The new Integra has just been released here and they got a demo car at the local dealer yesterday. Unfortunately they wouldn't let me drive it even though we turned up in our R. The sales guy said to come back in a few weeks when the hype has died down, so we'll see what happens then!!

As for the car, I actually liked it, but it did look kinda tall and narrow. Liked the interior as well, although it didn't have the same feel as the DC2, didn't grab me like the DC2 did when I first sat in it.

For the time I'm not tempted to change, maybe I'll think about it when used JDM spec cars start coming in to the country or if Honda bring in the full JDM spec.................

Sam

 

So are you guys in New Zealand getting the REAL JDM ITR, or is it the Type S powered one (with R badging) that the Aussie's are getting?

 

When the hype dies down? What kinda excuse is that? Shouldn't they use the "hype" to their advantage to sell more cars?

 

I am in singapore currently and lucky enuff to test drive my friend's full JDM DC5. I will tell you guys comparison with the AU Spec JDM when i am back. But to tell you the truth, i am not interested with AU Spec anymore and thinking of getting JDM myself. Anybody interested to join a group buy, come on aussie.

 

Bob, yes we get the same spec as the Aussies but we do have the advantage that you can import cars here from Japan very easily so we should have 2nd hand JDM specs arriving with in the year!!!

Euro, I know what you mean, the sales people weren't exactly interested in making a sale either. Also I can't help but think that if I was 10yrs older I would have driven one already...

Sam

P.S I'm 22 not 16 so I thought I might have had some chance.

 

I actually thought we might be getting the JDM spec R.... but nope, couldn't see those brembos or those 17s it's retailing for NZ$44,500. Not worth it IMO, might as well get a S15 spec R or spend a little more on a hard-top S2000.

Sam, when/if you switch to DC5 R, i got first dips on your DC2 R!

 

Too bad you have to go out of your way to find a real R though.... If they do that in the U.S., we will be screwed. You are close enough that you can import the car. To bring a Japanese car into the U.S. would easily end up costing you 2x it's initial value.

 

Lyonel, A Nissan! what are you thinking
OK, If we ever part with it you can have first dibs

 

Yeah, we're lucky we don't have the legal and emissions hassles you guys have. But then, on the other hand, we don't have a local car industry anymore either

 

I guess the best solution is to move to JAPAN!!!!

 

I think they didn't let you drive because you have an DC2R and they know you will be disapointed and not going to buy it anyway......

 

Well I drove that car you are talking about so maybe can give you an insight as to what it's like..

The DC5R we get here is:
full R interior
200 HP Motor
6 Speed Close Ratio
LSD
16" Type S wheels
Full Bodykit
Climate Control (Standard)

My R has:
JDM 4-1 Header (wrapped)
Field Vtec Controller
Testpipe
Aftermarket Filter in factory Airbox
Bilstein/Neuspeed Suspension
BBS RK/SO2-PP 215/40/17


Looks wise it was quite nice if a little high, better than a stock DC2R. My DC2R is lowered etc which made it look like a hot-rod in comparison to the DC5R. The general fit and feel was good but the whole thing screamed GSR replacement apart from the interior and rear wing. No red valve cover, Brembos etc. The wheels are the same as our base model just painted. Being an ex 97 Prelude owner I could see Prelude like stying cues in the design like the rear guards and rear bumper.

I drove the DC5R by myself for about 10 minutes in a combination of city street and highway driving.

Firstup I noticed the steering was heavyish but without feel and the car had a indifferent feel over bumps. Not responsive just indifferent, very similar to the Nissan S15.

Gearchange was good but not the marvel that everyone has been talking about. It felt just like how I expect a Honda cable shift to feel (Used to have a prelude Type SH). Definately lighter than the DC2R but with a touch less feel. I think the DC2R suffers with the lack of triple cone syncros in 1 & 2 which to me is the biggest advantage of the new one.

Acceration was okay but quite mild. The car was still very tight so I was going easy on it. My impression is that it does have more down low which gives the feeling of not having that much top end (again probably not helped by the tight engine). Engine note was a pretty dissapointing drone.

Handling wise it felt as firm as a stock DC2R but less hardcore. Mine has gone firmer than stock so there was a bit difference in the way the cars felt. The new cars feels more refined but detached at the same time.

All in all it is still a good car with a lot of tuning potential but I don't think most DC2R owners will want to rush out and buy it unless they have to be seen in the latest model. After driving it my impression was that I would probably need a JDM spec one to make the changeover more worthwhile.

I look forward to reading other comments from DC2R owners who have driven the Aust/NZ spec DC5R.

David.