In the automotive world, the debate between automatic and manual transmissions has raged for decades․ While automatics offer convenience and ease of use, manuals provide a more engaging and rewarding driving experience․ For those who appreciate the tactile connection and control that a manual transmission offers, 2016 provided a solid selection of vehicles․ Let’s explore some of the best cars from that year that still offer the option of a traditional automatic or manual gearbox․
Sports Cars
1․ Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, a perennial favorite among enthusiasts, continued its reign as the quintessential affordable roadster․ The 2016 model offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, both of which paired well with the peppy 2․0-liter engine․ The Miata’s lightweight design and responsive handling made it a joy to drive, especially with the manual gearbox․
2․ Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota 86
The Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S (now discontinued), and Toyota 86 were essentially identical twins under the skin, sharing a rear-wheel drive platform and a naturally-aspirated 2․0-liter boxer engine․ All three offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, allowing enthusiasts to choose their preferred driving experience․ These sporty coupes were known for their balanced handling and engaging driving dynamics․
3․ Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro, a muscle car icon, returned for 2016 with a completely redesigned platform․ The 2016 Camaro offered a range of engine options, including a 2․0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3․6-liter V6․ While the 2․0-liter engine came standard with a 6-speed manual, the V6 and V8 engines were available with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission․ The Camaro’s muscular styling and powerful engine options made it a true performance machine․
Sedans
4․ Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, a perennial favorite in the compact sedan segment, received a major redesign for 2016․ The 2016 Civic offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and a CVT (continuously variable transmission)․ While the CVT provided smooth acceleration, the manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience․ The Civic’s fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and sharp handling made it a well-rounded choice․
5․ Mazda3
The Mazda3, another popular compact sedan, offered a compelling blend of style, performance, and value․ The 2016 Mazda3 offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission․ The manual gearbox provided a more engaging driving experience, while the automatic was smooth and efficient․ The Mazda3’s sharp handling and well-appointed interior made it a strong competitor in the segment․
Hatchbacks
6․ Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf, a European hatchback with a cult following, continued to offer a manual transmission option in 2016․ The 2016 Golf offered a choice between a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission․ The manual gearbox provided a more engaging driving experience, while the dual-clutch automatic offered lightning-fast shifts․ The Golf’s versatility, practicality, and fun-to-drive nature made it a popular choice․
7․ Ford Focus
The Ford Focus, a popular compact hatchback, offered a choice between a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission in 2016․ The manual gearbox provided a more engaging driving experience, while the automatic was smooth and efficient․ The Focus’s sporty handling, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency made it a compelling choice․
Trucks and SUVs
8․ Ford F-150
The Ford F-150, a best-selling pickup truck, continued to offer a manual transmission option in 2016․ The 2016 F-150 offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission․ The manual gearbox provided a more engaging driving experience, while the automatic was smooth and efficient․ The F-150’s powerful engine options, rugged durability, and towing capacity made it a popular choice for work and play․
9․ Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler, a legendary off-road vehicle, continued to offer a manual transmission option in 2016․ The 2016 Wrangler offered a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission․ The manual gearbox provided a more engaging driving experience, while the automatic was smooth and efficient․ The Wrangler’s legendary off-road capabilities, iconic design, and open-air experience made it a true icon․
Conclusion
While automatic transmissions have become increasingly popular in recent years, the manual transmission remains a popular choice among driving enthusiasts․ The cars listed above represent just a few of the many vehicles that offered a manual transmission option in 2016․ For those who appreciate the tactile connection and control that a manual transmission provides, these vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and driving enjoyment․ As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the manual transmission will continue to thrive․ However, for now, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of a traditional and engaging driving experience․