Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2023 nominee

Can the return of an legendary nameplate usher in a new Motor Authority Most effective Vehicle To Obtain winner? It could, in the kind of the $31,895 Acura Integra.

The Integra has a history for low-cost thrills that dates again to the mid-1980s. It peaked with the 1992 GS-R product, which made the reduce for our 100 Vehicles That Make any difference series. But Acura ditched the title when it moved to the RSX , and remaining a big chunk of its historical past at the rear of.

With the new Integra, Acura has axed the tired ILX from its lineup however it’s retained the entry-level formulation of strengthening upon the bones of the Honda Civic.

The Integra starts off with a strong platform centered on the 2022 Honda Civic Si, and fixes most of our gripes with the Honda in the enhance approach. The deal provides up to an Integra that recaptures the glory of times previous, according to Senior Editor Kirk Bell.

2023 Acura Integra

Each and every Integra is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo-4 rated at 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Whilst foundation and A-Spec designs mail electricity to the front wheels by using a CVT with seven simulated gear ratios, lovers will want the top A-Spec with Technologies Bundle model for $36,895 mainly because it unlocks the 6-pace handbook transmission alternative. That handbook is a winner, with quick, clean up, precise throws and good engagement. Bell termed the transmission “far way too fun” to move up.

Little enhancements to the Integra more than its Honda sibling increase up to make a massive big difference: the Integra’s chassis is 5% stiffer, and it has larger 27-mm hollow front and 17.5-mm strong rear stabilizer bars (18 mm on the A-Spec product).

2023 Acura Integra

The single largest up grade about the Civic Si, and the one particular that cures the sporty Civic’s biggest flaw, is the established of adaptive dampers Acura installs with the Technological know-how Package. They settle the suspension on the highway. Though the ride is however comfortable, overall body motions are controlled.

With an ultra-quick 11.52:1 ratio (base products are even faster at 11.33:1), the Integra’s steering delivers deft responses. It does not feel as well fast and the Integra is never ever darty on the freeway.

2023 Acura Integra

Inside of, there’s seating for 5, but really only 4 will healthy comfortably. The sport entrance bucket seats are effectively-bolstered and supportive, but the rear seat base is lower and the quick roofline cuts into rear headroom. The regular 7.-inch touchscreen feels a little bit compact, but the A-Spec with Technologies Package deal model gains a 9.-inch touchscreen that features the Civic’s easy-to-use tile-dependent interface and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Automobile. The hatchback physique fashion supplies 24.3 cubic ft of place, and the rear seats fold nearly flat to broaden the cargo place.

The Acura Integra isn’t ideal. The guide transmission ought to be an possibility throughout the board. At 200 hp, it also needs for ability on backroads. A further 50 to 75 hp would do the trick. It’s also about as potent as the RSX Type S from 21 several years back, which suggests some thing about a lack of progress. A forthcoming 2024 Integra Variety S should really tackle that neatly. 

Will the Integra’s charming guide transmission, very well-sorted suspension, and brief steering be ample for it to acquire in excess of two very hot hatches, an outrageous SUV, a luxurious EV, and a sport sedan? Look at back on Jan. 4 when we reveal the winner, alongside with the champs from our sister web-sites, The Motor vehicle Connection and Environmentally friendly Car Studies.