The OG Returns: 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Manual Review

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching our review of the 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec! If you're as excited about driving as we are, be sure to check out our merch store at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com for exclusive gear and accessories. From t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases, we've got everything you need to show off your love for driving. Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more reviews and adventures. See you on the road!

[@clintonrodriguez9771]

I put a pair of ultra-high performance all seasons on my integra (DWS06+) and it made a huge difference in the handling character of the car. The stock conti’s that come on the integra are not intended for any sort of spirited driving.

[@BrianMakse]

Good choice of tire. If I had one of these, I would bump up the rear tire pressures equal to the fronts. IIRC, Acura recommends lower rear tires pressures, which gives it a tendency to push at the limits. Equal front and rear tire pressures will make it's handling balance a little more neutral.

[@clintonrodriguez9771]

@@BrianMakse I’ll try that out as well, thanks!

[@TheKingkingg]

12th day in and my wife and I love it and everything is enough. Enough more than Civic SI, enough power at 234hp as per Hondata dyno, enough technology, enough luxury features for our 2023 Elite a spec Canada 🇨🇦 version, enough space as we bought at maple Acura in Toronto and drove over 700 kms to northern Ontario same day with wife and son 16 years old and 6ft 5in and all comfortable on trip over 8 hrs. Extremely fun and exciting to drive. Only negative was trunk frozen shut(dealer washed and water trapped) but could use other ways to open, another is expensive, another is Rev hang but livable, another is we see interior lights flicker sometimes at night....other than these few issues, we love this car and it's class leading fuel economy even at brand new. Do dealer filled and fuel up from half in New liskeard and didn't fuel up till yesterday with 100km range left.

[@BrianMakse]

Congrats! Enjoy!

[@TheKingkingg]

@@BrianMakse thanks, we are. Our Accord 2.0T is fun, but this is too in a different way. And likewise our RDX A spec with super handling awd....all fun , but different

[@ArmandoPerez-iu2zd]

I got this car I’m waiting on it can’t wait

[@Aurablade77]

Hey Brian did you feel the Intergra felt “long”? Like wheelbase wise with the long hood, etc

[@TheKingkingg]

As a owner I don't especially having 2020 2.0T Accord and RDX and Ridgeline trucks and no different that way than 2016 civic

[@RbNetEngr]

Nice review, Brian. And I must say that you’ve done a more critical review here, which I liked. Many of your reviews are full of praise but not much critique. I suggest balancing out you future reviews to add more critiques, because we all know that there are no perfect cars…except maybe that new Porsche 992 GT3!

[@soulmaster63]

I just went to the Honda USA website. There’s nothing to suggest that the Civic Si has been discontinued. I’m still able to configure a 2022 Si.

[@BrianMakse]

Call any dealer and let me know how that goes.

[@darrenmathias9384]

@@BrianMakse Its most likely a supply chain issue, not to boost Integra sales. The Integra has been selling pretty well - 1400 units in June, 1400 units in July. Thats versus a combined sales of 9,000 units of all Civic models in July (i.e. it is selling much better than the SI).

[@junlee7763]

Where does Honda manufacture Integra? in US or Japan??

[@darrenmathias9384]

Designed and Engineered in Japan, manufactured in USA.

[@williamconrad1087]

Marysville Ohio.

[@bigbuckoramma]

You may recall back to our discussion about the interior differences between the CA and US Civic Si, that at the end I posited that this move seemed strange, and might be an indicator that perhaps CA was going to get a limited number of Integras, or the US was going to drop thr Si altogether, and push the Acura, and its $7,500 higher price tag, as the "budget" sport compact. Now no longer seeing the So for 2023, it seems we have the answers to that question. I will even take it a step further and say that Honda isn't going to reintroduce the Si for a while, and won't do a Type-S version of the Integra, because they want another big rush of overpriced Civic Type-R sales like the had previously, and don't want anything else in the line up to potentially make buyers steer away from the CT-R, and settle on a cheaper car.

[@romererunamerika9437]

okay so you like more sporty than plush? nice looking car but I also would go with the civic SI

[@scottanthony3426]

Thanks Brian. That's the first review (and I've watched many!) that mentions the gearing/torque situation. Lots to like about this car, but lots of irritation too. In the US, I believe to get the MT, you have to get the very top tier - A Spec with Tech Package and that runs about 37k MSRP. That said, they really whiffed putting poor seats in the car at that price point. Probably going to make you pony up for the future Type S for that. That's a huge issue for the 40+ crowd, and covering it with fancy alcantera doesn't fix that. I also find it interesting that we're about 2 months out since journaiists have been given these to drive, and I have yet to see a single test drive with the automatic. Toyota and Subaru had MT and Auto at same time for journalists at their driving events (BRZ and 86) Makes me wonder if they are hiding a lousy drivetrain. I get it that they want to throw the "flagship" of the Integra line out there, but due to price and availability, the majority of Integras sold are not likely to be this version. The Civic Sport looks like it will fight for market with the lesser Integra's, unless they continue to kneecap within their own brand to avoid competition. At 37k for this, I'd at least be cross shopping the Accord 2.0T, even if you can't get a MT. It will certainly blow the doors off this in a straight line, and Accords come nicely appointed. Feels like (and I hate to say this because I'm a "Save the Manuals" guy) Honda needs to work on a better automatic for enthusiasts. Keep up the good work, and enjoy the rest of your summer up in the great white north!

[@darrenmathias9384]

There were auto press cars at the launch and a few journalists did upload reviews on here if you search Integra CVT. Its just that media outlets are businesses themselves, and they know that most of their viewers would rather watch the manual Integra videos. I am a manual enthusiast, but from the videos I've seen, this CVT doesnt look half as bad as people are making it out to be.

[@scottanthony3426]

@@darrenmathias9384 Thanks Darren! I'll check via a search. None of the CVT laden Ingetgra reviews pop up on my KZbin dashboard, so I mistakenly assumed there were not any. (And not being all that interested in the Integra, especially with a CVT, I ended my "research" there.) My fun to drive car is a MT BRZ, but I also have a Forester XT, which only came with a CVT. The Sport sharp setting actually does modify how the CVT shifts, holds gears, and even throttle tip in/response. But, it still isn't that engaging and the paddle shifters are not good. I get it that for people who stop and go drive a lot or live in hilly land and don't want to start on hills, or never had an opportunity or desire to learn MT, that autos are a necessity. Plus in cars like the new BRZ, they already sell small quantities, so if they can sell more by offering a passable auto, it may prolong production of those cars we love to drive in both transmission choices.

[@darrenmathias9384]

@@scottanthony3426 Yes well said, I think the CVT is great for the kind of people who are actually interested in an auto version of this car because it will be far cheaper in the long term with less of the complexity in comparison to a DCT. I have driven an MT daily for the last 9 years but recently spent a full weekend driving an auto Mazda 3 (3rd gen). A few months ago I did about 1000 miles in a CVT Chevy, and frankly I am surprised to say I actually preferred the way the CVTs felt compared to traditional autos. I dont like how most traditional torque converter autos lurch back and forth when they switch gear; as a manual driver its kind of annoying because I know I can get a much smoother shift in my manual trans car than the torque convertor autos! But with the CVT, its just smooth because there are no actual gears, even if they are simulated for "sportiness" which to be honest feels quite nice when you're tired and in rush hour traffic.

[@gukelordan852]

This guy is the best “reviewer” on KZbin. It’d be interesting car if it had a V6 Natural not a whimpy 1.5 turbo . Same exact car as the Si no? +10k $

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks. I'm the only KZbinr who can actually drive.

[@stms4411]

Selfishly, the discontinuation of the Si helps my 2022 hold it’s value so I can own it for a couple of years and buy a brz/gr86 when my younger daughter can drive herself (and her field hockey goalie bag), so my daily space needs diminish.

[@Doozer72]

I still think a 2023 Si will exist. But otherwise I’m with you; I’ll happily sell/trade my ‘22 Si for some ridiculous price when my ‘23(‘24?) Ioniq 5 shows up, if it truly is a unicorn.

[@stms4411]

@@Doozer72 - yeah, seems unusual that Honda would launch a new generation civic si and then shelve it….we shall see

[@elbobo7991]

2023 Civic Si are back on Honda Canada’s website!

[@amerasia5189]

Disappointed with ambient lighting. It should be like the MDX. As a luxury brand, it should have a panoramic sunroof and a larger infotainment screen. The dashboard should be inspired by the MDX in order to create a distinctive image from the Civic.

[@scalefreakgaming]

Too bad about the seats. I really liked the seats in the 2022 Si.

[@psewgobind]

No Si for 2023? No problem since I view my 2700lb 6MT 10th Gen as a better track car…especially since it has the naturally aspires K20 motor.

[@oscarkabowski8413]

A 10th gen with a K20? Wot

[@VitoC.]

Quickest "How To Spec Your Car" lol

[@wardellward]

The nameplate has returned

[@paulm6481]

That is a good looking car, but I still take the Civic Si. Why did they top Si? Honda infotainments are not the best in business for sure. My girlfriend in late 80s had a first generation Integra with 1.6 liter. Finely made car but still had no power 🤣. Honda has best manuals.

[@soulmaster63]

I believe that the Civic Si has been discontinued in favor of the Integra , due to supply chain issues. Honda simply cannot manufacture enough components to build both models simultaneously. Conversely, Acura will not introduce a Type S variant alongside the Honda Civic Type R. Additionally, I don’t believe the Integra A Spec manual will have a long production run either. These models represent the “last hurrah” as the ever present conversion to electrification looms on the horizon.

[@bigbuckoramma]

I am convinced that the "chip shortage" is being used a cudgel to try and force people into higher trims. The classic "Value Sweet Spot" in the mid and mid high trim levels has been destroyed. To a point where the difference between the base and mid trims is literally nothing but seat covering material, and fog lights now. But they all seem to have enough chips for the special edition models. Like a local Mazda dealership will give you a $500 credit for no Bose audio on the $1500 "Technology Package" (which without the Bose is basically nothing) in a Touring Model, they will usually have one Grand Touring, or Signature, and they have a half dozen Carbon editions, and every Carbon has a moon roof, Bose, Heated and Ventilated seats, adaptive headlights, etc. etc. They are loaded. Of course they are also $10k+ more expensive than a Touring, and equal to a Grand Touring on cost with fewer options, depending on which model you look at. So "Chip Shortage" seems a lot like an upsell tactic now, and not a legitimate issue. Yes, I know the issues with Taiwan, but it still seems all to convenient of a "problem" to have on the middle of an inflated pricing structure.

[@MatteoTorgy]

If you’re younger than 30, buy the Civic Si. Otherwise buy the Integra. By the way, Hondata rates the Integra as the more powerful car at 234 horsepower (at the wheel, not crank, and stock).

[@scalefreakgaming]

Funny enough, most of the people that have bought Si's from my store are 50+

[@MatteoTorgy]

@@scalefreakgaming not a valid sample size given how few allocations per dealer.

[@scalefreakgaming]

@@MatteoTorgy You are right. I just checked through the numbers. 2/3 of the 2022 Si's that we sold went to 50+ 4/5 of the Type R pre-orders that I have are 50+.

[@MatteoTorgy]

@@scalefreakgaming I see the Si as a rich kid's graduation gift type car. No offense. I had the option to buy the 22 Si or the 23 Integra 6MT (both white) and I don't regret the decision one bit. Long live the manual transmission.

[@scalefreakgaming]

@@MatteoTorgy I can understand that. You have your perception, and I have the data of the people I actually sold the cars to. 1 SI was on an old retired guy in his mid 60's. 1 SI to a construction worker in his mid 30's. 1 SI to a guy in his late 50's that's going to retire in about 140 days (he has a countdown on his phone) 1. Type R to a Doctor EASILY in his late 50's. 1 Type R to a shrink, EASILY in his late 50's. 1 Type R to a buddy of mine that's in his early 30's. 1. Type R to a really old dude that wants something fun. That guy is late 60's for sure. 1 Type R to another guy that's maybe mid 50's. He just wanted something fun to drive in the summer. I get the perception of the car is. But I also see the actual people that are buying the cars. At least down here in Niagara. We don't get many rich's kids getting grad presents.

[@BitcoinTo150K]

ILX****

[@bobshoemak1161]

Acura and dissapointing are becoming synonymous. Objectively the Civic SI is the better car for quite a but less money. You get better, summer tires on the SI and it weighs less. The seats are better in the SI as well. Subjectively I also think the Civic SI looks better and has much nicer wheels. As a former 2003 RSX Type S owner it blows my mind that 20 years later, Acura releases this Integra A Spec and its objectively worse performing. In 20 years Acura regressed Can't say that aboit any other car maker let alone a "premium" brand. Acura is a lost cause at this point sadly. They spend more on marketing than R&D. If you are a fwd enthusiast, get the Elantra N. If you are a premium car buyer get an Audi A3 or Genesis G70

[@jfz313]

Liar liar!

[@BrianMakse]

Whatever you say, homeslice.