Family gathering
hates being that smug classic car owner, but I couldn’t resist taking the Integra along to the recent Civic Type R launch. Not that I ever need an excuse to drive the DC2, but it always intrigues me to gain a little bit of perspective.
The new 316bhp Civic Type R (see Octane 211) is a monster, developing roughly 130bhp more than my Integra, but there are similarities. Neither looks particularly subtle (or pretty) but it’s the disregard for civility that gives both cars their character. On the road both display split personalities; both, when driven normally, are docile and easy to live with. Let’s not forget their excellent gearshifts, either.
Old and new cars are both exceptional to drive quickly, although ‘quickly’ arrives at an entirely different threshold in each. While there’s no doubting the DC2’s ability to get you into trouble on the road, we can only really push the Civic close to its limits on track. No 9000rpm symphony for the turbo car, but that’s just a reality of modern life.
I was also pleased to see the EP3 and FN2-generation Civic Type Rs available for short drives. The EP3 ‘breadvan’ really kickstarted the 200bhp hot hatch market in the early 2000s: it’s light, nimble and has a great engine and transmission. It’s already seeing a resurgence in values as good examples become thin on the ground. And, although the ‘spaceship’ FN2 has never been as highly regarded, I have a particular soft spot for this, too. Its ultra-firm (and less sophisticated) suspension came in for some criticism when new, but it has the same great drivetrain, fantastic interior and a much more attractive exterior.
Swapping straight back into the Integra, two things strike me. First, its compact size is refreshing. Then the tingling sensation on the back of my neck confirms my immediate second thought: I wouldn’t trade the Integra for any of the later models. It was one of a short list of cars that I genuinely lusted after as I was growing up, but when I bought this one in January 2020 as an early 30th birthday present to myself, I worried that it might not live up to expectations. Needlessly so, as it turns out.
While the year hasn’t been the most fulfilling in many respects, I have at least enjoyed putting some miles on the Integra. Aside from temporarily taking over daily duties last month while my Audi A2 was having its cooling system rebuilt, exhaust replaced and various other issues remedied, this trip to Oxfordshire was its final planned run before I wound down its use for the year. It’s earned a rest, and I want to get underneath it for some preventative maintenance.
Goodness knows what 2021 will hold in store, but I plan on making up for the lack of memorable birthday celebrations last year with a trip. Preferably to somewhere with excellent roads.