Built on the same wheelbase as the current Civic, the other dimensions of the new Integra are close to the Civic hatchback, and the overall silhouette is shared. The driver faces the same basic TFT gauges, with different graphics than on the Civic. The segmented, hockey-stick-style readouts for coolant temperature and fuel level used on the Civic are employed in the Integra as well. The climate controls from the Civic are repurposed in an Integra-specific dashboard. Like the Civic, cabin space is good for a vehicle of this size. Fit and finish are impressive but the car is a tale of two cabins. The front seats in the Elite are swathed in vinyl with very plush faux suede inserts, with the rear seats being just plain vinyl. Strange. The iOS-Android cellphone interface and the Alexa audio concierge are standard.
Power stems from Honda’s familiar 1.5L turbo four, producing 200 horsepower. That’s 12 more than the same engine in the Civic Touring, but it imposes the use of premium fuel, which is a burden deal for the owner. Power reaches the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic.
With 320 horsepower, the term “Civilized Hooligan” is an apt description of the Type S. The turbocharged 2L four is impressively serene in gentle driving but when full performance is requested, the zingy, rev-happy engine takes on a feral bellow that is sonically compelling. The engine sends power to the wheels via a docile clutch and gears are selected by a manual transmission with a precise, snicky, mechanical-feeling action. Despite the massive power going through the front wheels, torque-steer is not an issue but there is some ‘tramlining” effect on road imperfections due to the super-wide tires. The steering is precise and transmits road surface information to the driver very well. Handling and grip are impressive and the ride is resilient, especially so considering the phenomenal handling of the Type S.
