May 2002 Volume 83 Number 5 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Stand-out Integra

The new Honda Integra and Integra Type R coupé models will stand out in a crowd. They have a smart wedge-shaped profile, a long rear hatch window and large boot spoiler. Big bright tail lamps and a large chrome exhaust outlet highlight the rear end, while the front features a sloping bonnet, sporty air dam and bold front headlamps.

Inside are firm, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, which might not suit those in the XL size bracket. Adding to Integra’s sporty flavour is a small Momo steering wheel, drilled alloy pedals and large silver dials (backlit in red at night). Rear seat space is surprisingly roomy, as is the cargo area.

In addition to more powerful engines, the new Integra boasts improvements across the board, particularly in the areas of styling, performance, chassis design, safety and emissions.

These improvements were immediately obvious in the race-bread Integra Type R coupé the Police Journal test drove. Type R is one of the more powerful, naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre sports coupés available.

It features a sensational quick-changing, close-ratio, six-speed manual gear box that has to be one of the slickest in the business. The short-shift manual is precise, easy to use and offers a shift quality reminiscent of some race cars.

Under the bonnet is a high output version of Honda’s all-new 2.0-litre i-VTEC LEV engine, the first of Honda’s new generation engines sold in Australia. It can muster an impressive 147kW of power at 7,400rpm, which puts it ahead of Celica, equal to Nissan’s turbo-charged 200SX, and only 13kW behind Subaru’s WRX.

The rev-happy four supplies plenty of power all the way to redline (7,900rpm). Type R’s engine and gearbox combination is superb, and perfectly complemented by firm suspension and direct steering. It does, however, suffer a moderate dose of “torque-steer” under harsh acceleration.

The standard Integra five-speed manual ($37,950) has a detuned version (118kW) of the same 2.0-litre engine. This standard Integra, and the Type R ($43,950), feature:
• ABS brakes.
• Dual airbags.
• Alloy wheels.
• Remote locking
• Power windows.
• Four-speaker CD audio system.

Automatic climate-control air conditioning is standard on the base model Integra but a $2,000 option on Type R. A five-speed, sequential automatic transmission is available on base Integra for an additional $2,000.

Design advanced

Honda has taken a giant step forward in the design of its new CR-V. It looks purposeful and more agile. It is airy, comfortable and roomy inside, with enough space for a family of five. Honda has maintained its Real Time four-wheel-drive system which, essentially, drives the front wheels all the time. Torque, however, transfers to the rear wheels when slippage is detected.

The new CR-V boasts more power – up from a 2.0-litre to a 2.4-litre – without sacrificing fuel economy. It comes with a choice of two new transmissions: a sporty five-speed manual with short-shift throws, or an electronically-controlled, four-speed automatic with Grade Logic Control, which eliminates “gear hunting” on steep hills.

Honda claims the CR-V’s new chassis provides 50 per cent greater torsional rigidity and 30 per cent improved bending rigidity. New fully-independent front and rear suspensions, additional body cross members, and lower sub-frames and bumpers all add up to increased safety.

CR-V maintains virtually the same exterior dimensions, yet has more room inside. The re-designed dashboard incorporates a new handbrake and auto-shift lever, which provide more leg room and walk-through capability between the front seats. New split-fold and reclining rear seats provide a larger, more flexible cargo space of up to 952 litres.

A new two-way tailgate incorporates a flip-up glass window for easier access to small items. As in the previous model, the cargo floor can be removed and doubles as a picnic table. Once removed, a large, fully-lined storage bin is revealed.

On-road performance is very good. The new DOHC 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine produces 118kW of power at 6,000rpm and 220Nm of torque. In fact the auto version the Police Journal tested performed effortlessly on the highway and was spritely when overtaking. Engine and road noise are minimal, cornering is precise and ride quality good.

Both models, CR-V ($31,990) and CR-V Sport ($36,490), are comprehensively equipped with:
• Air conditioning
• Power windows.
• Remote locking.
• Dual airbags.
• Four-speaker CD audio systems.

Sport also features cruise control (on auto only), alloy wheels, ABS brakes with EBD, sunroof and fog lamps. Auto transmission adds $2,000.

The new CR-V is a significant improvement to a class leader.

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