If you grew up in the era when the Acura Integra reigned supreme, you’re excited.
Ask any 90’s kid they’ll tell you that those were the best years of their lives. More than a few people you know have a good memory of the Acura Integra. Specifically, the Type R was the one I remember being flashed in front of New York City’s hottest clubs by 20-somethings hoping to impress a girl. It was the luxury sports car a 20-year-old kid could actually afford – well, maybe with the help of their parents.
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This iconic entry-level luxury coupe and sedan helped Acura take the stage as a leading performance vehicle manufacturer back in the 1980’s and 1990’s. In fact, this reputation helped influence my decision to become part of the Acura family by purchasing my Acura RDX.
Fast forward 20-something years since its departure, and rejoice in the relaunch of the Integra. The 2023 Acura Integra comes in with a modern look, luxury feel, Acura’s performance legacy, and new technology. And pricing will start at about $30,000 for the base model.
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An Optional Manual Transmission Will be Available on the 2023 Acura Integra
The new Acura Integra will be powered by a standard CVT transmission, turbocharged 1.5-liter engine offering 200hp and 192 pound-feet of torque. And, it will be available with a six-speed manual transmission, which many performance enthusiasts prefer due to the sense of control it provides. The engine is the same that Honda uses in the Honda Civic Si, and it delivers a fun, sporty drive experience, so that’s what we expect here.
If what attracts you to a sports vehicle is the purr, you’ll love the new coil-type exhaust system, which Acura promises will enhance the driver’s experience making it more fun and engaging. Additionally, automatic transmission models will have steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for standard for added driver control.
Related: The Redesigned 2022 Honda Civic, in the Civic Si Edition: a Stick Shift With No Compromises
It’s a Looker, For Sure!
The Integra is currently the only 5-door liftback in the premium sport compact segment, and it looks amazing. The coupe-like roofline provides a sleek look. I love the oversized Diamond Pentagon mesh grille, and the modern, angled LED headlights. These two elements evoke speed and motion, even if just in the photos. This is the quintessential Acura design language that attracted me to the brand.
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The liftback body style is a welcomed feature, as it provides extended cargo flexibility for people like me who need the extra cargo space for kids’ things and groceries. You can have an awesome-looking sports car that is practical and functional.
The synthetic leather body-stabilizing, heated front seats look luxurious and comfortable for short trips or cruising the roads for a quick getaway. The 8-way power adjusted seats are standard for the driver, and is available in three colors: Ebony, Red, or Orchid. A red interior is a requirement for a sports car. Do you agree?
You’ll Love The High-Level Standard Features
One thing I love about the Acura brand is their emphasis on affordable luxury. They offer class-leading technology to drivers without breaking the bank. The new Integra sporty luxury sedan includes:
- 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit digital gauge cluster display
- Smartphone integration
- 8-speaker premium audio system and USB-C charging
- 7-inch digital touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Standard premium audio is provided via 8-speakers
Safety is Paramount
When it comes to being on the road, a vehicle’s safety is paramount. The Acura Integra’s standard AcuraWatch suite of driver-assisted and safety technologies features an all-new, single-camera system with a wide field of view and long-range. The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) when combined with the camera system, the Integra can distinguish between vehicles, pedestrians, and even bicycles. Other safety features you’ll be happy about are
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Traffic Jam Assist (Automatic transmission only)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Blindspot information system with Rear Cross-Traffic Monitoring
You can upgrade to the Integra A-Spec with Technology Package includes front and rear parking sensors and Low-Speed Braking Control.
Who is this sporty hatchback luxury sedan for?
Acura’s core buyers for the new Integra are young drivers in their 20s and early 30s, but they also hope to appeal to older customers who grew up with the OG Integra. However, hardcore Acura Integra fanatics may pass on the remake because it’s lacking some high-performance variants like the beloved Integra GSR and Type R of the past. While they may be waiting on what’s next with this remake, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel right away to see how much fun it is to drive.
How Much Will It Cost?
Targeted to younger buyers, Acura priced the 2023 Integra at around $30,000. This is for the base model. Interested buyers can begin reserving their Integra now for Spring delivery. Additionally, Acura is stepping into the non-fungible token (NFT) market by making a unique offer to the first 500 customers who can earn a limited edition Acura Integra NFT. Following the release of the Integra NFT, Acura will open a digital showroom in the metaverse on March 22, called Acura of Decentraland, where fans can immerse themselves into a virtual world of the new Integra.
Learn more about the new 2023 Acura Integra here: https://www.acura.com/future-vehicles/integra
