Sizzlin’ Hatchback: 2024 Acura Integra Type S

I ran into a friend recently while getting a morning beverage, and he asked if I’d purchased a new car based on an Instagram post I shared with the 2024 Acura Integra Type S. I said, “No, I loved it though, and I’d like to. It goes on sale June 19th.” His response was, “On sale? Most people don’t talk about making a car purchase that way.” We both had a good laugh, envisioning buying a new car to be like clicking “add to cart” as we do for other forms of retail therapy. But the truth is, the latest Integra is that good, and I’m here to tell you why. See Acura Integra listings

Model Background

The current generation of the sporty Integra compact five-door hatchback has been around for some time now. It was first shown to the public in prototype form in late 2021. I took it for a spin at a first-drive event in May 2022, one month before it became available for sale. Since then, the Integra has proven to be a solid seller. In May 2023, it topped 3,300 units sold (its best month yet) and has led the premium gateway model segment over the past year. Acura said that 70% of the people buying the Integra have come from competing brands. Acura now has another variant of the Integra coming down the pipeline. In line with the brand’s “Precision Crafted Performance” ideology, it rolled out a sports mode for the NSX, MDX and TLX models. The Integra was the next to be treated to Type S special sauce. Check out Acura TLX listings

The Integra Type S was first publicly shown at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race event in mid-April. Acura later invited media to the Ojai Valley Inn in Southern California to see what this new Integra was all about, and I was included in that lucky group.

Nuts and bolts: Key engineering highlights

The 2024 Integra Type S draws power from a direct-injected 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged inline-4 that is rated at 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. To put this data into perspective, the standard Integra’s 1.5-liter produces 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, so the Type S treatment provided a huge boost to this compact hatchback’s performance credentials. 

Stick shift lovers may rejoice, because the only available gearbox for the Integra Type S is a 6-speed manual transmission connected to a limited-slip differential. The braking system benefits from 4-piston Brembo calipers up front, with functional cooling ducts integrated into the front fascia for optimized performance.

Technology was not overlooked. The interior offers a 10.2-inch Precision Cockpit customizable instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, a rockin’ 530-watt ELS Studio 3D 16-speaker audio system and standard wireless charging.

Aesthetically, the Integra Type S has distinct bodywork all the way around. Its 2.8-inch wider stance is characterized by flared fenders. From the rear, it is easy to spot the model exclusive triple exhaust outlets mounted at the center of the rear bumper.

Driving impressions

Tech talk aside, the most important — and compelling — attribute about the Integra Type S during my experience was its dynamic personality. The car can be electronically customized into four different modes: comfort, sport, sport + and individual. Each setting tailored the car’s sound and feel in terms of exhaust note, suspension tuning and overall rawness.

The twisty two-lane Texas State Highway 150 leaving the Ojai Valley Inn gave me a perfect opportunity to evaluate the car’s sporty side. The car seemed thirsty for high revs and fast corners, and the gearbox was seamless to operate. I took a spirited 0-60 during a highway merge and was impressed by the car’s acceleration confidence. From a power-to-weight ratio, the new Integra bests its predecessor, the iconic 1997 through 2001 Type R, by a 3-pound-per-horsepower margin. Take a look at Integra Type R listings

Two of the Integra’s best characteristics are its grip and its chassis balance. Despite being front-wheel drive, as opposed to all-wheel drive, it demonstrated strong grip in the corners. Part of this is due to the meaty 265-series Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 19-inch tires. The overall feeling surrounding the car is one of nimble, youthful energy, and it would make even an everyday commute feel like something special.

Build and price

The Integra Type S is available in seven colors, one of which — Tiger Eye Pearl — is exclusive to this trim level. Pricing starts at $51,995 including destination; customer deliveries are underway as of Wednesday, June 19.

Perhaps you were a lucky owner of the original Integra when it launched in 1986, or you are looking for a performance-oriented sport sedan to liven up your day-to-day travels. The Integra Type S is a car you’ll want to add to your shopping cart — or at least to your test-drive itinerary. The grins are guaranteed. Find Integra Type S listings

Keep an eye on KSL Cars for future news on the Integra and similar models.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.