Honda DC5.I Integra (2001-04)

Overview

Released in August 2001, the Honda DC5 Series I (DC5.I) Integra was a three-door, front-wheel drive liftback. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the Integra range initially consisted of an unnamed, entry-level Integra and the performance-oriented Type R. In 2002, the range was expanded with limited-run Special Edition models, though these gave way to the Luxury variants in 2003.

K20A3 and K20A2 engines

The Integra variants were powered by Honda’s K Series engines which had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinders, roller rockers to reduce friction and Honda’s i-VTEC system which consisted of:

Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) which could select from two camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations; and,
Continuously variable timing of camshaft phasing on the intake camshaft (Variable Timing Control or VTC).

The standard Integra models were powered by Honda’s K20A3 engine which had a compression ratio of 9.8:1 and engaged the high rpm VTEC camshaft profile at 2200 rpm. The Type R, however, was fitted with the K20A2 engine which had a compression ratio of 11.0:1 and the VTEC system also applied to the exhaust valves (intake valves only for the K20A3 engine); the high rpm VTEC camshaft profile engaged at 5800 rpm.

Dimensions and body

Compared to its DC2/DC4 Integra predecessors, the DC5 Integra was 20 mm longer (at 4400 mm), 15 mm wider (1725 mm) and 65 mm taller (1400 mm), but had the same length wheelbase. Furthermore, the DC5 Integra body achieved a 116 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and a 35 per cent increase in bending rigidity.

Suspension

The DC5 Integra had ‘Control-Link’ strut-style front suspension and compact double wishbone rear suspension.

Honda DC5.I Integra specifications
	Year	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Integra	2001-04	2.0-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 5sp auto	118 kW at 6500 rpm	191 Nm at 4000 rpm
Integra Luxury	2003-04	2.0-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 5sp auto	118 kW at 6500 rpm	191 Nm at 4000 rpm
Integra Type R	2001-04	2.0-litre petrol I4	6sp man.	147 kW at 7400 rpm	192 Nm at 6000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the DC5 Integra included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners; the Special Edition and Luxury variants were also fitted with front seat-mounted side (thorax) airbags.

Brakes

The standard Integra variants had 262 mm front brake discs and 260 mm rear discs. The Integra Type R, however, had 300 mm ventilated front brake discs (and 260 mm rear discs).

Features: Integra and Integra Luxury

Standard features for the entry-level Integra included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning (except for the Type R), one-piece bucket seats, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Integra Luxury added leather seats, a power sunroof and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Features: Integra Type R

Compared to the standard Integra, the Type R omitted climate control air conditioning but featured suede Recaro front seats, a Momo steering wheel, body kit and aluminium pedals, foot rest and gearshift knob. The Type R was fitted with 16-inch Enkei alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 Bridgestone RE030 tyres and a torque-sensing limited slip differential.

2002 Integra Special Edition

In June 2002, a limited run Special Edition was released. Based on the entry-level Integra, the Special edition added leather seats, front fog lights, a power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, body kit and front passenger map lights.

Honda DC5.II Integra (2004-06)