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Affordable performance is alluring to folks with an eye on their budget. That’s a key reason why Acura’s Integra has developed a loyal following among young buyers.

For 2002, the Integra has been superseded by the wedgy RSX. Despite the name change, the Integra’s soul is alive and well in the new car. The name was changed to conform to the naming convention that Acura now uses for all of its models. There are two versions, one with 160 horsepower and the 200-horsepower Type S.

I drove a Type S and it is a hot little performer. It sends tingles through your toes when you nail the throttle and it screams up to 7,400 rpm. Getting 200 horsepower from a non-turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is quite a feat, but it is old hat for Acura, the American luxury division of Honda. The all-aluminum four-cylinder has dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Variable valve timing is a key ingredient in getting this engine to operate efficiently at both low and high rpm. Below 5,000 rpm it is docile and responsive, like a small economy sedan. Above 5,000 rpm it changes character quicker than Jekyl and Hyde. Its voice rises to a motorcyclelike wail and you have to shift quickly. Thankfully, a six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Type S. Flicking through the tightly spaced gears is a breeze because the stubby shift lever falls perfectly under your hand and the linkage has no play or looseness. Six gears gets the most out of the engine so it has quick acceleration in the city and relaxed cruising on the highway. Engine noise in the Type S is prevalent but not really objectionable. I have not driven the standard version for comparison.

The 160-horsepower model is available with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with sequential SportShift, but the Type S comes only with the six-speed, for obvious reasons. The RSX rides on Honda’s global platform, a chassis that will be used under a variety of vehicles in various countries. The dual-wishbone front suspension of the previous model has been replaced by a control-link MacPherson strut unit whose compact design is more space efficient. A compact dual-wishbone layout is used for the rear suspension.

Hardcore performance types will lament the fact that double wishbones are no longer used in front, but I found the RSX to be agile and responsive nevertheless. The Type S suspension has been recalibrated for tight handling, and it enables the driver to carve precise arcs through turns. The ride is firm, almost to the point of being objectionable on rough pavement, but it gives the car a sense of security and confidence.

Disc brakes are used on all four wheels, and the front ones of the Type S are larger to cope with the greater speed potential of the 200-horsepower engine. Braking is strong and sure. Anti-lock is standard.

The “driver-tuned” interior clearly reflects Acura’s desire to create a car that young drivers will relate to. Gauges and control knobs a cross the center of the instrument panel have a shiny silver finish that seemed a bit too bright for my taste, but then this car isnÕt really targeted at my age group. The radio is canted slightly toward the driver for more convenience. Standard equipment includes front and side airbags, automatic climate control, power windows, power mirrors, keyless remote, AM/FM/CD player with six speakers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Type S gets leather upholstery and a Bose seven-speaker stereo with six-disc CD changer.

Front seats are excellent. They are firm, form-fitting and do good job of cradling the occupant. The back seat in a sport coupe with a 101.2-inch wheelbase is going to be a tight squeeze, but it does fold down so the cargo area can be expanded. The hatchback opens wide for access to the trunk space.

Although the Integra nameplate may be gone, its performance spirit thrives in a worthy replacement, the RSX.

Price
The base price of our RS Type S is $23,170. Add freight and the sticker price is $23,650.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

Point: The Type S is delightful for the driving enthusiast. The 200-horsepower engine is strong and willing, the six-speed gearbox shifts with a flick of the wrist and the handling is responsive and agile.

Counterpoint: The Type S has a performance pedigree, and it shows with an engine that is slightly loud and a suspension that is firm to the point of being objectionable on rough pavement. If comfort is more important than performance, stick with the standard version.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.0-liter, 200-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: Six-speed Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 101.2 inches
Curb weight: 2,766 lbs.
Base price: $23,170
As driven: $23,650
Mpg rating: 24 city, 31 hwy.
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