Drive Notes: 2024 Acura Integra Type S

The Type S certainly packs a punch, wringing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque out of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. You can have any transmission you like as a long as it's a six-speed manual.

Speed rarely comes cheap, and this test car started at $50,800. An optional carbon-fiber spoiler added $950 and 19-inch copper wheels cost $2,186.

Standard features included Brembo front brakes, a head-up display, ELS audio, an adaptive damper system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires. The total price with D and D rang the register at $55,971

Enough setup, let's get on with the pros and cons.

Pros

• Honda/Acura has really dialed in the handling here -- it's smooth yet sharp. The "scalpel" cliché comes to mind. It didn't turn in early like the Mustang I tested just prior nor was it quite as nervous.
• Sport mode is the default here, and it's fine for 80 percent of public-road enthusiastic driving. Sport+ will cover you for the most challenging roads or an autocross. Flick the switch and you can feel the adjustment.
• Even in Sport mode, there's not much sacrifice in terms of ride harshness, though it is a tad stiff. Same with steering effort. Sport mode will be fine for most commuting unless you have a sensitive back or every road you traverse is in terrible shape. That said, comfort mode works well for longer freeway rides.
• Whatever drive mode you pick, it doesn't reset after a key cycle. I like setting it and forgetting it.
• The shifter is a joy to row.
• Whether this is a pro or con depends on your perspective, but this engine is rev-happy and you really need to get the revs soaring to feel its full potential.
• Fuel economy isn't great, but it's not miserable, either. Drive it gently and you should get enough MPGs to avoid busting your budget too badly.
• The rear hatch swallows groceries with ease.\
• The brakes are stout.
• Save for the trio of large exhaust outlets and the probably not necessary optional carbon-fiber spoiler, there's little of the "boy racer" styling of the Civic Type R. This car blends better -- though one person did give me the thumbs up as I loaded the hatch with provisions procured at my local grocery store.
• Though this is a hatchback, it feels like a sedan with a trunk.
• This car really does strike a nice balance between sport and comfort. When you're commuting at a leisurely pace, you get the entry-luxury feel (for the most part, see below). Get a wild hair, though, and you'll have a blast pushing the pace.

Cons

• There was a blank switch for seat memory on the driver's door. Beyond the tacky look, it's also a bummer this car doesn't have that at this price.
• A few materials were more "Honda" than "Acura".
• I don't love the current Honda/Acura infotainment system. It's not hard to use, which is nice, but it does require a bit too much menu-hopping.
• The clutch was a little abrupt in terms of takeup, though it is heavy, which I prefer. Featherweight light-switch clutches make stop and go traffic tricky.
• I can't think of a reason why Acura has two cupholders in the middle of the rear seat. This takes away a seat.
• The rear roofline cuts into headroom. Rear legroom was fine, though.
• While I found the ride stiffness to be acceptable, it is definitely on the stiffer side. Even in Comfort mode.
• The exhaust note is fine, but unremarkable.
• Road noise is a tad high when freeway cruising.

The Integra Type S blends sport, luxury, and civility mostly well. Some of the trade offs are to be expected, given the car's sporting intent. Other flaws are a bit more baffling.

I'm glad Honda offers this car -- if you like the Civic Type R's fantastic performance but you can't stomach the idea of daily driving one, the Type S makes a nice alternative. It's a lot more civilized without giving up a ton of performance, and dealer markups aside, the price isn't unreasonable. I just wish Acura hadn't made a few confusing packaging decisions -- and I hope Honda and Acura follow the lead of Toyota/Lexus and modernizing their infotainment.

Enthusiasts often say they wish they could have a sports car that's a blast on the back roads but civil enough for their commute -- or driving their kids to school or other adults to a nice restaurant. One that is preferably available with a manual.

The Integra Type S mostly delivers on that wish, and its flaws are generally forgivable. Goldilocks had the right idea.

[Images © 2024 Tim Healey/TTAC.com]

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