What is the Acura RSX in Japan?
The Acura RSX, a popular compact sports coupe in North America, has a different identity in Japan. Known for its sleek design, sporty performance, and reliability, this vehicle has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. However, its branding and market positioning vary depending on the region.
The Acura RSX's Japanese Identity
In Japan, the Acura RSX is sold under the Honda brand and is known as the Honda Integra. The Integra has a long-standing history in the Japanese domestic market (JDM) and is part of Honda's lineup of sporty, performance-oriented vehicles. The RSX nameplate was specifically created for the North American market as part of Acura's branding strategy to distinguish its luxury and performance vehicles from Honda's mainstream offerings.
Key Differences Between the Acura RSX and Honda Integra
While the Acura RSX and Honda Integra are essentially the same car mechanically, there are some differences in features and branding that cater to the preferences of their respective markets:
- Branding: The Acura RSX carries the Acura badge, which is Honda's luxury division in North America. In Japan, the same car is branded as the Honda Integra, reflecting Honda's focus on performance and innovation.
- Trim Levels: The Honda Integra in Japan often features trim levels and options that are tailored to the JDM market, including unique interior and exterior styling cues.
- Performance Variants: Japan has historically received high-performance versions of the Integra, such as the Type R, which is revered for its track-ready capabilities and lightweight design.
- Market Positioning: In North America, the RSX was marketed as a premium compact coupe under the Acura brand, while in Japan, the Integra was positioned as a sporty yet practical vehicle under the Honda lineup.
Why the Name Difference?
The difference in naming stems from Honda's global marketing strategy. Acura was established as a luxury and performance brand in North America to compete with other premium automakers. By contrast, in Japan, Honda's reputation for engineering excellence and performance was already well-established, making it unnecessary to create a separate brand for vehicles like the Integra.
Conclusion
Whether you know it as the Acura RSX or the Honda Integra, this vehicle remains a beloved choice for drivers seeking a blend of sporty performance and everyday practicality. Its dual identity highlights the importance of regional branding and market-specific strategies in the automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the crazy cars in Japan called?
So you've heard about Bosozoku cars and their connection to youth culture, rebelliousness and their loud and proud style. Imagine Japanese cars with flamboyant styles and roaring exhausts that can be heard before they are seen.
What is Acura in Japan?
Acura is the American luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles.
What is the Honda version of the RSX?
Honda Integra
The RSX name originally appeared on a rebadged Acura version of the Honda Integra sold in the United States from 2002 to 2006, but it will now adorn a compact electric SUV that Honda says will be smaller than the ZDX.
Does Japan get the Integra Type S?
Okay. So there it is the new Acura Integra Type S debuted in Japan. So basically the Acura Civic Type R same platform as the new fl5. It's got the same Turbo 2 liter inline four engine.
Has Honda trademarked the Acura RSX name in Japan?
Honda Motor Company has filed a new trademark for the name in Japan. Honda has filed a new trademark for the Acura RSX in Japan. RSX replaced the Acura Integra name in North America in the early 2000s. Honda could have filed the trademark to protect its intellectual property.
Is the Honda logo trademarked?
Trademarks. The trademark "Honda" and any other product names, service names or logos of Honda used, quoted and/or referenced in this Web Site are trademarks or registered trademarks of Honda or any of its affiliates.
Are the RSX and Integra the same?
It was introduced in North America on 2 July 2001 as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.
What was the RSX called in Japan?
Honda Integra
The Honda Integra (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ, Hepburn: Honda Integura), sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic.
What is the Honda RSX called?
Honda has already revived the Integra and Prelude nameplates in recent years. The original RSX was a rebadged version of the Honda Integra only sold in North America.
Is the Acura RSX coming back?
Acura RSX Is Back, This Time as an Electric Coupe SUV. The 2026 Acura RSX will be an evolution of the Performance EV concept, built on the same dedicated platform that will underpin the Honda 0-series. Acura's second EV, a crossover previewed by last year's Performance EV concept, will be called the RSX.
