Honda Integra Type R (DC2): PH Heroes
Nearly 20 years after its UK introduction, the Integra remains as sublime as ever
Well you're not buying it for the looks...
Want proof that this sort of car doesn't work anymore? Look at the GT86 and BRZ, a pair of Japanese coupes that are unapologetically driver focused with naturally aspirated engines, limited-slip diffs and slender kerbweights. And how many of those do you see compared to Audi TTs, VW Sciroccos and BMW 2 Series?
One of a kind
So while there's no chance of a car this raw and this uncompromising being produced again, the fact that the Integra Type R was made - and was so very, very good - is absolutely cause for celebration. Particularly with Honda having recently acquired a fantastic Championship White UK car.
On the right road the Integra is incredible
The Japanese Integra Type R was first launched in 1995, the first bespoke Type R after the NSX launched the brand in 1992. The UK car arrived in 1998, the first Type R for our market and one hell of a way to introduce racy Hondas. Think of how this must have looked in a late 90s Honda showroom, before the S2000 and before Civic Type Rs: it was Accords, Legends, CR-Vs, that type of thing. 'Mad' surely doesn't even come close.
And even for those entirely ignorant of the whole Type R fascination, the Integra's spec gives cause for considerable excitement. Peak power? 190hp at 7,900rpm. Top speed? 145mph, having reached 62mph in 6.7 seconds. The kerbweight is 1,125kg, or around a quarter of a tonne less than a current Civic Type R. The spec sheet makes special mention of the helical LSD, the "aerodynamically balanced" chin spoiler and the short shift titanium gearknob. Driver focused is a throwaway term in a world of AMG SUVs, two-tonne Porsches and the M4 Convertible, but it's the key tenet of the Integra's considerable appeal. And why it didn't prove all that popular, ironically enough. Fripperies and gratuitous adornments simply don't feature anywhere. Call it 106 Rallye syndrome, where stripped out road cars are only really appreciated once they're no longer on sale.
Great engine, great chassis, great car
We have to talk about the engine, don't we? The B18C is a legendary Honda VTEC engine, and for very good reason. It's a legendary engine full stop, up there with the Porsche Mezger, BMW's S54 and the M159 AMG V8. Yes, even though it's four-cylinder. You'll probably know this already but for response, for excitement and for noise, this absolutely must rank with the best.
It's not some peaky, obstreperous mess of an engine, either; the Integra Type R will bimble around town at less than 2,000rpm like your Granddad's Civic, entirely benign and pleasant in that famed Honda tradition. It will cruise without fuss too, albeit not far off the redline of a diesel...
Get chance to extend the engine, though, and the VTEC magic - this is the yo moment, right? - explodes to the fore. Engines simply don't behave like this in 2017, and more's the pity. It reacts to every tiny flex on the throttle and, when it passes 5,800rpm, takes on a fierce, thrilling, wild character that four-cylinder cars so rarely do. The noise is savage, the performance addictive and the whole experience completely intoxicating. Matched to a gearbox of rare quality and precision, the way an Integra Type R accelerates really is spectacular.
Here's the thing, though: the Integra genius doesn't simply hang off an incredible engine, as certain - and to remain unnamed - Type Rs have. While the engine is a highlight, it doesn't shine markedly brighter than any other element - that's how good the whole car is. It's Kevin Spacey in The Usual Suspects, the leading role in what is a magnificent cast.
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Best of the best
The chassis complements that engine perfectly: it's intense and absorbing, unlike anything modern you care to mention, but possessed of real quality too. With so little torque - 131lb ft is less than a 1.0-litre Civic now - the diff is not overwhelmed as it is in so many turbo hot hatches. The sensation is subtle, delicate almost, the car's line tightened precisely under power rather than wrenched towards corner exit. Well, as far as the tyres allow at least. And the steering tells you so much about this behaviour too, again in a measured and lucid fashion that many hyper sensitive modern systems simply don't replicate.
Being so light means the Integra almost glides across the ground, rather in contrast to a Civic Type R and, again, so many new cars. There's so little inertia to the way it moves and such involvement from the seat and the steering that confidence grows quickly, with no need to second guess inputs or reactions. A lift here, a brake there - the car responds exactly how you would hope, the Integra sweeping you along in its every movement like the very best driver's cars. It remains absolutely brilliant to drive.
We won't see the badge again - try one now!
How many constitutes a few? Well just 961 Integra Type Rs are recorded on HowManyLeft, which is half the UK peak of a decade ago. Furthermore, while those who truly appreciate the dorky little Honda may be small, the market is beginning to wake up to its significance: where not so long ago £5K would have bought a really good car, that's now the entry point for cars typically with more than 100,000 miles. The best ones are beginning to breach £10K, which looks like an awful lot for a 1.8-litre Honda that's 20 years old. But for one of the most rewarding, exciting and iconic driver's cars of the 1990s? Worth every penny.
HONDA INTEGRA TYPE R (DC2)
Engine: 1,797cc, inline-four
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Power (hp): 190@7,900rpm
Torque (lb ft): 131@7,300rpm
0-62mph: 6.7sec
Top speed: 145mph
Weight: 1,200kg (EU with 75kg driver)
On sale: 1998-2001
Price new: c. £23,000
Price now: c. £5,000 - £13,000
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It was the attention to detail that set it apart as well, all the way down to thinner windscreen glass, every component was engineered to aid performance, a rare little beast for sure.
I ran mine alongside my Elise and Seven. If the opportunity arose to go for a blast, the only time I would pick the Honda was if the roads were salty and wet.
A great car and as good as any FWD hatch/coupe but not as well resolved as something truly focused. As you would expect.
The GT86 hasn't sold in vast numbers as, to be frank, it's over priced.
I ran mine alongside my Elise and Seven. If the opportunity arose to go for a blast, the only time I would pick the Honda was if the roads were salty and wet.
A great car and as good as any FWD hatch/coupe but not as well resolved as something truly focused. As you would expect.
In comparison the Integra did feel much more of a 'normal' car but it was still very special in its own right. Superior engine to the Elise, no question. More comfortable, usable and practical of course.
A better way to look at it is that a Caterham is an ultimate experience, not bettered by anything, there are only alternatives. But it's an extreme little car!
An Elise is an exceptional sports car, better than nearly anything else out there. More practical than a Caterham, superior in some ways too (steering etc).
A DC2R is an exceptional small coupe, better than nearly anything else out there as a drivers car, bar things like an Elise and Caterham, but much, much more practical, and superior in some ways too, (engine, reliability etc).
There all just different points in the practicality scale and all better drivers cars than most of stuff out there, and anything at all that is new or modern.
I'm sure it would have mullered the Accord on a track, but for the road it wasn't for me... and I'm a major Honda fan.
She cemented her coolness when the headmaster had to have a quiet word after she was seen by parents overtaking the school bus in a very 'sprightly' manner!
I ran mine alongside my Elise and Seven. If the opportunity arose to go for a blast, the only time I would pick the Honda was if the roads were salty and wet.
A great car and as good as any FWD hatch/coupe but not as well resolved as something truly focused. As you would expect.
The engine is phenomenal not that powerful but the way it revs, responds and sounds makes it feel truly exotic.
The gearbox is precise and full of feel but crucially not notchy. Although, it could do with a 6th gear
The steering is very good, well weighted (surprisingly heavy) and direct. A slower rack than most modern cars but up there with the best assisted racks. Better than my mx5 and that's generally accepted as being up there in terms of feel.
Best of all though is the chassis, floats over bumps, rear comes into play immediately on turn in but never feels like it will turn on you. So confidence inspiring.
Then there's the little things, the rarity, the lack of sound proofing, the recaros and the fact that the only people who get it are true petrolheads.
No it will never handle like a lotus, it will never thrill like a caterham and would never be as glamorous as a Ferrari. But, when you take into account price, rarity, feel and practicality it's hard to beat and there will never be another.
She cemented her coolness when the headmaster had to have a quiet word after she was seen by parents overtaking the school bus in a very 'sprightly' manner!
I ran mine alongside my Elise and Seven. If the opportunity arose to go for a blast, the only time I would pick the Honda was if the roads were salty and wet.
A great car and as good as any FWD hatch/coupe but not as well resolved as something truly focused. As you would expect.
However, I do think it is a good car but never as engaging as my old 205 GTI for instance. And being honest I do prefer the rear drive balance and chassis of my current E36 328i and even it's low speed steering feel.
The Honda is /was a great car but not IMO as brilliant as people make out if you like truly hardcore cars. But admittedly for sub £8k they are hard to beat out of the box.
I am thinking of a cheap hot hatch soon and will probably go for a Clio or some description rather than revisit the Integra.
No it will never handle like a lotus, it will never thrill like a caterham and would never be as glamorous as a Ferrari. But, when you take into account price, rarity, feel and practicality it's hard to beat and there will never be another.
These are an exceptional car to drive, Honda engineering at its very best.
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