Honda Integra Type R new shape (DC5)

[campbell]

I have always fancied one of these since a feature in EVO a few years ago.

Sample image for those unfamiliar with this closely kept secret track-oriented weapon from Japan...



Any views or opinions on the Integra generally? Interested in any stories from former owners.

thanks

Campbell

PS - it could mean that the family wagon is on ice for a couple more years...sheesh, the Golf can cope I guess The clear advantage is the Integra does have 4 seats and decent sized boot so would complement it well

[woody]

as a family wagon - top petrolhead choice! I really like and respect them, as you'll probably know, they've the 220bhp K20, slip unit and Honda japan have kept the hydrualic pas for better feel


Dont suffer a great deal of depreciation, but when i looked at them were pretty uninsurable due to being an import and my age. Mate a work had one and loved it.

[campbell]

Yep, that's what I feared! Nothing to touch them. Was followed round KH by one once, mighty impressed.

And - saddo family mode on - I was truly impressed by the interior space and practicality. Not that we'd pile into it 4-up for a holiday, but great for short blasts for days out etc I'd imagine.

But would I sell the Elise to have one....Hm....now that would need some thinking through

[ed]

Ive been out in one on track and was very impressed. Again import only so insurance aint cheap. Corbie has one so im sure he can fill you in with more detail!

[r10crw]

I took a shot of corbies when he was up at mine and quite liked it. The engine takes a little getting used to cause its very peaky, needs to be kept above 5800. They look stunning and are very practical with a massive boot and very comforatable hugging seats. One thing I didn't like was the steering, thought it was quite invasive when cornering hard, felt like it was fighting me all the time. Other than that id totally recommend one, corbies in Hong Kong just now but when hes back im sure hell fill you in with all the details.
Cheers Craig.

[Dominic]

I have never driven one, but have heard many great reports on them. Would not change elise for one thou.

As front wheel drive goes, from what I have read, it must be one of the best.

[campbell]

Ta for all the feedback...it's not helping to discourage me, that's for sure!

The one thing that some who know me well might pick out is the revvy nature of the engine. I am a torque-boy at heart and have usually steered away from cars that need their knackers revved off 'em to perform.

However there is a Jekyll and Hyde aspect to the Integra I think, in that it would prove a commendable commuter / m-way vehicle with a credible 38mpg available when off-cam...but offers some fun on the twisty stuff when you want to go for it. My new Sabre conversion is gradually educating me in the ways of high-revving engines you see

Look forward to hearing from Corbie - I will PM him to be sure!

Campbell

[simon]

Best person to ask would be Scott Francis as he went from S1 - DC5 - Exige

[Andy G]

test drove the version they sent to North America (acura RSX TypeR) and felt like i was driving a sowing machine. Needed to flog the arse of it for any performance. The rest of the time it was like driving my mates civic 1.6


didn't buy it

[mac]

test drove the version they sent to North America (acura RSX TypeR) and felt like i was driving a sowing machine.

Thought you would have left that kind of stuff to your mum - just like your washing



Mac

[jj]

Good looking cars (for jap stuff) and I prefer the last shape (the one they sold here) to the DC5 I think. Older ones look to be going downhill in the image department though, or maybe its cos I am in the city - seen a fair few with nonsense stuck to them of late.

test drove the version they sent to North America (acura RSX TypeR) and felt like i was driving a sowing machine.

Thought you would have left that kind of stuff to your mum - just like your washing



Mac

Surely Andy wouldnt have his Mum out in the fields doing manual labour?

[Fluoxetine]

I have always fancied one of these since a feature in EVO a few years ago.

Sample image for those unfamiliar with this closely kept secret track-oriented weapon from Japan...



Any views or opinions on the Integra generally? Interested in any stories from former owners.

thanks

Campbell

PS - it could mean that the family wagon is on ice for a couple more years...sheesh, the Golf can cope I guess The clear advantage is the Integra does have 4 seats and decent sized boot so would complement it well

Looks like that picture was taken at Dicksons of Dunblane...

...Heard some mixed reviews regarding their pricing structure, but guess that they're the only place in Scotland (UK too?) specialising in them...

Wouldn't worry too much about the insurance - After all, I managed to get Privilege / Direct Line to cover me for an import Impreza STi Type R at the grand old age of 24 for under £1k...

Be sad to see the S1 go though...Can't be many left who are still with the original purchasers...Remember that loooong wait from ordering at MMC to delivery in 1999...?

[Gareth]

I'll put you off Campbell...I would quite like one.

[SteveBanks]

My mate had an original '98 model and I used to drive it quite a lot. If my shed budget increased, it would be top of the list for the reasons you stated - practical (compared to an elise), docile and economical when you want and good fun on the back roads. I think the engine is comparable to the toyota (Exige) but the lack of torque is more noticeable due to the excess weight. I think the 2nd cam kicked in around 4k but I remember driving it up the Cairn 'O Mount and it was hard work - my mate always moaned about heading over there because he couldn't keep up with the Elise so we swapped cars to prove the point. He was right, I just couldn't keep it in 2nd cam and it just wasn't any fun.

Great handling for a front wheel drive with really controllable lift-off oversteer but I didn't like the way you had to fight with the steering wheel on bumpy back roads when trying to put the power down. Really noticeable after jumping straight out of the Elise. I think you can compare the difference between the 2 models to the difference between S1 and S2 elises. The first is more hardcore and lighter, the 2nd is more refined with extra power but heavier. Bear in mind I haven't driven a DC5 though so as Si says, best person to speak to is ScottF.

[campbell]

Looks like that picture was taken at Dicksons of Dunblane...

...Heard some mixed reviews regarding their pricing structure, but guess that they're the only place in Scotland (UK too?) specialising in them...

Wouldn't worry too much about the insurance - After all, I managed to get Privilege / Direct Line to cover me for an import Impreza STi Type R at the grand old age of 24 for under £1k...

Be sad to see the S1 go though...Can't be many left who are still with the original purchasers...Remember that loooong wait from ordering at MMC to delivery in 1999...?

Trainspotter!

Wasn't all that impressed with Dicksons sales guys, although one was clearly much more knowledgeable and less smart-assed than the other. I believe this lot are pretty expert too - http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/integra.asp. Have read about their pedigree in EVO mag and plan to have a chat with them at some point.

Of course letting the Elise go is almost certainly not a route I'd follow...but just playing with the potential options! Parenthood has its compromises...