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

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

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

After spending just a few days and lots of of miles with the 2024 Acura Integra Sort S, it’s clear that is the model of the automobile I’d prefer to personal, although I’m unsure I’d wish to spend that a lot cash. The worth could also be a problem, however the Integra Sort S has a lot going for it as effectively. Listed below are the professionals and cons of the 2024 Acura Integra Sort S.

2024 Acura Integra Sort S

Professional: Acura Integra Sort S flies beneath the radar

The Civic Sort R is visually loud with rocker panels that jut out, a big rear diffuser, and a large rear wing mounted to the hatch. The Integra Sort S is the alternative. At a look, few will notice it’s the new rod mannequin. Flared fenders, Sort S-specific 19-inch wheels, large brakes, the Sort R’s triple exhaust suggestions, and a refined physique package are all that separate it from the usual Integra. Throughout my two-day mortgage, just one particular person observed the Apex Blue Pearl Integra was a Sort S, and he was in a lime inexperienced Audi RS3 dropping his thoughts as he peppered me with questions at a cease mild. 

2024 Acura Integra Sort S

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

The Sort 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.

2024 Acura Integra Sort S

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

The Sort S makes use of the two.0-liter turbo-4 from the Sort 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 because of 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 sturdy 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 completely to the entrance wheels.

2024 Acura Integra Sort S

Con: Acura Integra Sort S infotainment system feels dated

On one hand, we must always all be grateful the Integra lineup, together with the Sort 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 appears to be like dated with a uninspired interface, generally sluggish responses, and shaky Apple CarPlay connectivity. It’s going to really feel historical in 5 years.

2024 Acura Integra Sort S

Professional: Acura Integra Sort S balances consolation with management

From the properly weighted steering to the effectively bolstered seats to the agency however comfy suspension tuning, the Integra Sort S can 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 Sort R’s, and there’s no Race setting that will put all the pieces into hyperactive mode. This  feels just like the candy spot for every day driving whereas retaining observe prowess. Whereas front-wheel drive isn’t the most effective for dealing with, the Honda and Acura group’s labored their magic to make sure this automobile doesn’t plow round a nook.

2024 Acura Integra Sort S

Con: Acura Integra Sort S prices a premium

The 2024 Acura Integra Sort S prices $51,995 together with $1,195 for vacation spot. That’s about $9,000 greater than a Civic Sort R. My tester featured $600 Apex Blue Pearl paint, which is totally definitely worth the premium, for a sticker worth of $52,595. Regardless of the premium worth, the Integra Sort S lacks fundamental 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 other than firmer bolsters and artificial suede inserts. The premium over the Civic Sort R, which already feels about $5,000 too costly, doesn’t appear totally justified.

Regardless of being wrong-wheel drive and doubtless too costly, the Acura Integra Sort S is the perfect model of the Civic Sort R, and it makes an important every day driver. A hoot at any velocity with appears to be like that fly beneath the radar, the Sort S is the Civic Sort R for adults. Simply be sure you convey an adult-sized examine.

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2024 Acura Integra Sort S

Base worth: $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 Sort R powertrain, absolute blast to drive, comfy

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