Honda Integra (1985 – 1989) Review

Honda’s medium-sized family car sat between the Civic and the Accord. This version was launched in 1986 and went on sale with the Civic Shuttle’s 1.5-litre three-valves-per-cylinder engine and a choice of either four-speed auto or five-speed manual.

Power was an adequate 87bhp with the engine offering plenty of flexibility, but later in its lifecycle the car would get the CRX’s 1.6-litre 16-valve, which made it a slightly sportier proposition and allowed drivers to make the most of its excellent handling and ride.

It’s wedge-shaped styling and pop-up headlights will remind you of the Prelude, but the extra rear doors and decent boot made it a more than capable family car. It wasn’t too thirsty either, returning just over 30mpg. Perhaps its biggest weakness against more premium rivals was its lack of refinement.

That and the price. While the Accord was roughly the same price as the Austin Maestro 1.6 Mayfair, it was still almost £500 more than the homegrown Ford Escort. It never sold in high numbers, but it was a solid performer – both on the road and at the dealership.