2024 Acura Integra Type S – review, drive

• Auto123 tests the 2024 Acura Integra Type S.

We were excited when the Acura Integra showed up in 2022 for the 2023 model year – the Integra name – whether under the Acura or Honda banner – has legions of fans who have been loving the model for what it was: fast, and a little cheaper. a coupe that can be easily converted. There were four-door versions, but the high-performance Type R variant was only offered as a coupe.

Many mourned his removal – not just once, but twice. The Integra disappeared from the North American market in 2001. Its replacement, the RSX (which retained the Integra name in other markets), died after 2006.

This year, a year after the Integra was reborn, Acura is bringing a performance version of the S Type to the lineup.

Acura S 2024 technical sheet

Brand new 2024 Acura Integra S | Photo: D. Heyman

Design de l’Acura Integra Type S 2024 – 8,5/10

In person, this Type S looks wider, more aggressive, more assertive than in the photos. The hammers are stunning, as is the blacked-out grille, behind which sits the 2.0-liter turbo-charged 4-cylinder, with red carbon valve covers. What makes the difference, and which is best seen in natural light, are the headlights and the low stance of the car. Especially when looking at the car from the front. This compact looks angry. It reminds the world that Acura also makes cars, even if its bread and butter is selling SUVs (RDX, MDX).

Acura Integra Type S 2024 in profile | Photo: D. Heyman

Its styling also betrays the driving experience that awaits us. A simple glance might make us confuse it with the A-Spec model at the bottom of the range; there is much more to it than that. The S-Type is a very different beast and one of the biggest surprises of the year in the world of performance cars.

In addition, Acura has retained the Integra logos placed on the front and rear bumpers, as well as the red valve covers, two classic nods to the old Integras.

Interior of 2024 Acura Integra Type S | Photo: D. Heyman

2024 Acura Integra Type S Interior – 8/10

Sliding inside, you notice red leather on many surfaces, from the seats (black and red in the front, red in the back), to the dashboard in front of the front passenger, including the armrest and interior door accents. Some might say it’s a little, but it’s reminiscent of the Integra Type R from the mid-1990s, a cult model if there ever was one.

It would be nice if Acura offered other options. Of course, there are choices, including the option of anthracite, but only if you choose any exterior color other than white. For the white version, you will have a red interior. As to why only the front seats have black accents, no one knows.

As for the interior, although the Type S and Honda Civic Type R share a lot of equipment (including the multimedia system and several switches) and are similar in size, the Honda’s hatchback profile offers more room for rear occupants.

2024 Acura Integra Type S Rear Seats | Photo: D. Heyman

The Integra can only seat two people in the back, as the middle seat has two cup holders, just like the grand tourer. A folded armrest with integrated cup holders, as seen in almost every other car in the segment, would have been a better solution.

Up front, clearance is good for the driver. The gear knob and center console are within easy reach, while the steering wheel is the perfect size and just thick enough to make it easy to grip.

The view of the instrument cluster is not restricted by the end, but a bold design would be welcome. Or better yet, why not ditch the digital display altogether and give us back the technical hands? But hey, in this day and age, that seems rarer than the availability of a manual gearbox.

2024 Acura Integra Type S multimedia screen | Photo: D. Heyman

Technology in the 2024 Acura Integra Type S – 8/10

The Type S variant comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless), as well as wireless charging. The CarPlay app worked without a problem during our test. The same cannot be said for wireless charging. The device, it seems, must be fully set for induction to work. This is more of an Acura problem than an Integra problem, as we have experienced this before with other Acura models.

The multimedia screen, meanwhile, measures nine inches, the largest of the two offered by the Integra.

2024 Acura Integra Type S Exterior Design | Photo: D. Heyman

Driving 2024 Acura Integra Type S – 9/10

This S-Type has a manual transmission (no option for an automatic) and is a real gem. This six-speed gearbox has such well-defined positions that it takes effort to miss a gear, even when weaving your way through a winding road. Travel is also great, as is traveling with a clutch. The only problem is that the red stitching on the knife is very pronounced, which ends up causing discomfort after frequent gear changes. If you have it for driving, wear it.

The gearbox also has a rev matching feature
to tone it down, if you don’t consider yourself a heel toe expert. Unfortunately, to turn it on or off, you have to go through several menus; Who wants to do that on a winding road? It would be better to include one button for this function.

2024 Acura Integra S Type Engine | Photo: D. Heyman

Power train
Power is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (all other models are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder) that develops 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Before you ask, that’s the same as what the Civic Type R does (the Integra makes five more horsepower). Power is sent to the front wheels via a helical limited-slip differential, meaning that when you accelerate out of corners, slip is reduced and you enjoy increased traction when you hit a bump.

It’s important that the Type S has this feature, like the extended track, front and rear, because it’s the kind of car that needs us to be pushed around corners. Of course, the chassis is less rigid than that of the Civic Type R, but this helps reduce body roll and provides more grip for the tires.

Acura Integra Type S 2024, badge | Photo: D. Heyman

All this would be in vain if the management did not fulfill that responsibility. This steering rack is almost telepathic in the way that it responds instantly to the driver’s input. It is as if there is no column between the steering wheel and the front axle. Weight is fine, there’s more road feel than you’d expect. It takes very little effort to guide the Integra heartily through corners.

The suspension is a little softer, which makes everyday life more friendly.

The 2024 Acura Integra S-Type is available only with a manual transmission

2024 Acura Integra S Type Available only with manual transmission | Photo: D. Heyman

Some of your questions about the 2024 Acura Integra Type S

How many wheel options does the Integra Type S offer?
The only size you can get is 19 inches, but you can choose them in bronze instead of black.

Will the Type S come with an automatic gearbox?
For now, if you want an Integra with an automatic transmission, you should go with the A-Spec model. There are currently no plans to offer the S Type with an automatic transmission.

The last word
The Integra Type S has great responsibilities. It champions the Acura sedan role, while still offering some of the highlights of the Integra Type R of yesteryear and the Civic Type R of today. It’s a challenge that Acura has tackled in different colors. The company delivered, in my opinion, what could be the best performance of the year.

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