The original Integra Type R was the right car for the right time: fast, composed, just a little plusher than anything bearing a Civic nameplate.
I tried to buy our Type R test car. This was back in 1998. Oddly, our loaner was a ’97. I didn’t care.
Honda said no. I had the sads.
I forget the reason why. I think it was here in the U.S. on bond. Or maybe it was pre-production. Soon after, my wife and I filled that hole in our hearts by buying a new Civic Si instead.
The Type R nameplate has since been given to today’s fastest Civic so, instead, we now have the Acura Integra Type S.
If I had the space, I think I’d also try buy this one out of the press fleet.
Why? It’s the total package, especially for those of us who grew up on wishbone Hondas and now seek a modern substitute.
Let’s start with the interior. Seats? Perfect. Heavily bolstered but not too bolstered. Dare we use the word mature?
Shifter? Manual. As it should be.
Direct steering, pedals perfectly placed for heel-toe action.
Power? It’s basically a Civic Type R wearing a suit, so plenty. No fall-off. And with the chassis to match.
And it just looks so right, especially in white. (Sadly, Honda keeps Championship White for the Civic Type R, giving the Integra Platinum White Pearl instead.)
So, why not a Civic Type R? You save about $5000 going with the Civic.
Let’s back up a tiny bit. When we first drove the modern Civic Type R, of course it was fast. We have the lap times to prove it.
[Video: Which is faster, Honda Civic Type R or Toyota GR Corolla?]
The big thing, though, was the Type R’s civility. It didn’t beat you up. You could easily daily it. Where the Focus RS beat you up and asked for some concessions, the Civic Type R just melded with you.
The follow-up model? More of both–still fast, still comfortable.
And the Integra Type S, I think, slightly moves the needle towards comfort. Just a touch as, I admit, it’s no longer 1998.
Comments
You know, I’m actually pleasantly surprised that Acura kept the Integra Type S as a manual-only model.
Every time I’m on the “build” feature of Acura’s website, I’m always disappointed that I can’t have the dark blue color with the red interior. That combo, with the cooper colored wheels, is my happy place with the car.
I wonder how firm Acura is with their color combinations? Meaning, is it something a dealer could override and the factory would say “well ok, with a serious deposit we’ll build that.”
I have no experience in these matters; I usually wait until I find what I want in the showroom/on the lot.
In reply to Coniglio Rampante :
I’m glad I’m not the only one that loves the dark blue/red interior combo.
They used to offer it (on the TLX, I think), but now they don’t. Serious bummer.
Blue over red would look rad. As a traditionalist, however, I’m going with white. (And, thinking about it some more, maybe a wing-delete Championship White Civic Type R is also an acceptable answer…)
Stopped last week in Iowa and looked at a new Z – at 76″ tall I can’t fit into the car. Tilt the seat back A LOT and my back has an uncomfortable curve and my head is still in the headliner. Funny I fit fine in the ’72 Z.
This car and the Civic Type R? No sunroof and plenty of room….the price tag is what hurts my budget.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I wish you could still get real white paint from Honda. I love white cars, but the Civic, Accord and Integra only come in pearl white metallic. Just give me a good old white Honda or Acura.
In reply to Datsun240ZGuy :
I finally saw a new Z out in the world today, from the back it’s a lot like the original. I would love an Integra Type S or Civic Type R, but those price tags… 
I really liked the Type S when I drove it but to me it didn’t feel as special as the Type R. I think Davids comment of it feeling more mature is why though. I love how silly the Type R is and to me that’s what makes it special, it stands out where the Type S has on its dress clothes and looks more like a “normal” car. That being said I would happily daily either one if I had the option.
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