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Deanne with the 2024 Acura Integra at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience outside of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. What a great new sedan the Integra proved to be.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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Inside the 2024 Acura Integra Type S.

Courtesy photo

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The 2024 Acura Integra Type S.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the 2024 Acura Integra Type S.

Courtesy photo

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The 2024 Acura Integra Type S.

Courtesy photo

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Over many years, the sport compact segment has seen its fair share of legendary nameplates, and among them, the Acura Integra holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. This could be a phenomenon brought about by the “Fast & Furious” franchise, perhaps. But for whatever reason, these are very popular street racing cars!

Introduced in the late 1980s, the Integra was a symbol of precision engineering and exhilarating performance among many in the “Furious” world. However, after a hiatus of over a decade, Acura has chosen to revive this iconic nameplate with the 2024 Acura Integra Type S. This reincarnation has brought with it the promise of blending the timeless sportiness and power of the original with modern technology and sophistication.

Design: Modern elegance with sporty undertones

As with any sports car, first impressions matter, and the 2024 Acura Integra Type S did not disappoint us. It struck a balance between modern timeliness with very sporty and aggressive undertones. These, in our opinion, would make it an appealing choice for both enthusiasts and those looking for a daily driver with an extremely engaging amount of excitement.

Exterior

The design of the new Integra immediately brought back our memories of the original — having been around in the late ’80s to enjoy it — but with a contemporary twist. At the front, the signature Acura grille takes center stage, flanked by sharp LED headlights that feature a distinctive six-element design. These headlights not only looked stunning but also provided excellent visibility at night.

Down the sides, we noticed the sleek profile and pronounced character lines that gave the car an athletic stance. The short overhangs, combined with 19-inch alloy wheels, emphasized the vehicle’s performance-oriented nature.

Interior

Inside, the 2024 Integra Type S welcomed us with a driver-focused cockpit that exuded sophistication. The materials used throughout the cabin were of high quality, and the finishes were top of the line. Acura has tastefully combined leather and suede upholstery with aluminum and carbon-fiber accents, creating a premium yet sporty interior feel.

The front seats offered excellent support and comfort, ensuring that we were held firmly in place no matter what kind of driving we were currently engaged in. The driver’s seat is power adjustable and allowed us to find the perfect driving position easily. Rear seat space proved to be decent for a compact car, making it suitable for short trips with passengers.

Engine

The heart of any sport compact is its engine, and the 2023 Acura Integra Type S boasted a power plant that truly honored the Type S heritage.

Under the hood, we found a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivers an impressive 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic. The six-speed manual is a delight for purists, with crisp and precise shifts, which we found to be entirely engaging every time we got into the driver’s seat.

The engine’s turbocharger provided a healthy dose of low-end torque, making the Integra Type S feel responsive to every driving situation. It was eager to accelerate, and the power delivery remained strong as we climbed through the RPM range. The exhaust note, though not overly aggressive, adds to the driving experience with a subtle sporty tone, especially in the Sport+ driving mode.

Handling and chassis

What truly set the 2024 Integra Type S apart was its exceptional handling. Acura has fitted this compact sports car with a well-tuned suspension that struck an excellent balance between ride comfort and razor-sharp handling. It felt planted and composed through corners, with minimal body roll. The steering was very precise and provided excellent feedback, allowing us to confidently carve through many twists and turns.

Front-wheel drive might raise questions about torque steer, but Acura’s engineering team has done an admirable job of mitigating this issue. Even under hard acceleration, torque steer is minimal, and the car stayed remarkably composed.

The Integra Type S comes equipped with adaptive dampers, which allow switching between different driving modes, from a comfortable daily driver to a more spirited sports car at the push of a button.

Brakes

Braking performance matched the car’s sporty character, with strong and progressive brakes that provided ample stopping power. The pedal feel was excellent, allowing us to modulate the brakes precisely in any situation.

Technology: Acura’s cutting-edge features

Acura has packed the 2023 Integra Type S with a wide range of cutting-edge technology features that enhanced both the driving experience and, of course, everyday convenience.

The centerpiece of the tech-savvy interior was the 9-inch infotainment display that was perched atop the center stack. We found its use to be very intuitive, with a responsive touch screen and logical menu layouts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, seamlessly integrating our smartphones with the infotainment system.

Our test ride came with the ELS Studio premium audio system, which delivered exceptional sound quality and was perfect for enjoying all of our music and podcasts for the week.

The Integra Type S is equipped with Acura’s suite of driver assistance features, known as AcuraWatch. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation and traffic sign recognition. These features worked together to enhance safety and driver confidence, making daily commuting and long highway journeys far more relaxed.

Interior comfort and practicality: A sports car for daily life

One of the remarkable aspects of the 2024 Acura Integra Type S is its ability to serve as a practical daily driver. The interior offered ample storage space, including a roomy center console and door pockets. The trunk, although not cavernous, provided sufficient cargo capacity for our everyday needs. Folding down the rear seats expanded the cargo area, allowing us to carry larger items if needed.

The ride quality was surprisingly comfortable for a sport compact. Even on rough roads, the suspension absorbed bumps well, making it more than suitable for our daily commuting. Road and wind noise were well-controlled, creating a serene cabin environment.

Conclusion: A triumph in sport compact revival

In resurrecting the Integra nameplate, Acura has not only rekindled the spirit of an iconic sports car but also has successfully blended it with modern technology and comfort. The 2024 Acura Integra Type S offered us a thrilling driving experience without compromising on everyday usability.

Base price: $50,800

Destination charge: $1,195

Price as driven: $52,595

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