For Honda lovers, of course, you know the Honda Integra. This car is indeed more famous in the racing arena and also in the world of game consoles. As for the history, it turns out that many of the Honda lovers don’t even know about the Honda Integra.
In fact, there are 4 generations of Honda Integra ever born into the world. The four of them in the country are two-door sedans that always tempt big-time collectors. In addition to its small population, its performance and handling are also amazingly solid.
It’s no wonder that Integra has been named The Best Front Wheel Drive Cars of All Time, especially for the Type R model. Let’s just discuss how the origin of the birth of this Honda Integra.
Honda Integra Gen 1
Before discussing the first generation, you must first know about its origin. The Integra itself is a two-door sedan that was originally intended for the North American market. Production itself began from 1986 to 2006 ago. In Japan, it has the name Honda Integra. But in the United States, the name is Acura Integra. Acura itself is a Japanese automotive company that is intended for the luxury car division of Honda. Like Toyota with Lexus, now the Acura is the Lexus version on Honda. Before carrying the luxury car brand, initially Acura was aimed at cars with simple designs at low prices. But the quality is not cheap either.
The first generation Honda Integra was first born in Japan in February 1985. The base was taken from the Honda Quint or Acura Integra and Rover. This first generation was produced from 1986 to 1989. Its characteristic is to use a box body design, pop up lights similar to the Prelude. Two-door cars with body codes DA1 to DA4 are offered with 2 engine options. Namely the capacity of 1,500 cc and 1,600 cc with two choices of 5-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic.
This first generation is also the first Acura Integra model introduced in North America. The car became the first Japanese car to immediately get the image of a luxury car at a fairly affordable price at that time.
For the American market, Honda also released the Integra with a 4-door sedan version. So that the US people at that time could choose a car that suits their taste and budget. Since then, the name Honda Integra or Acura Integra in the US and Japan has skyrocketed.
Honda Integra Gen 2
The second generation was introduced in 1989, to be precise in April. The body code in this second generation uses DA5, DA9, DB1 and DB2. For the Japanese market, the second generation Integra is the first car to use VTEC technology. VTEC Kickin yo!
There are two types that are quite a favorite at that time. The first is the RSi and XSi types. RSi type is the lowest type with the most standard appearance. He is not equipped with a rear spoiler and climate control which is offered as an optional.
For the XSi type, it is equipped with a rear spoiler, climate control, sunroof and brakes with ABS. The XSi version also comes with a faster engine than the RSi. XSi can accelerate from rest to 100 km / h in just 7.2 seconds. Then there is also a 4-door model with the ESi type for the Japanese market.
Honda itself at that time had several competitors for the Integra. One of them is the Toyota Corolla Ceres, Sprinter Marino, Nissan Presea and Mazda Lantis. For the American market, Integra is sold in three types, namely Regular Sport (RS), Luxury Sport (LS) and Grand Sport (GS).
Oh yes, if you look at the design, this 2nd generation Integra is similar to the Honda Grand Civic but a 2-door version. The hood looks flat with elongated headlights. On the side there is a body trim made of black rubber.
Honda Integra Gen 3
In 1993, Honda re-released the next generation Integra. This third generation is arguably the generation with the longest production period in Integra’s history. Because the production lasted from 1993 to 2001.
In this third generation, the design is more modern. The shape is no longer boxy, but has put forward a more subtle aesthetic value. This third generation Integra body code uses the DB6, DB9 and DC series.
There are 3 engine variants that are planted in the third generation Integra. Starting from 1,600 cc SOHC, 1,800 cc DOHC and 1,800 DOHC VTEC. This front-wheel drive car is offered in 2 transmission options. Namely 5 speed manual with close ratio and 4 speed automatic.
In this generation, Honda also released the Integra Type R version. The Honda Integra Type R was only available for the Japanese market. In Japan, this car is also only sold in the Honda Verno network. FYI, the third generation Honda Integra with the body code DB9 is the only variant equipped with all-wheel drive. And this third generation Integra is also not sold for the European market at all.
Honda Integra Gen 4
For Initial D lovers, you will definitely be familiar with this car. Because the Honda Integra DC2 Type R is present in the anime which is famous for its white Toyota AE86 car. Senior reviewer Richard Hammond once said that the Honda Integra, especially the Type R, was a car for true Honda purists.