The Integra Type S is one of the most exciting cars on the market right now. It delivers a thrilling driving experience thanks to its smooth manual transmission, sharp steering, and adaptive suspension that can switch between comfort and sportier settings depending on your drive.
Beyond its performance, the Integra Type S stands out with its bold design. The wide fenders, red brake callipers, and aggressive styling turns heads whether you’re driving through the city or on the open road.
A great car is about more than just straight-line speed, and the Integra Type S captures that perfectly with its bold fenders and aggressive styling. This JDM hot hatch is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 with VTEC, delivering 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While that number might not sound great, it’s just right for its front-wheel-drive setup. That said, launching all that power can be tricky—traction is limited in first gear as the front wheels struggle to grip. But once you get moving, it feels impressively quick. On a chilly test day with less-than-ideal traction from performance tires, we hit 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Other testers have seen even faster times, consistently in the low 5-second range. It’s not the quickest, but it’s quick enough to make driving through winding roads an absolute joy.
The real star of the Integra Type S is its 6-speed manual transmission. This gearbox is a joy to use, with a short, precise throw that makes you feel connected to the car in a way some German rivals just don’t. The rev-match control adds an extra layer of fun, automatically smoothing out your downshifts and making you feel like a driving pro. For seasoned enthusiasts, there’s the option to turn it off, but leaving it on delivers a perfect blend of smoothness and thrill.
Handling is another area where this car truly shines. The steering is sharp and responsive, and its lightweight design makes cornering incredibly engaging. With 320 horsepower on tap, the Integra Type S brings just the right amount of speed to make twisty roads an absolute blast, delivering a balance of performance and fun that’s hard to beat.
Acura also nails it with the drive modes, or “dynamic modes.” Unlike some Japanese cars where the differences feel subtle, the Integra Type S offers genuinely distinct settings. Switching between modes changes the steering, throttle response, and adaptive dampers, letting you go from a laid-back cruise to a spirited, performance-focused drive.
In Sport+ mode, the experience becomes even more thrilling. The active exhaust comes alive, giving off satisfying pops and bangs during downshifts or when you let the revs drop. It’s a small but exciting touch that amplifies the joy of driving this car.
The Integra Type S comes straight from the factory equipped with Michelin Pilot 4S tires, a choice that prioritizes performance. While these tires can add a bit of road noise and make the ride feel firmer, their exceptional grip more than makes up for it, elevating the driving experience.
Braking performance is just as important as acceleration in a car like this, and the Integra Type S doesn’t disappoint. The front Brembo 4-piston red callipers aren’t just there for show—they provide great stopping power and help prevent disc warping under hard braking. Whether you’re pushing the car on a track or enjoying spirited drives, this braking setup ensures confidence and control.
The interior of the Integra Type S takes cues from the Civic, with a few tweaks to give it a more premium touch. Instead of the Civic’s honeycomb mesh dashboard design, the Integra goes for a cleaner look, complemented by red leather padding that stretches from the dash to the center console. It also offers two exclusive interior colour schemes that you won’t find in the Civic or Civic Si.
That said, the similarities between the two interiors are hard to ignore. While the Civic’s cabin design is excellent for its class, the Integra’s higher price tag raises expectations for more distinction. Acura could have done more to make the Integra’s interior feel unique.
On the plus side, the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Both front and back seats provide plenty of room for adults, although the rear seating is limited to two passengers due to integrated cup holders in the center, making it a true 4-seater. The seats are a stylish blend of red leatherette and black ultrasuede, combining sportiness with comfort. The driver’s seat also features 12-way power adjustability, allowing for an easily customized seating position.
One drawback is the noticeable road noise at higher speeds. This isn’t just from the turbocharged inline-4 engine but also from the high-performance Michelin tires. A bit more sound insulation could have improved the cabin’s refinement, making it a quieter and more comfortable ride overall.
The Integra Type S brings solid tech to the table, enhancing everyday driving with convenience and connectivity. The 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, placed high on the dash for easy visibility, is quick to respond and includes physical buttons—a practical feature carried over from the Honda Civic. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging, making it easy to enjoy a cable-free experience.
On the driver-focused side, the Integra Type S features a customizable 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a heads-up display, ensuring key information like speed and navigation is always in clear view.
While the pops and bangs in Sport+ mode are a treat for enthusiasts, the Integra doesn’t forget about in-car entertainment. It comes equipped with Acura’s impressive ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality when you want to crank up your favourite playlist.
When it comes to storage, the Integra Type S stands out as a practical choice for everyday use. The trunk provides a generous 688L of cargo space, making it one of the roomiest options in its class and highlighting the versatility of its hatchback design. Inside, the Civic-inspired layout shines with well-organized small-item storage, adding to the car’s functionality and making it a convenient companion for daily errands or weekend getaways.
