Safety and Tech Features
The 2024 Integra features AcuraWatch, a suite of driver-assist technologies. These include a collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, a lane keeping assist system, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. You’ll also find traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and a driver attention monitor.
Among tech features, the Type S has a 5.3-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D Premium audio system. It is worth nothing that the Civic Type R doesn’t have a head-up display. Also, the hotted-up Civic has a 12-speaker Bose audio system with a subwoofer. The sound differences are likely negligible to the average driver, but perhaps not so for audiophiles.
Weight on the Front Wheels
You won’t find anything near a perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution with the Integra. At best, that distribution is 61 percent over the front wheels and 39 percent over the rear wheels. Thus, as a front driver, it has a propensity for torque steer.
Acura, though, mitigates much of that through its a dual-axis front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension system. Add in an adaptive damping system and the Type S seems much more poised than it probably should.
Driving Experience
Despite the undeniable fact that the Acura Integra Type S is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, its weight distribution is not entirely negated by the available technology. However, the Type S still offers an enjoyable driving experience, and its 3200-pound curb weight is quite manageable.
What makes the Type S especially enticing is its manual gearbox. We found it very easy to shift with excellent clutch uptake to match. In other words, shifting is almost an afterthought as the movement between gears is smooth like butter. Yes, this may sound trite, but it describes precisely how well engineered this setup is.
Upon activating the ignition switch, the engine gently purrs to life. Pushing the accelerator prompts the exhaust to emit a deep growl. While it might not rival the roar of high-performance V8s, it’s still a satisfying sound.
Gear-Shifting Delight
Shift into gear and you’re ready to learn what the Type S can do. Happily, those lessons come quickly and last long, with driving pleasure at the forefront of the experience. Let’s just say you’ll likely remain in third gear as you hit highway speed, allowing the engine to rev high before shifting upward.
The true measure of this hot hatch’s capability lies on winding roads. Fortunately, our region boasts several of these secluded stretches. The Type S navigates each bend effortlessly, maintaining its poise even with a bit of body roll. The addition of a limited-slip differential is beneficial, and the integrated driving technology efficiently handles the vehicle’s dynamics.
As mentioned, moving between gears is effortless. Downshifting is met with rev matching, which is a technique used in manual vehicles where the engine speed is adjusted to match the speed of the gearbox. This leads to smoother shifts, improved vehicle balance, and reduced wear. It’s primarily used during downshifting, as the engine speed needs to increase to align with the speed of a lower gear.
Performance Tires and Brakes
Acura outfits the Type S with 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires surrounding 13.8-inch, four-piston Brembo front brakes. The Brembos are firm to the touch and bring this vehicle to a stop with no fade detected.
The Type S effortlessly completed its course, leaving the driver delighted. Its standout features include accurate steering, balanced handling, and a sharp turning capability. When behind the wheel, drivers can choose from default, sport, sport+, and individual modes. The sport and sport+ modes notably enhance steering heft, elevate engine response, and in the case of sport+, modify the damping. While these modes may compromise a bit on comfort, the enhanced driving dynamics make it a worthy trade-off.
Competitive Position
Competition is thin in this segment, especially as manufacturers ditch performance models and invest in electric vehicles. From mainstream manufacturers, the segment includes the Subaru WRX STI, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf R. Both come with all-wheel drive, although only the Subaru supplies a manual. On the other hand, VW delivers a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission.
Because Acura is a premium brand, certain European models are also in its crosshairs. These are the Audi S3, BMW M235i Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. This trio though come with standard all-wheel drive. However, none offer a manual gearbox.
Our Recommendation
Our review centers on the Type S, and that’s the model under scrutiny. Is the $7,105 additional cost compared to the Honda Civic Type R justified? Likely for those loyal to the Acura brand and those who appreciate the design, sophistication, and advanced features of the Type S. No matter which variant you choose, this car is a refreshing entry in today’s market, especially as the move towards electrification has made manual transmissions increasingly rare.
