When the Civic-based Acura Integra made its return as a four-door hatchback, critics were quick to note a lack of sportiness compared to its legendary predecessors. But they clearly didn't wait for the Type S to arrive. It takes the performance bits from the rowdy Civic Type R and creates a more composed performance car out of it, making for a heck of a daily driver.

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Its Type R Origins Are Tangible

Taking the Integra Type S for a spin reveals a familar echo reverberating through the parts it shares with the Honda Civic Type R. While the Honda is clearly more outgoing than the Acura, it's not hard to recognize the same supple dance moves and razor-like steering. And when pushed around tight corners, the Honda's remarkable grip shines through. The Civic Type R was even kind enough to lend the Integra its turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, with which Acura managed to squeeze out an additional five horses to make a total of 320 hp. Some other items grabbed from the CTR parts bin include the helical front limited-slip differential, 265/30ZR-19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, Brembo brakes, six-speed manual transmission, and dual-axis front struts. Even the wheelbase is the same between the two, measuring 107.7 inches. And just like the Civic Type R, the Integra takes on a front-wheel drive setup, as opposed to its all-wheel drive competitors from Mercedes, Audi, and BMW. Still, the Integra Type S delivers power evenly.

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But Its Acura Roots Are There Too

Compared to the Type R, the Integra Type S is best described as more disciplined, almost as if it has learned from the Civic's daily-driving flaws and found ways to improve them. For those who are wondering why the Integra Type S gained 36 pounds compared to the Honda, it's not because of unnecessary tech goodies. In fact, nearly all of that extra weight accounts for improved sound insulation inside, which dramatically reduces the obtrusive road noise found in the Civic Type R. The different stampings on the Integra's body also help to deter unwanted noise from the outside world, but no matter how inaudible the road's imperfections may be, the revised dampers in the Integra Type S better smooth them out, especially in the lightest Comfort setting. While the extra weight is a slight compromise, all of this makes for a noticeably more composed daily driver with a refined spin on the Civic Type R's enthusiastic driving character.

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Pros: Agile handling, sporty styling, comfortable for everyday use

The Six-Speed Manual Is Required

When we say the manual gearbox is required, we're not trying to drag you away from the automatic. Just like the Honda Civic Type R, there is no automatic. Instead, the gloriously precise six-speed manual sits alone on the configurator menu. While it's the same six-speed that's found in the Honda, it's wrapped in differences that further contribute to the Integra's focus on daily comfort––and we mean that literally. The stick shift is surrounded by soft leather that's more pleasing to the touch, unlike the bare-bones metal shift knob found in the Honda. But for those who don't want a constant reminder of the Integra Type S's more premium intentions, Acura dealers will be happy to install the more hardcore metal gear shift instead.

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Goodbye Faux Suede, Hello Leather

The Integra's cabin is a lightly reskinned version of the Civic's, though that's not neccesarily a bad thing as the Honda's interior is admittedly nice to begin with. But while the overall setup is familar, we prefer the Integra's leather-laden atmosphere over the bright red faux suede found inside the Civic. The materials alone make clear the key differences between the two, even before a moment behind the wheel fully unravels their personalities. A proper inspection of the cabin drives the point even further, with the perforated seats in the Integra Type S losing some of their bolstering, though that's not to say they've lost their firm grip. The front seats are also heated and 12-way power-adjustable, and sit a smidge taller compared to the Civic Type R. For those who favor the Honda's aggressive red and black interior theme, the Integra does offer a leather version of that color combination. For those who don't, black can also be paired with Ebony and Orchid.

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Cons: Heavier than its Honda relative, basic infotainment, starts at over $50K

Three Drive Modes

The Integra Type S comes with three separate damper modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. All of which turn things down a quarter of a notch compared to the Civic Type R, although the lighter damping almost makes the Comfort mode a bit too easygoing. Sure, the dampers drown out the noises and bumps, but Comfort mode almost diminishes the Integra's effort. Forunately, a trip through the Individual mode menu will do the trick, where the driver can turn up the effort levels in terms of steering and handling without having to opt for the Sport or Sport+ modes. Speaking of those higher modes, Sport and Sport+ manage to keep broken pavement in check while simultaneously opening up the Integra's willingness to hustle on more challenging courses. They also fully unleash the modified exhaust found in the Type S, which lacks the Civic Type R's front resonator to enable more of a deep growl. Going all the way up to Sport+ lets out a continuous roar with the occasional pops, something the Civic Type R can't do.

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Verdict: Tired of the Civic Type R's perennial desire to play all day? The Acura Integra Type S is a grown-up version that's willing to put its cherished track days aside and use its 320 hp for the daily commute instead.