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By
EWAN KENNEDY
18 April 2005
Honda
has had its ups and downs with this mid-sized sports model.
Until a few years ago the Honda Integra was more of an
attractive cruiser than a true sports machine. A good looking
car that had reasonably quick performance but which was more of
a cruiser than a proper bruiser.
Before we belittle these early models, pre 2001, we should say
that the older Integra is almost a four-seater so makes a nice
family machine if the kids are still small. Making it a nice
compromise for the person who wants to have a nice sporting
machine, but who is forced by circumstances to lean in the
direction of practicality.
Then came the third-generation Honda Integra, with a special VTi-R
version in October 1999, and everything changed. The Integra
Type R, which is a semi-race machine that had been on sale in
Japan for quite some time before reaching Australia arrived in
limited numbers in August 2000, is a really hot little beast.
Type R is a car that’s really only aimed at the serious
driver, because it’s hard to live with as an everyday car.
Having introduced us to the delights of a genuine sports machine
in that first Type R, Honda went and spoiled things with the
fourth-generation Integra from August 2001. A much softer car
than its predecessor, though still a reasonably nice car to punt
hard, this car created a lot of poor publicity for Honda in
Australia.
It wasn’t until October 2004 that Honda woke up to itself and
brought in another ‘proper’ sports Integra, this time tagged
as the Type S. You’ll be struggling to find one of these
late-model hot Honda Integras on the used-car market at this
early stage, but you never know your luck.
But let's back of from the super-hot models for a moment and
acknowledge that there are plenty of other good variants in the
Integra stable. These are not only better priced than the hot
versions, but are easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.
Principally because you don’t have to rev their engines to the
heavens to get the best from them. But also because the
suspension is softer and easier on the backside.
Engines are 1.8 litres until the fourth-generation model of
2001, when the capacity climbed to 2.0 litres. However, Honda's
ability to get big power from smallish engines is renowned and
the hottest of them all, the limited edition Type R of 2000
managed a hefty 141 kW from its 1.8 litre.
Transmission choices are five-speed manual in most models, with
the Type R and Type S getting six-speed manuals. Four-speed
automatic transmissions with a conventional change were offered
until the 2001 fourth-generation Integra arrived with a
five-speed auto using sequential manual overrides.
Even the standard models handle pretty well, with good turn in
and not too much understeer if pushed. The hot sports models are
amazingly good for front-wheel drive cars, but can be harsh in
their ride. The first Type R was particularly poor in this
regard.
There is a good number of Honda dealers Australian wide, with
this Japanese company being reasonably well represented in
country areas. Spare parts and servicing are usually well
priced, with Honda having put some hard work into pulling prices
down a few years back when it had a reputation for charging top
dollar for spare bits.
Insurance charges are about average for a sporting coupe,
meaning fairly expensive but not outrageously so. Few companies
seem to understand that there are some really hot variants
amongst them.
All Integras are well built in the Japanese manner and the
combination of sportiness and quality means they retain their
value well.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Beware of the Honda Integra that has been thrashed by
a sporting driver, either one who has taken it to race tracks on
club days, or has delighted in traffic-light drag racing. Look
for a body kit, extra instruments or an large exhaust as cues as
to hard driven cars.
Excessive brake-pad dust, usually at its worst on the insides of
the front wheels and calipers, is another indication of hard
driving.
Make sure that the engine starts properly and idles easily. The
sports engines are complex items, particularly for their day,
and should be checked by a Honda dealer, or at least a
specialist at a motoring association.
Pay attention to the transmission during your road test and be
sure it works smoothly and easily with a minimum of noise.
Look over the interior for signs of damage, though they usually
age well. Listen for squeaks or rattles inside the car during
the test drive, finding a rough road will assist you in this.
CAR BUYING TIP
Sports models in some cars are driven much harder than in other
ranges, work out the sort of driver who likes the types of cars
you’re considering. (Cue: look for what the street louts are
driving!)
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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