic Type R’s conspicuous design, which includes prominent rocker panels, a large rear diffuser, and a substantial rear wing, the Integra Type S opts for subtlety. Its discreet enhancements, like flared fenders, exclusive 19-inch wheels, significant brakes, the Type R’s distinctive triple exhaust tips, and a modest body kit, distinguish it from the standard Integra. During a two-day trial, only an enthusiast in a lime green Audi RS3 recognized the Apex Blue Pearl Integra as a Type S, enthusiastically inquiring about it at a traffic stop.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Limitation: Interior Compromises in the Acura Integra Type S
The interior design of the Type S remains consistent with the base model, leading to some compromises. This includes a rear seat with a low base causing an uncomfortable knee-high seating position, and a sloping roofline that reduces headroom. At a height of 5-foot-10, I found my head barely clearing the headliner, with potential discomfort on bumpy roads.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Strength: Enhanced Performance in the Acura Integra Type S
The heart of the Type S is its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a shared feature with the Type R. It produces a robust 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly more than the Honda, due to a tuning adjustment for improved mid-range torque. The powertrain shines, delivering vigorous responses and reaching a 7,000-rpm redline. The 6-speed manual transmission offers quick and satisfying gear shifts, channeling power effectively to the front wheels.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Weakness: Outdated Infotainment System in the Acura Integra Type S
The Integra line, including the Type S, utilizes the Civic’s touchscreen infotainment system, which is more user-friendly than Acura’s touchpad system. However, it appears dated with a mundane interface, occasional slow responses, and unstable Apple CarPlay connectivity, raising concerns about its future relevance.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Merit: Comfort and Control in the Acura Integra Type S
The driving experience of the Integra Type S is exceptional, from its precise steering to supportive seating and a suspension that balances firmness with comfort. The car is enjoyable even on uneven roads, thanks to slightly softer adaptive dampers compared to the Type R and the absence of an overly aggressive race mode. While it is front-wheel drive, the design ensures impressive cornering capabilities.
2024 Acura Integra Type S
Drawback: High Cost of the Acura Integra Type S
Priced at $51,995, including destination charges, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S is significantly more expensive than the Civic Type R, by about $9,000. My test model, with the $600 Apex Blue Pearl paint, was priced at $52,595. Despite its higher cost, the Integra Type S lacks certain basic features like memory settings for the driver’s seat or cooled front seats. The seats, while slightly modified from the standard Integra, do not fully justify the premium price.
The Acura Integra Type S, though potentially overpriced and with front-wheel drive, stands as an ideal mature version of the Civic Type R. It’s exciting at any speed and has a design that doesn’t draw undue attention. The Type S is indeed a Civic Type R for a more discerning audience, but be prepared for its premium cost.
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2024 Acura Integra Type S
Base price: $51,995, including $1,195 destination charge
Price as tested: $52,
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Acura Integra Type S Review
What is the 2024 Acura Integra Type S?
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is a luxury sports car that serves as a more understated and premium version of the Honda Civic Type R. It features a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, producing 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with a design focused on subtlety and comfort.
How does the Acura Integra Type S compare to the Honda Civic Type R?
While sharing the same core engine, the Acura Integra Type S offers a more luxurious and less visually aggressive design than the Honda Civic Type R. It provides a blend of performance and comfort with a focus on a more mature market.
What are the main advantages of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S?
The main advantages include its subtle yet powerful design, the enhanced performance from the Civic Type R’s powertrain, and a balanced combination of comfort and control in driving.
What are the limitations of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S?
The primary limitations include compromised interior space, particularly in the rear seating area, an outdated infotainment system, and a high price point compared to similar models, like the Civic Type R.
Is the 2024 Acura Integra Type S a good choice for a luxury sports car?
The Acura Integra Type S is a good choice for those seeking a luxury sports car with a balance of performance and comfort, though potential buyers should consider the high price and some of the interior limitations.
More about Acura Integra Type S Review
- Acura Official Website
- AutoMotorMart 2023 Awards
- 2024 Honda Civic Type R Review
- Luxury Sports Car Comparisons
- Acura Integra Type S Specifications
- Front-Wheel Drive Sports Cars
7 comments
gotta say, love the understated look of the Integra, not everyone wants a car that screams “look at me”
For that price, I’d expect more than just firmer bolsters on the seats tbh
This Integra sounds great but that infotainment system needs an update ASAP, get with the times Acura
The extra hp over the Civic Type R is cool, but is it worth the extra $$$? Not so sure.
Surprised they haven’t improved the interior space, it’s 2024, come on Acura. And that price tag, sheesh
Nice to see a manual transmission in a sports car these days, they’re a dying breed
wow, didn’t know Acura made such a cool car! kind of pricy though…