2024 Acura Integra Type-S | The Type-R’s “Subtle” Big Brother

2024 Acura Integra Type-S | The Type-R’s “Subtle” Big Brother

Welcome back! We all knew it was coming, but we didn't know how much of an impact it would have once it hit the road. The 2024 Acura Integra Type-S. It's one of the most powerful factory FWD cars we've ever driven at 320 hp and 310 lb-ft, which is an accolade it should wear proudly amongst it's heavier and more complex AWD rivalries.

VW recently announced the GTI and Golf R will no longer entertain the three pedal, quick shifting, 6-speed cure for boredom we've all come to expect from these compact hatchbacks. What was once the most memorable piece of the hot hatch definition (the other being their daily-driveable practicality) is now the most rare mechanical option on most vehicles today. While I'm entertained by those who preach automatics and DCT/DSG transmissions are quicker, and therefore better, than their manual counterparts, I NEVER expected that sentiment to come roaring from the GTI crowd. 

Something has clearly gone terribly wrong. The GTI and R can no longer afford to carry the handicap.

Honda/Acura have leaned into it and the results have been undeniable. As we all know, the Civic Type-R is the quickest production-spec FWD car to ever circle the Nurburgring, and it does it in spite of the competition embracing AWD torque-vectoring technology. Plus of course a clutch pedal and six gears to work through. For context, this Type-S weighs about the same as a GR Corolla, a much physically smaller hatchback.

To me the results speak for themselves, and what Acura's done with the 2024 Type-S is take the FWD trick and make it a little more liveable for the street. What are we really looking at though? It has boastful fender flares and a louder exhaust, yet softer suspension and no wing. Where the Type-R calmed down a bit, the Type-S picked up the slack. This confusing combination has made it quite possibly the greatest FWD car on sale today, and I'm happy you're joining us on this drive today!

MSRP: $58,195 CAD ($51,995 USD) Enjoy!

But that's not all! During the week we drove the Type-S four hours to Kelowna, BC where we stumbled upon a local car meet, catching the sunset and shooting a few photos with Colin Chatfield (@steazyvisuals) with great results. His work speaks for itself.

Once we had our 80s/90s Honda and Toyota fix we met up with Eliza Bowie (@elltegra) back home to quickly compare her DC5 Honda Integra Type-R to the much larger and grown up Type-S. You don't want to miss her photos below.