Honda's New Look Integra

Honda has launched a revised RSX Acura in America, with more power for the range topping Type S and a fresh new face for all models.

Locally, however, this model is known as the Honda Integra, but whatever name you know it by, it clearly characterises the Japanese automaker's evolving design philosophy.

This sporty newfound take on exterior styling can be seen in the new AWD Legend (aka Acura RL), which you can read about here, and also in the new seven-seat people mover, the Odyssey.

Doing away with the swoopy cutouts at the lower edge of the headlight lenses, the new look 2005 Integra opts for a cleaner, more symmetrical look, albeit with a more intricate light globe array.

In Honda speak, they are "aggressive-looking tri-beam headlights" and together with the redesigned front fascia, the result is rather pleasing.

The Integra's profile hasn't changed since it was introduced in 2001, but together with the recent nip and tuck to the front and rear ends, it still retains an almost-timeless quality. And if it ain't broke...

Beyond developing its design philosophy, the big 'H' has also made a number of chassis tweaks to the Integra, and particularly the Type S.

The standard model Integra gets a choice of either 5-speed manual or automatic transmissions (the latter version reviewed here), while the range-topping Type S benefits from an exclusive close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox that in 2005 gets a lower final drive ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration.

Honda has also tinkered with suspension parameters in both standard and Type S models for 2005, including reduced ride height, retuned bushings, thicker stabiliser bars, firmer damper settings and inversely wound front coil springs that neutralise unwanted steering input caused by spring windup.

Taking its hero car one step further, the Type S also gets firmer springs and dampers and a front strut tower bar.

262mm ventilated disc brakes adorn the front wheels of the 2005 Integra, while 260mm solid discs share space with the rear wheels, while the performance oriented Type R gets bigger 300mm stoppers up front.

Other mechanical changes for 2005 include a quicker steering ratio and a more rigid steering column, and though the standard models still get the 16-inch alloy wheels, the Type S finally gets bigger 17-inch wheels, which together with the lower ride height gives it a much more purposeful stance than its predecessor.

Though the Integra's power output remains unchanged @ 118kW (160hp), Honda's resident engine tuners saw a need to add more herbs to the Type S.

The 4-cylinder 2.0-litre Type S engine is now fitted with high performance camshafts and delivers some 154kW (210hp) @ 7800rpm, up from 147kW (200hp). Enlarging the diameter of the intake duct by 10 percent and a larger exhaust pipe and free-flowing catalytic converter also contribute to the boost in power.

Torque has also increased from 192Nm to 194Nm @ 7000rpm, which is pretty average for 2.0-litre engine, but then its obvious that Honda went for a high rev ceiling (8100rpm) and peak power, rather than mid-range torque.

Inside, the new Integra features a driver-oriented cockpit that has been updated inline with the exterior changes. The seats have been redesigned with more supportive side bolsters and a thicker lower cushion for increased comfort on long drives and support during aggressive cornering.

Appealing titanium accents have been added to the seat headrests and to several key points around the cabin including the scuff plates and hand brake, and the safety features haven't been neglected either, with four airbags that can detect passenger seat height and position and deploy accordingly.

Together with the all-new Legend (RL) and even the new Odyssey, the refreshed Integra/RSX shows where Honda is heading in terms of its image, and it looks like being quite a exciting destination.

The new-look Integra (RSX) is quite an attractive yet modern looking vehicle, and it is always interesting to see what Japan's most technologically advanced automaker comes up with. Toyota may respond with an upgraded Celica, but rumours of its demise are gaining momentum, leaving Honda to simply scoop up the market share.