Car reviews

Introduction

The Honda Integra is excessively noisy, comes with few creature comforts and only has one engine, but then again it wasn't designed for comfort, but as a road legal racecar. Its hand built V-TEC engine may only produce 190bhp, but it throws you from a standing start to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds and is accompanied by sharp responsive and well weighted steering, endless grip and absolutely no body roll in the corners which all combine to make it a drive that you are never likely to forget.

Exterior & Interior

The Integra is a good looking coupe with an interior that doesn't quite match up. This isn't because Honda have skimped on quality products, its just that they have left out all the luxury trim in order to save weight which inevitably makes the Integra such a good car to drive. There isn't much room in the back for adults, but the front seats are extremely comfortable and supportive, compensating for the Integra's firm ride. It wasn't designed to be a family car that you will use to do your shopping in with its sloping roof that limits rear head room and a small boot. There is limited equipment onboard which helps keep the weight down, but what is there, is well laid out on the dash and central console and it is all well built. The equipment that is included should be enough as you receive a CD stereo, ABS, air-con, alloy wheels, central locking, electric windows, driver and passenger airbags and sports seats.

Drive

The Integra may come with limited interior luxuries, but when it comes to driving, which is what this car is all about, you will not be disappointed. From the word go you find yourself in a sporty hatchback thanks to the Recaro sports seats and the low slung body. The fun really starts when you turn the key in the ignition though bringing the Integra roaring to life. The sound isn't restricted in the cabin as there is little soundproofing, another attempt to save weight. Around town the ride is poor, but as soon as you get out onto the motorway and open the throttle the Integra shows you what it's really capable of. It comes with perfectly balanced and precision handling with their seeming to be endless amounts of grip in the corners giving the driving the confidence to push it through the corners. The firm suspension prevents body roll and the slick gear changes just adds to the driving experience. The steering is perfectly weighted with plenty of feel coming through to the driver so you know exactly how far you can push it.

Faults & Repairs

Honda is renowned for their reliability, but the Integra doesn't quite match up to expectations. This is due to the nature of the car as drivers are likely to push it to the limits so it needs regular servicing as the engine, suspension and brakes are put under a lot of stress when being pushed hard. Servicing can prove costly as it needs a lot of care and services need to be carried out every 6,000 miles.