Model tested: 2024 Acura Integra Type S
Engine: 2-liter turbocharged I-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 320
Torque: 310 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 21/city, 28/highway, 24/combined
Base price: $50,800
As tested: $52,595
Overview: The new-for-2024 Acura Integra Type S is a compact luxury sport sedan that shares much with the more raucous Honda Civic Type R. But it’s notably more sophisticated, comfortable and luxurious — in other words, a sensible adult-style, high-performance sedan that doubles as a great daily driver, commuter and small-family vehicle. The all-out nature of the Civic Type R has been slightly muted without diminishing the joy of driving. The end result is a fantastic sport sedan.
Walkaround: The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is handsomely styled and looks extra sharp when cloaked in the optional Apex Blue Pearl paint. Body enhancements are just enough to make the car stand out without being cartoonish. The look is athletic, not brash. The Integra Type S is tastefully distinctive. This four-door sedan has the added practicality of being a versatile hatchback.
Interior: The interior theme is sporty luxury. The front seats are very supportive and great on long trips. The side bolsters are deep enough for aggressive country roads but not so deep as to challenge access by non-gymnasts. The textured and contoured leather steering wheel has a fine tilt and telescopic range with good auxiliary controls. Interior storage in our test vehicle was fair although the small glovebox didn’t lock. Compared to the stretch-out front legroom, rear seat space was snug and the floor hump quite high. Oddly, the rear seat upholstery wasn’t the same as the front seats. Cargo space was great under the rear hatchback although the lift-over height was considerable. There was extra space under the cargo deck.
Behind the wheel: The driving experience was great, thanks to the supersmooth six-speed manual transmission (standard), powerful turbocharged engine and taut suspension. The ride was a little firm but not annoyingly so. Afterall, this is a sport sedan, so buyers shouldn’t expect parade-float softness. Long-winding Olympic Peninsula backroads are where the Integra Type S shined but the ride was also very city-traffic friendly. The Acura Integra Type S is exclusively available with a superb six-speed and excellent clutch that make on-ramps and lane changes fast, fun and easy.
Bottom line: The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is what a luxury sport sedan should be. It’s great fun to drive, handsome to look at, very comfortable for front seat occupants, reasonable on fuel economy (our best was 28 mpg), and loaded with legendary Honda and Acura engineering, technology and safety features. And did we mention — fun to drive.
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