2024 Acura Integra Kind S makes the Civic Kind R stealth

For everybody who needs a Honda Civic Kind R Touring mannequin existed, it does.

It wears a special badge and goes by the identify Acura Integra Kind S.

A 12 months after the 2023 Honda Civic Kind R arrived, and earned the title of Motor Authority Finest Automotive To Purchase 2023, comes the marginally extra luxurious, visually toned down model with a premium badge. 

After spending a couple of days and lots of of miles with the 2024 Acura Integra Kind S, it’s clear that is the model of the automotive I’d wish to personal, although I’m undecided I’d need to spend that a lot cash. The value could also be a problem, however the Integra Kind S has loads going for it as nicely. Listed here are the professionals and cons of the 2024 Acura Integra Kind S.

Professional: Acura Integra Kind S flies underneath the radar

The Civic Kind R is visually loud with rocker panels that jut out, a big rear diffuser, and an enormous rear wing mounted to the hatch. The Integra Kind S is the alternative. At a look, few will understand it’s the recent rod mannequin. Flared fenders, Kind S-specific 19-inch wheels, massive brakes, the Kind R’s triple exhaust suggestions, and a delicate physique equipment are all that separate it from the usual Integra. Throughout my two-day mortgage, just one individual seen the Apex Blue Pearl Integra was a Kind S, and he was in a lime inexperienced Audi RS3 dropping his thoughts as he peppered me with questions at a cease gentle. 

Con: Acura Integra Kind S retains base mannequin’s compromises

The Kind S’s Integra packaging is unchanged. Which means a compromised rear seat, together with a backside that sits too low making a knees-up seating place, and a quick roofline that cuts into headroom. At 5-foot-10, my head grazes the headliner. Hitting a bump might make my head smack the roof.

Professional: Acura Integra Kind S options coronary heart of the Kind R, however higher

The Kind S makes use of the two.0-liter turbo-4 from the Kind R. It nonetheless huffs 25.2 psi of enhance, however at 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque the Acura has 5 extra horsepower than the Honda. It comes due to a special tune for higher mid-range torque. You’ll by no means discover the distinction, however you’ll have bragging rights. The powertrain is a gem. The torque-rich turbo-4 kicks with robust responses all the best way to its 7,000-rpm redline, which might induce a giggle issue. The 6-speed guide transmission snicks from gear to gear with brief throws and satisfying gear modifications. All that energy goes solely to the entrance wheels.

Con: Acura Integra Kind S infotainment system feels dated

On one hand, we must always all be grateful the Integra lineup, together with the Kind S, options the Honda Civic’s touchscreen infotainment system with a tile-based interface. It’s a lot simpler to make use of than the touchpad-based system in different Acuras. But it surely already seems to be dated with a uninspired interface, generally gradual responses, and shaky Apple CarPlay connectivity. It’s going to really feel historic in 5 years.

Professional: Acura Integra Kind S balances consolation with management

From the properly weighted steering to the nicely bolstered seats to the agency however comfy suspension tuning, the Integra Kind S can also be a gem to drive. It’s not tiring or uncomfortable, even over damaged Midwest pavement. The adaptive dampers are tuned a notch softer than the Kind R’s, and there’s no Race setting that may put the whole lot into hyperactive mode. This  feels just like the candy spot for each day driving whereas retaining observe prowess. Whereas front-wheel drive isn’t one of the best for dealing with, the Honda and Acura workforce’s labored their magic to make sure this automotive doesn’t plow round a nook.

Con: Acura Integra Kind S prices a premium

The 2024 Acura Integra Kind S prices $51,995 together with $1,195 for vacation spot. That’s about $9,000 greater than a Civic Kind R. My tester featured $600 Apex Blue Pearl paint, which is completely definitely worth the premium, for a sticker value of $52,595. Regardless of the premium value, the Integra Kind S lacks primary options equivalent to reminiscence for the motive force or cooled entrance seats. These entrance seats are literally the identical as these in the usual Integra except for firmer bolsters and artificial suede inserts. The premium over the Civic Kind R, which already feels about $5,000 too costly, doesn’t appear completely justified.

Regardless of being wrong-wheel drive and possibly too costly, the Acura Integra Kind S is the perfect model of the Civic Kind R, and it makes an excellent each day driver. A hoot at any velocity with seems to be that fly underneath the radar, the Kind S is the Civic Kind R for adults. Simply ensure you deliver an adult-sized test.

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2024 Acura Integra Kind S

Base value: $51,995, together with $1,195 vacation spot

Worth as examined: $52,595

Powertrain: 320-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4, 6-speed guide, front-wheel drive

EPA gasoline financial system: 21/28/24

The professionals: Sleeper standing, Civic Kind R powertrain, absolute blast to drive, comfy

The cons: Compromised packaging, dated infotainment system, premium value