[RUNN1N]

It's here!!!

 

[RUNN1N]

I started The Smoking Tire because nothing else was coming up on my Fire TV, but then SavageGeese popped up, and they're reviewing one in Platinum White... so that's where I went. So far, it's right on par with their usual review quality, these guys are good.

 

[A-Spec]

Raiti's Rides

Savagegeese

Motor Authority

Review: 2023 Acura Integra recaptures glory of days past

From Civic Si beginnings, Acura spins a winning reincarnation of its original compact-car classic.

www.motorauthority.com

The ILX disappointed when it arrived 2013 with its pedestrian 150-hp engine, less-than sporty dynamics, and oddball styling. It got a more powerful, albeit naturally aspirated, 201-hp engine and became a better car over the years, but it never captured the sporty character Acura pioneered with the Integra. The reborn Integra is a return to form, with a hatchback design, a satisfyingly sporty feel, and a torquier engine. You’ll see it, too, within the first five minutes of a test drive.

Detroit Free Press

It took less than a block to realize the 2023 Integra is everything it should be. The manual transmission in the loaded A-Spec tech package model I drove is a wonder of engineering: precise and quick with short throws and a tight shift pattern that invites you to slice through the gears accelerating away from a stop. The clutch is light and easy to use, the steering quick, firm and precise.

It’s a fit successor to the first-generation Integra that made Acura the car of choice for enthusiasts on a budget.

The 1.5L engine revs eagerly, delivering plenty of torque from just 1,800 rpm for strong acceleration. The engine’s 200-hp output is nothing special, but the broad torque curve and judicious application to the manual transmission make the Integra a worthy vessel slipping through traffic and on curving backroads

 

[A-Spec]

Motor1

2023 Acura Integra First Drive Review: More Than Just A Name

The 2023 Acura Integra is a dynamic and punchy performance fastback with a turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

www.motor1.com

The interior is properly premium for a vehicle at this price point, as well, although there are still obvious tinges of the Civic remaining. The mesh trim surrounding the A/C vents, the silvery knobs, and the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen are all Honda bits. But the fit, finish, and quality is there, with much of those Civic-y pieces surrounded by upgraded soft-touch plastic and nicer leather. Against a comparable BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the Integra feels like the more premium of the two.

The Integra also boasts a class-besting 37.4 inches of legroom in the second row, and beyond the roofline nearly tickling the top of my noggin, it makes for a genuinely comfy place to sit. And with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo room, the Integra also has more than double that of the next best sedan in the class.

CNET

2023 Acura Integra Is a More Mature Sport Compact

The Integra returns as a smarter and more practical Acura gateway model.

www.cnet.com

A lot of people are bummed that the new Integra doesn't quite capture the spirit of the haloed Type R, but I'll remind you: This is exactly what a base Integra should be. Designed and built to attract new customers, the Integra sports good looks, decent utility, lots of tech and respectable performance -- just like any good gateway vehicle should. And don't worry, Acura will surely push the performance envelope with an Integra Type S based on the new Honda Civic Type R. For now, though, don't write off the standard Integra. It's Acura's best entry-level offering in years.

Autoguide

https://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/acura/2023-acura-integra-first-drive-review-five-alive

Honda and Acura build manual transmissions the way Marvel produces box office hits—they don’t miss. With a short throw and positive feel, the Integra’s six-speed is a joy to use. The clutch pedal has a friendly weight to it, though I found the bite point on this early production model a little vague. Riding a thick wave of torque wasn’t a thing in previous generations, but that little 1.5-liter delivers the goods. You don’t have to row through the gears as much as before, but if you’re the type that went to the effort of ordering a three-pedal setup, you’ll want to anyway. A new rev-match system will execute perfect downshifts for you, too.

Roughly 65 percent of pre-orders have specced the manual, and they should be pleased with it. Total pre-orders account for the first two months’ production, as well.

The four-pot engine feels underrated, especially when the turbo kicks in around 2,000 rpm, a VTEC-like surge for a new generation. With a low curb weight under 3,100 pounds (1406 kilograms), the Integra scoots. It’s not a particularly tuneful engine, though dropping the car into Sport mode does help slightly.

 

[A-Spec]

Kirk Kreifels

Alex on Autos

Kelley Blue Book

Redline Reviews

 

[RUNN1N]

"They took everything good, and tarted it up just a bit." -SavageGeese

 

[VBinNV]

From THE DRIVE'S Victoria Scott--great writing:

Acura didn’t forget what made the Integra name special, or what it takes to make it a worthy step up from the Honda Civic it shares a platform with.

The interior is a welcome departure from the modern-day miserable user experience offered by capacitive-touch-everything (such as the controls found in the competing hot-hatch Volkswagen GTI), and it’s one of the most pleasant cars in its class to be in as a result.

As I blasted through winding corners under the hot Texas sun, I found the similarities I’d hoped for right off the bat. The six-speed transmission is arguably one of the best you can buy at its price point,

despite having all of the torque and power of the Civic Si on tap, it rides vastly more comfortably than one. …Unfortunately, even in manual guise, it still suffers from the same rev-hang issue that plagues the Civic Si

It’s a Civic Si for grown-ups, or at least, for hooligans who need to convince other people that they are one…And even with some of the harsher, more sport-oriented edges of the Honda sanded down in the Integra, the Acura still punches hard in its class precisely because of this maturity.

Just make sure maturing doesn’t mean you give up on three pedals, because it’s how Acura’s newest hot hatch should truly be enjoyed.

 

[A-Spec]

Car and Driver

Tested: 2023 Acura Integra Demonstrates the Peril of High Expectations

The Integra far eclipses the ILX but struggles with the weighty associations of an iconic name.

www.caranddriver.com

This kind of interior is acceptable at the Integra's low starting price of $31,895, but the version you really want—the manual-transmission car that comes only in fully loaded spec—stickers for $36,895. Even though the Integra is far better equipped than the Civic Si, we still find it hard to stomach paying more than $8000 extra given the similarities between the two vehicles. And while the Integra looks like a good deal compared to the aforementioned Audi and Mercedes-Benz entries, Acura also has to watch out for other pseudo-luxury models such as the turbocharged Mazda 3, which offers significantly more power than the Integra and arguably a more upscale experience in terms of design and refinement.

And so we return to the idea of the Integra in context. Viewed on its own, we like the new Integra. It's fun to drive, fuel efficient, practical, and decent to look at. But it's not all that much more compelling than the Civic Si, or even the Sport Touring hatchback, despite costing quite a bit more. And it's not as luxurious as its German rivals. This is also not the Integra that the Acura faithful were hoping for. To satisfy them, Acura is going to have to conjure up a Type S version with more horsepower and grippier rubber. Such are the perils of high expectations.

Motor Trend

2023 Acura Integra First Drive: Retro in the Right Ways

The new Integra isn’t overtly nostalgic, but its values haven’t changed since ’86.

www.motortrend.com

Remarkably, given the Acura's extra content, nicer cabin materials, and hatch, it weighs only 120 or so pounds more than a Civic Si or hatchback, making it impressively light for its size, at between 3,000 and 3,100 pounds. We'd stomach some extra mass for sound attenuation. Like the Hondas, the Integra is loud, especially on grooved concrete or the aggregate-style asphalt used in Texas, where we drove the car. Luckily, Tech package models include an incredible 16-speaker ELS audio system that can not only drown out the road noise but possibly also the very thoughts in your head.

Beyond their hum, the tires squeal in protest from almost the moment you start pushing the car, and every Integra gets these all-season tires. The Civic Si's optional summer tires would be great here, mostly because that model proves this chassis can handle way more rubber. Despite its dulled grip, the Acura accelerates, steers, and brakes just like the Civic Si, one of the best-handling front-drive cars you can buy today.

 

[A-Spec]

From THE DRIVE'S Victoria Scott--great writing:

Acura didn’t forget what made the Integra name special, or what it takes to make it a worthy step up from the Honda Civic it shares a platform with.

The interior is a welcome departure from the modern-day miserable user experience offered by capacitive-touch-everything (such as the controls found in the competing hot-hatch Volkswagen GTI), and it’s one of the most pleasant cars in its class to be in as a result.

As I blasted through winding corners under the hot Texas sun, I found the similarities I’d hoped for right off the bat. The six-speed transmission is arguably one of the best you can buy at its price point,

despite having all of the torque and power of the Civic Si on tap, it rides vastly more comfortably than one. …Unfortunately, even in manual guise, it still suffers from the same rev-hang issue that plagues the Civic Si

It’s a Civic Si for grown-ups, or at least, for hooligans who need to convince other people that they are one…And even with some of the harsher, more sport-oriented edges of the Honda sanded down in the Integra, the Acura still punches hard in its class precisely because of this maturity.

Just make sure maturing doesn’t mean you give up on three pedals, because it’s how Acura’s newest hot hatch should truly be enjoyed.

It's been great to see the reviews praising the manual transmission and the performance of the car. "A Civic Si for grownups" is a good way of putting things.

 

[RUNN1N]

Car and Driver

This kind of interior is acceptable at the Integra's low starting price of $31,895, but the version you really want—the manual-transmission car that comes only in fully loaded spec—stickers for $36,895. Even though the Integra is far better equipped than the Civic Si, we still find it hard to stomach paying more than $8000 extra given the similarities between the two vehicles.

But tack on your local dealership's $5,000 markup on the 2022 Si and useless accessory package... is the Integra A-Spec + Tech at MSRP worth the extra ~$3,000 over the Si? I think you'd have to be crazy to say no.

 

[RUNN1N]

Hey according to Redline Reviews the Integra gets a better horn than the "puny little one" found on the Si!

 

[RUNN1N]

Somebody previously asked about whether the Integra would have shift lights like this year's Canadian Si--the answer is no, BUT! I did notice the tach pulses at redline on a few of the videos, so that's something.

 

[houndrunner]

TheTopher's review, if you need to scratch that POV itch!

 

[RUNN1N]

What'd you think of TheTopher's review, @houndrunner? I'm currently on Sarah-n-Tuned for the first time, and it's pretty fun. So far:

SavageGeese - It's their standard promo event review, so no footage of the car on the lift if that's what you're looking for. I liked this one for their 1-on-1 with Jonathan Rivers at the beginning. They say it lacks the soul of the original Integra, but went on at length about how comfortable it was.

Redline Review - Good as usual--as expected, he brought up the lack of a heated wheel, ventilated seats, and said he actually wished the vents carried all the way across the dash like the Civic. Personally, I think the Civic's continuous vent won't age well.

Kirk Kreifels - I'm looking forward to his live-stream Q&A tonight, his review was basic but good.

Raiti's Ride - This guy is almost completely intolerable. As expected, a 2L of Mountain Dew will fit in the center console, and the seats fold down to accommodate a Costco 50gal. drum of mayonnaise. What's with his "On Throttle!" as he hits the gas? Ugh. Skip it.

Tyson Hugie - I haven't watched much of his content, but he's got a pretty cool collection of Acuras. Surprisingly, he spent more time in his video covering the press event itself rather than the Integra. Bummer. He did mention the ride is surprisingly quiet and comfortable, comparing it to his 2013 ILX. Skip it.

Sarah-N-Tuned - She goes deeper into the mechanicals than anyone else so far, and I appreciated her awkward humor. Interestingly, she had an issue with headroom in the back seat, nobody else has made a big deal about it so far. She actually said Acura should pay consumers to take a CVT.

CNET - It's only 4min., so he didn't get into much. Skip it.

Alex on Autos - He's very comprehensive, and starts by covering how many other automakers share contents from one vehicle to another. He had a rear seat headroom issue, and said he was melting in the back seat without vents but others have mentioned it was 95+ degrees. For anyone wanting an in-depth review on the CVT model, these guys do the best job covering it. He'd buy the A3 over the Integra, but said the A3 was overpriced. He'd buy the Integra over the BMW 2-Series. He'd buy the Integra over the CLA250, but that's $9,000 more. He'd buy the Integra over the Mercedes UX, due largely to the interior and lack of functionality, but noted it's much more efficient.

So far, I haven't seen anyone knock the seat materials--in fact, there's been plenty of praise for the internal materials. There's pleasantly little piano black inside, but they put it in one of the highest traffic areas. The performance seems to be understated, like the Si, and it seems like the adaptive dampers make for a quieter and more comfortable ride, but not one mention of the MSRP vs the Civic with markup. C'mon!

Most are worth the watch, and I'm even more excited for mine to arrive!

 

[houndrunner]

Between driving to pick up my GX from the shop (an hour drive away) and getting home in time for the embargo lift, today hasn't been the most productive workday. 😅 I watched and read a handful of things, but had to stop.

Loved TheTopher's review as it seemed to be applicable to real-world driving. He seems to be enthusiastic about most cars from what I've seen, but he's fair! I have been paying closer attention to other reviewers like him who have also spent time in the Civic Si (and in TheTopher's case, the Accord Sport 2.0T 6MT, which is what got me considering that car in the first place). Zack Klapman's review was a bit harsher than expected, but I believe he has more track/performance driving experience than some reviewers, and certainly more than a normie like me. Perhaps I'll find it perfectly zippy! (Though I do drive with a heavy foot, per my wife.) I will check all of these (well, most of these) out later on though as I can. Curious about Sarah-N-Tuned's review, thanks for the heads up on that!

But of the handful of things I've checked out so far, reviews seem good if a little tempered, which is both a little surprising and completely unsurprising. (It's not the Integra we remember, it's not a coupe with a high-revving NA engine, 1.5L is underpowered, rev hang, wait for the Type S, etc. etc. etc.) Gearbox and stereo get high marks across the board though, which is fantastic!

I want to like the car though and I have a horse in the race, so I'm biased towards reviews that appreciate the car for what it is. I did notice that tach flashing "please shift now" graphic which is pretty neat, and although the Civic Si honking kazoo engine sound is there in Sport mode, it does seem slightly less prominent versus the Si. In the end, I'm excited to try these things out for myself.

For better or worse, I don't think any reviewer is going to lean hard into the MSRP vs dealer markup issue. Even though that's the reality that a lot of us are facing (Civics are marked up and seem harder to get without an ADM; comparable Integras will hopefully be obtained at MSRP, etc.), I don't think many reviewers are going to speak to that. Easier to just point out the MSRP gap and put an "iS iT wOrTh ThE pRiCe?" thumbnail on your video or whatever. (On the other hand, because Acura is taking aim at ze Germans, and that's a talking point for reviewers as well, the price point is repeatedly brought up favorably compared to those three entry-level luxury competitors.)

 

[A-Spec]

One more review to add to the list.

 

[RUNN1N]

For better or worse, I don't think any reviewer is going to lean hard into the MSRP vs dealer markup issue. Even though that's the reality that a lot of us are facing (Civics are marked up and seem harder to get without an ADM; comparable Integras will hopefully be obtained at MSRP, etc.), I don't think many reviewers are going to speak to that. Easier to just point out the MSRP gap and put an "iS iT wOrTh ThE pRiCe?" thumbnail on your video or whatever. (On the other hand, because Acura is taking aim at ze Germans, and that's a talking point for reviewers as well, the price point is repeatedly brought up favorably compared to those three entry-level luxury competitors.)

It's really interesting that Acura's managed to put the Integra into a compelling little price gap--whether you want CVT or 6MT, the A-Spec+Tech has more features than you're going to find in the "stripper model"/base of its BMW, Audi, or Mercedes competitors, with a savings of $8,000+. I think Acura's interior outdoes VW, even if VW packs in more performance at a pretty close price--all of the touchscreen stuff is a real turnoff for me. I admit I don't know much about the Mazda3 Turbo, but SavageGeese were the only one to throw it in as a competitor.

In general, I'm not surprised to see folks hesitate to compare it to anything but the Civic. It's got the same guts, and the price difference is eye-catching... but seems worth it. I'm excited to check out the ELS Audio.

Also TheTopher was by far the best overall driving review, it's a shame I wasted my time with some of the others first.

 

[Leehro]

Raiti's Ride - This guy is almost completely intolerable. As expected, a 2L of Mountain Dew will fit in the center console, and the seats fold down to accommodate a Costco 50gal. drum of mayonnaise. What's with his "On Throttle!" as he hits the gas? Ugh. Skip it.

He’s also careless and gets a lot of details wrong. Said the 0-60 time was 6 seconds flat, when nobody else got below 7.

 

[houndrunner]

Road & Track review:

The 2023 Acura Integra Has That Old Honda Magic

There are more exciting cars on sale, but this one recaptures the joyful energy that modern Acuras have been missing.

www.roadandtrack.com