The classic Integra nameplate has been revived by Honda's Acura luxury division in the aim of achieving success in the entry-luxury small segment. The all-new Integra replaces the outdated ILX sedan, an entry-luxury compact that struggled to build a name for itself in the market. This Acura resurrects a legendary name to fight in the entry-luxury segment, which is dominated by small, luxury-badged vehicles like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes A-Class, and Audi A3. Those are mostly cynical pitches for status chasers, just decent automobiles that don't give the best of their brands.

The new Acura is built on the same platform as the all-new Honda Civic. It has the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the Civic Si and a six-speed manual transmission (an automatic comes standard). The Integra is enjoyable to drive and has a somewhat more upscale presence than the Civic, but it lacks the luxury features offered in competitors such as the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-class.

Related: Here's Why You're Wrong About The New Acura Integra

The New Acura Integra's Powertrain

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via: Acura

The new Integra comes standard with a Honda Civic Si-derived 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. All variants are front-wheel drive and have a continuously variable transmission as standard equipment (CVT). A six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential are available as options on A-Spec cars. An adaptive suspension system is available as well, and the A-Spec variant adds an Individual driving mode to the Integra's drive-mode selector switch which allows drivers to remember a customized setting.

The most fuel-efficient Integra model, according to the EPA, is the base car with the CVT, which gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. The Integra will be able to compete with its main competitor, the Audi A3 which gets 29-mpg in the city and 38-mpg on the interstate. Fuel efficiency estimates drop to 26-mpg city and 36-mpg highway when you upgrade to the A-Spec specification with the manual transmission.

Interior Compartment And Infotainment System Of The New Acura Integra

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via: Acura

Despite the fact that the cabin shares a lot of elements with the Honda Civic, Acura has done a good job of making it look like it belongs in the Acura lineup, drawing styling cues from the TLX sedan and RDX SUV. Standard features include heated sport seats with faux-leather upholstery and eight-way power adjustments for the driver; A-Spec models with the Technology package add faux-suede inlays to the seats alongside 12-way power adjustments for the driver and four-way power adjustments for the front passenger. Although the rear seat is large enough to accommodate two adults, there is a dearth of creature comforts that may deter premium purchasers.

The Integra series includes a 10.2-inch digital gauge display with customizable information for the driver. The Integra comes standard with a 7.0-inch infotainment display, a bigger 9.0-inch display is also available as an option; both avoid the vexing touchpad controller featured in earlier Acura models. On A-Spec vehicles, the larger touchscreen is part of the Technology package, which also includes a wireless smartphone charging pad, a 5.3-inch head-up display, and three USB-C charging outlets.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on all models, but only those with the Technology package get wireless connectivity for both capabilities. A conventional eight-speaker radio system is included, but an ELS Studio 3D premium stereo system with a whopping 16 speakers is also available.

Related: Everything We Love About The New Acura Integra (And 1 Thing We Hate)

The New Acura Integra Features A Rather Funny Easter Egg

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via: HondaProJason

HondaProJason shared a new Instagram video that demonstrates one neglected Honda feature still in the Integra — the Civic's Easter egg. Honda included special Easter eggs in the 10th-generation Civic, including a rubber pad fitted in the center console that depicted various snippets of Honda history. In the same location, the 11th-generation Civic has its own Easter egg, which depicts a first-generation Civic from the 1970s.

In the video, the Acura also features an Easter egg. Jason enters the center console, removes the carpet, and flips it over to show the boxy Civic hatch and the inscription "The CIVIC history goes on..." beneath it. Other Civic touches can be found in the Integra, but Acura did a fantastic job of encasing them in premium materials as well as a high-quality fit and finish. The Civic-branded center console mat doesn't detract from the Acura's unique design. The car's overall appearance is sportier than the Civic Si on which it is based, with Acura taking the best features from Honda's sporty car. The steering ratio, for example, was altered by Acura.

The powertrain remained unchanged, with the Integra receiving the Si's turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It has the same 200-hp and 192Ibs-ft of torque as the previous model. The engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission. For years, automakers have hidden Easter eggs in their automobiles, including clever callbacks and other allusions to their past. When automakers troll one other, as the TRX did with the F-150 Raptor, it's called "trolling." Honda has done it before, and the 12th-generation Civic is expected to have another Easter Egg.