Think Stick Shifts Are Passe? Try The 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec.

The redesigned, relaunched 2023 Acura Integra is a pointy, gorgeous, bangin’ little cousin to the Civic, with whom it shares much DNA. It’s so sharp-looking that you’ll forget it’s a sedan, a current weak segment due to the popularity of crossovers. But upon sight, the Integra is a definite beaut.

It’s less expensive than it looks, too, starting at around $30,800. The question is will it be a star? It looks like one.

It’s not as much of a sedan as the name might imply. It’s got a “lift-back” body style instead of a trunk, a good thing as you can’t stretch a trunk whereas you can always finagle lumber or a surfboard or what-have-you if you’ve a hatchback. The inside is as clean as the outside, all high-tech, fun and stylish although the back seat isn’t the roomiest leg-wise or height-wise.

You motivate via a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, also found in the Civic Si. An automatic is available, but I wouldn’t want one and you shouldn’t either.

As far as trim, too, you will want the flagship A-Spec we tested as it provides handsome 18-inch wheels, a more mod, stylish body and the abovementioned 6-speed manual transmission, not available on lesser trims. The $3,000 technology package delivers an adaptive suspension system, 10.2-inch digital gauge display, a 16-speaker ELS stereo system, wireless smartphone charging and more.

How’s it drive?

For the price, like a charm. All trims across the board are all-wheel drive, making snow an easier prospect, as well as CVT, or Continously Variable Automatic Transmission if you insist on the automatic. You can also opt for an adaptive suspension system – good for mountain roads and other hasty fun. There was a drive mode selector in our tester that actually worked well, but no matter the mode, it was pretty noisy in the cockpit.

The ride was plenty quick, plenty sharp, plenty fun and everything you wish a low-end sports car to be. One gets used to the clutch in no time, and I only stalled out a couple of times and it was always my fault. That said, you do not screech or roar or scare birds off wires. Mileage is a pretty-good 30 MPG in city driving, 37 highway.

Is it comfortable?

I found the seating more than adequate – no coddling, just firm and pleasant. Faux-leather upholstery comes standard. The driver gets eight-way power adjustments, but drive the A-Spec and that gets bumped up to 12-way for driver and four-way for the passenger.

Infotainment and Connectivity

At base level, you get a 7.0-inch infotainment display; a bigger 9.0-inch unit is available as an option. The larger touchscreen is included as part of the Technology package on flagship A-Spec models, which also delivers which also includes a 5.3-inch head-up display, wireless smartphone charging pad, and three USB-C charging ports. Eight speakers dot the cabin for your listening pleasure; an ELS Studio 3D premium sound system is available with16 speakers.

Safety

The Integra features a variety of safety features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A-Spec models equipped with the optional Technology package get front and rear parking sensors which I personally loathe but that’s me.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Your powertrain is guaranteed for six years or 70,000 miles, which is pretty darn generous. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles. Capital!

Verdict: A great launch.