Drive Notes: 2024 Acura Integra Type S
![Tim Healey](https://cdn-fastly.thetruthaboutcars.com/media/profile/2023/12/15/1375158_1.jpg?size=91x91)
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is, on paper, the commuting enthusiast's dream car. Good handling, quick, stylish, and equipped with a manual transmission.
It also is easily marked as the grown-up version of the Honda Civic Type R.
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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![Tim Healey](https://cdn-fastly.thetruthaboutcars.com/media/profile/2023/12/15/1375158_1.jpg?size=91x91)
Tim Healey grew up around the auto-parts business and has always had a love for cars — his parents joke his first word was “‘Vette”. Despite this, he wanted to pursue a career in sports writing but he ended up falling semi-accidentally into the automotive-journalism industry, first at Consumer Guide Automotive and later at Web2Carz.com. He also worked as an industry analyst at Mintel Group and freelanced for About.com, CarFax, Vehix.com, High Gear Media, Torque News, FutureCar.com, Cars.com, among others, and of course Vertical Scope sites such as AutoGuide.com, Off-Road.com, and HybridCars.com. He’s an urbanite and as such, doesn’t need a daily driver, but if he had one, it would be compact, sporty, and have a manual transmission.
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