In a world increasingly dominated by automatics, finding a midsize car with a manual transmission can feel like a treasure hunt․ But for those who crave the pure driving experience and the engagement that comes with rowing your own gears, the manual transmission remains a cherished option․ Here are some of the best midsize cars with manual transmissions for 2018⁚
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has long been a favorite among enthusiasts, and its 2018 iteration is no exception․ The Civics sporty handling, peppy engine, and available 6-speed manual transmission make it a joy to drive․
Mazda3
The Mazda3 is another excellent choice for drivers who appreciate a well-balanced driving experience․ Its sharp steering, responsive engine, and available 6-speed manual transmission combine to create a car thats both fun and engaging to drive․
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is known for its all-wheel drive capability and its rugged, practical nature․ However, it also offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience, especially with its available 6-speed manual transmission․
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a classic hatchback thats known for its European handling and refined driving experience․ The Golfs available 6-speed manual transmission adds to its appeal, making it a great choice for drivers who want a car thats both fun and practical․
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of manual transmissions, but its actually a surprisingly good option․ The Elantras available 6-speed manual transmission is smooth and responsive, and its paired with a peppy engine that makes the car fun to drive․
Choosing the Right Manual Transmission Car
When choosing a manual transmission car, its important to consider your individual needs and preferences․ Some factors to consider include⁚
- Driving Style⁚ Do you prefer a sporty driving experience or a more relaxed ride?
- Fuel Economy⁚ Manual transmissions can often provide slightly better fuel economy than automatics․
- Features and Options⁚ Make sure the car has the features and options that are important to you․
- Price⁚ Manual transmission cars are often less expensive than their automatic counterparts;
By carefully considering your needs, you can find the perfect manual transmission car for your next ride․
Beyond the Basics⁚ Finding Your Perfect Match
The cars listed above represent just a starting point․ The world of manual transmission midsize cars offers a range of options, from fuel-efficient hatchbacks to performance-oriented sedans․ Heres how to find the one that truly fits your needs⁚
1․ Consider Your Priorities
- Fuel Efficiency⁚ If youre looking to save money at the pump, consider a car with a smaller engine or a hybrid option․ The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra stand out in this category․
- Performance⁚ Want a car that truly excites you? Look for a car with a powerful engine and a well-tuned manual transmission․ The Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf deliver both fun and performance․
- Space and Practicality⁚ Need room for passengers and cargo? Hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza offer a balance of practicality and driving enjoyment․
2․ Test Drive, Test Drive, Test Drive!
Nothing beats the experience of getting behind the wheel․ Test drive several cars with manual transmissions to see how they feel․ Pay attention to⁚
- Clutch Feel⁚ Is the clutch engagement smooth and predictable?
- Shifting Experience⁚ Are the gears easy to engage and feel well-spaced?
- Overall Driving Experience⁚ Does the car feel responsive and fun to drive?
3․ Dont Forget about Safety and Technology
Just because youre choosing a manual transmission doesnt mean you have to sacrifice modern safety features and technology․ Many of the cars listed above offer advanced driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking․ Look for cars with the features that are important to you․
The Thrill of the Manual
Driving a manual transmission car is more than just getting from point A to point B․ Its about engaging with the car, feeling the connection between your actions and the vehicles response․ Its about mastering a skill thats becoming increasingly rare, and experiencing the joy of pure, unadulterated driving․ So, take the plunge, find your perfect manual transmission midsize car, and rediscover the thrill of the road․