Photo: Acura
Acura today unveiled the all-new 2023 Integra, which revives a popular name from the company’s past and will try to win over today’s young drivers.
Designed as a five-door liftback, this modern Integra signals the end for the ILX sedan. It will be sold from about $35,000 (exact price TBD). Reservations open today and the first units coming from the Marysville, Ohio assembly plant will arrive in Canadian dealerships this spring.
“The original Integra captivated an entire generation of driving enthusiasts through the excitement it brought them behind the wheel. This new iteration of our iconic nameplate will do the same, welcoming a new generation of Acura driving enthusiasts for years to come,” said James Marchand, Assistant Vice President at Acura Canada.
Photo: Acura
Same Engine as the Civic Si
The 2023 Acura Integra is exactly like the five-door Civic Si Honda won’t build. The engine is the same turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque from 1,800-5,000 rpm. Many fans and auto writers were naturally hoping for more, but maybe a future Integra Type S will fix that.
By the way, power is sent to the front wheels only. The rumoured AWD system, as previously reported, was not meant to be.
Another disappointment is the standard continuously variable transmission, even though it features Step-Shift functionality with paddle shifters simulating gear changes. A close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission is available (complete with a limited-slip differential), but only in A-Spec trim.
Photo: Acura
Three Drive Modes
Acura promises “precise, sporty handling and a comfortable ride” thanks to an ultra-rigid body structure, smartly tuned, fully independent suspension (with available adaptive damping) and variable-ratio electric power steering.
Integra drivers can choose between three distinct drive modes—Comfort, Normal and Sport—for the throttle response, automatic transmission mapping, steering feel and gauge coloration. A-Spec models with Elite Package offer adjustments for in-cabin sound plus an “Individual” mode which makes it possible to customize the car’s various settings.
As for safety, the 2023 Integra comes with the AcuraWatch suite of active safety and driver assistance technologies, as well as segment-first front airbags that are specially designed to reduce the risk of traumatic brain and neck injuries.
Photo: Acura
A-Spec is More Attractive
The new Integra is awfully similar to the prototype we saw last fall. A lot has been said and written about the design since then, so let’s just say that the LED headlights and chicane-style LED daytime running lights are both standard along with dual exhaust tips, a power sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The sportier-looking Integra A-Spec stands out with 18-inch wheels on performance all-season tires, gloss black accents all around and a rear spoiler.
Photo: Acura
Honda Interior
Unsurprisingly, the interior of the 2023 Integra is nothing like other Acura products and almost a carbon copy of the Civic Si’s—from the steering wheel to the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster to the centre touchscreen (7 or 9 inches). The dashboard is a bit different as the climate control vents reflect the diamond mesh pattern of the grille, highlighted by piano-black trim.
Synthetic leather seats with eight-way power adjustments for the driver and a 60/40-split folding rear seat come standard. The A-Spec with Elite Package adds micro suede inserts up front, not to mention stainless steel pedals, red gauge needles and contrast stitching on thesteering wheel, seats, shifter and shift boot.
Photo: Acura
Available high-tech features include a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, Amazon Alexa Built-In and 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D audio system.
The Car Guide will have the opportunity to do a first test drive of the 2023 Acura Integra sometime in the next few weeks, so don’t miss our review!
Keyword: 2023 Acura Integra is Exactly Like a Five-Door Honda Civic Si