After retrieving the legendary Integra nameplate last year, Acura is now eyeing the luxury sport sedan segment with the launch of the highly anticipated Integra Type S. Having the same bones as the Honda CTR, the Integra Type S is very similar to the latter. But it features a stronger engine, more aggressive exterior parts, some premium performance features, and, of course, some additional creature comforts.
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S luxury sport sedan will go on sale in June 2023 and will have no shortage of rivals. From the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 to the BMW m235i and Audi S3, the Germans will try to overpower this Japanese luxury car. But Acura has taken its own sweet time in its development, and the Integra Type S comes prepared. Here’s how the Acura Integra Type S will give the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 a run for its money.
The 2024 Integra Type S Can Be A VFM Sports Car
After some aggressive teasers since last December, Acura has finally introduced the Integra Type S luxury sport sedan, and it’s unbelievably good. Considering the Integra is the cheapest luxury car in America, and Acura always prices its luxury cars lower than the others, we expect Acura to competitively price the Integra Type S. While Acura has revealed the specs and features of the car, they’re still coy about the pricing.
But since the Integra Type S will directly compete with the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, Acura may keep the Integra Type S price in the $47,000 range to intensify the competition, making it cheaper than the $49,500 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35.
With the strongest engine, a class-leading power-to-weight ratio, and more standard features than the CLA 35, the Type S’ lower price will be the key factor. And if everything goes well, the Integra Type S can put the AMG CLA 35 in deep trouble.
The New Acura Integra S Is More Powerful Than The AMG CLA 35
The Integra Type S’ K20C 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine uses new ECU software and a high-flow exhaust system to achieve a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 10.1 lbs./hp and an overall output of 320 hp at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The K20C 2.0-liter turbo inline-four engine is mated to a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox, offering slicker gearshifts and a rev-matching system to deliver a growling exhaust note. Power is sent to the front wheels via a helical-type LSD FWD unit. With 5 hp more, the Integra Type S should be slightly faster than the CTR, with a 0-60 mph timing of 4.8 seconds.
While the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 also uses a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four, it uses a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox and 4Matic AWD unit for faster acceleration. However, its engine makes 302 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque to deliver 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and returns 21 and 29 MPG in the city and on highways.
Therefore, the Integra Type S’ higher power, class-leading power-to-weight ratio, growling exhaust note, and sophisticated manual gearbox should make it the better proposition of the two.
The 2023 Integra Type S Is More Practical
Since the Integra is based on the same platform as the Civic hatchback, it offers the space and practicality of one. While Acura hasn’t released interior dimensions, we speculate the cabin will offer around 99 cubic feet of space as the Type S is similar in size to the Civic Type-R.
The front seats should have around 39.3 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of legroom. The rear seats should provide around 37.1 and 37.4 inches of headroom and legroom, respectively. Behind the rear seats, the Integra Type S will offer a 24.3 cubic-foot trunk and additional space after folding the rear seats.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, unlike the Type S, focuses more on luxury than practicality. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 has the best-looking interior in the segment, with best-in-class creature comforts and seating for five passengers. However, both rows provide less space, with the rear seats being cramped. Moreover, the CLA 35 provides a cavernous 11.6 cubic feet of space and additional space after folding the rear seats.
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S Offers More Standard Features
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S not only brings the strongest engine and the best practicality in the segment, but it also offers the biggest list of standard features. The 2024 Acura Integra Type S brings premium amenities like a 10.2-inch digital cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen, and a 5.3-inch HUD for the driver.
The cabin offers perforated leather seats with Ultrasuede inserts, heated and power front sport seats with lumbar support, a smart liftgate, high-performance adaptive suspensions, Brembo high-performance disc brakes, and 19-inch aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Above this, a 16-speaker Premium audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, voice-assisted navigation, AcuraWatch driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and various other features come standard.
In the case of the CLA 35, however, premium features like heated seats, a HUD, a premium audio system, 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspensions, and others are optional.