Honda Integra Type S 2005 review

New lamps, some chrome on the grille, maybe fresh fabrics in the cabin. The latest Honda Integra looks more or less the same. But looks can be deceiving, and that's definitely true of the 2005 model Integra coupe.

Honda's engineers went back to the road to create the car they probably should have built in the first place, complete with a massive boost to body strength and an all-new sports model called the Type S.

The 2005 update means the Integra Type R is dead, but that's not a bad thing if you prefer to have performance with a little bit of comfort.

"The Type R was too extreme for many customers," Integra project chief Kenya Tsutsui says.

The fifth-generation Integra is his first sports car but he believes it is a good one, with massive changes from the model that introduced the current body shape.

"This car is the result of us trying to do more," Mr Tsutsui says. "For a so-called minor model change it is a major hardware change." It has meant big changes deep in the car, although the price has been held to $38,490 for the base model. There are two models now, the Luxury and the Type S, with the sports star coming in at $42,990 with a six-speed manual gearbox.

It takes a bit to see the lowered body, wider wheels, new lamps and interior tweaks, but it's impossible to see the real improvements to the Integra.

The front body structure has had a 22 per cent boost to its rigidity, with an 8 per cent improvement in the tail, and even the steering column is bigger and stronger. The suspension stroke has also been boosted. It's part of a package that is designed to make the car better over bumps, more enjoyable to drive, and far quieter and more relaxing than before. And it's an upgrade that goes across the Luxury and Type S models.

"One of our aims was to create the sophistication of the BMW M3. We wanted to do it at a more reasonable price," Mr Tsutsui says.

But the heart of the 2005 Integra is still the high-revving engine in the S.

"First is the engine. I think it's the most important thing," he says. Power is up by 7kW to 154kW in an engine that revs to 9100rpm, and torque is also up a little to 194Nm.

But Honda says there is no penalty at the pumps, provided you're happy to be putting premium unleaded in the tank, with a combined fuel figure of 9.4 litres/100km.

Other changes for the Type S are thicker stabiliser bars than the Luxury Integra, together with 17in alloy wheels wrapped by 45-series tyres, and a small rear spoiler. It also gets a six-stack CD player with MP3 player.

The Luxury comes with extra sound proofing, is still powered by a 118kW four-cylinder engine, and picks up the inevitable facelift work on the lamps, bumpers and even the exhaust tip. Equipment still includes automatic airconditioning, electric windows and mirrors, with anti-skid brakes, and front and side airbags.

Only a kid could love the old Integra Type R. It was too loud, too harsh ... too much of a few things and way not enough of others.

The new Type S gets around the shortcomings without compromising the enjoyment and should make a lot more people happy to have the sports Integra in the garage.

The Luxury Integra doesn't look much different, even though it is more refined to drive and should do well enough against rivals, including the Toyota Celica and Hyundai Tiburon. It even has an automatic for people who are buying a coupe, not a sports car.

So we devoted our driving to the Type S and found a car which is eager and enjoyable, but far less likely to give you a headache on a long trip. You can also keep your fillings in your teeth, instead of worrying about shaking them out in the Type R. The latest engine is still a screamer that's hooked to a six-speed manual gearbox, but it doesn't seem as raw despite the power-up work. That's partly down to extra soundproofing, but more to do with the body and suspension changes.

The new coupe feels more elegant in everything from the steering weight to the suspension action, so Tsutsui's team have hit their targets. Even the seats are more cushy without losing the support of the race-style buckets in the R, and the sound system and airconditioning are just what you'd expect in a Honda. Some people will be crying when they hear the Type R is dead, but the S should win far more friends.