In a world increasingly dominated by automated transmissions, the allure of a traditional automatic or manual gearbox persists․ For those who cherish the tactile engagement and driver control these transmissions offer, 2018 presented a compelling selection of vehicles․ Here’s a look at some of the best cars available with these classic drivetrain options⁚
Contents
Manual Transmission Champions
Sports Cars
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The Miata remains the quintessential roadster, offering a pure driving experience with its nimble handling and engaging 6-speed manual․
- Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86⁚ These twins share a platform and a spirited engine, making them fantastic choices for enthusiasts seeking a rear-wheel drive sports car with a manual option․
- Honda Civic Type R⁚ With its powerful engine and track-focused chassis, the Civic Type R is a hot hatch that delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its manual transmission․
Sedans
- Honda Civic Si⁚ The Civic Si strikes a balance between performance and practicality, offering a fun-to-drive experience with its responsive engine and engaging manual gearbox․
- Ford Focus ST⁚ The Focus ST delivers a hot hatch experience with a potent engine and a well-tuned chassis, making it a compelling choice for manual transmission enthusiasts․
- Volkswagen GTI⁚ The GTI is a perennial favorite among hot hatch enthusiasts, offering a blend of performance, practicality, and a satisfying manual transmission experience․
Automatic Transmission Excellence
Luxury Sedans
- BMW 5 Series⁚ The 5 Series offers a sophisticated driving experience with its smooth and responsive automatic transmission․ The 8-speed unit seamlessly shifts through gears, providing a comfortable and engaging ride․
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class⁚ The E-Class is known for its refined driving experience, and its 9-speed automatic transmission contributes to its smooth and efficient operation․
- Audi A6⁚ The A6 combines luxury and performance with a sophisticated 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivers quick shifts and seamless acceleration․
SUVs
- Porsche Cayenne⁚ The Cayenne delivers a blend of luxury and off-road capability, with an 8-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth shifting and responsive performance․
- BMW X5⁚ The X5 is a versatile SUV with a refined driving experience, thanks in part to its 8-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth shifts and efficient operation․
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁚ The GLE-Class combines luxury with off-road capability, offering a comfortable and engaging driving experience with its 9-speed automatic transmission․
This list represents just a fraction of the vehicles available with traditional automatic and manual transmissions in 2018․ Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs․ Whether you seek the engaging feel of a manual gearbox or the convenience of an automatic, there’s a car out there that will satisfy your driving desires․