In a world increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, the manual gearbox remains a cherished relic for driving enthusiasts. Its direct connection to the engine, the tactile engagement of gears, and the rewarding feeling of control are unmatched. For those who appreciate the art of driving, a manual transmission is not just a feature; it’s an experience.
Fortunately, 2017 saw a strong lineup of cars offering this engaging driving experience. Here are some of the best manual transmission cars that made their mark that year⁚
Sports Cars
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The Miata has long been the poster child for affordable, fun-to-drive roadsters, and the 2017 model was no exception. Its peppy engine, nimble handling, and precise shifting made it a joy to drive on winding roads.
- Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota 86⁚ This trio of affordable sports coupes shared a platform and offered a similar driving experience. Their lightweight design and rear-wheel drive layout made them excellent for spirited driving, while the manual transmission provided a direct connection to the car’s performance.
- Honda Civic Type R⁚ The return of the Civic Type R to the U.S. market was a welcome event for performance enthusiasts. Its turbocharged engine, aggressive styling, and sharp handling made it a true hot hatch, and the manual transmission was an integral part of its engaging driving experience.
Performance Sedans
- Ford Focus RS⁚ The Focus RS was a rally-inspired hot hatch that offered blistering performance and impressive handling. Its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system made it a force to be reckoned with, and the manual transmission allowed drivers to exploit its full potential.
- Subaru WRX STI⁚ The WRX STI was a performance sedan with a long history of rallying success. Its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive system, and aggressive styling made it a true performance machine, and the manual transmission provided a direct connection to its power.
Affordable Options
- Honda Fit⁚ The Honda Fit was a surprisingly fun-to-drive subcompact hatchback that offered a surprisingly engaging driving experience; Its peppy engine, nimble handling, and affordable price made it a great option for budget-minded drivers who appreciated the manual transmission.
- Mazda 3⁚ The Mazda 3 was a compact car that offered a refined driving experience. Its sharp handling, well-tuned suspension, and responsive engine made it a joy to drive, and the manual transmission added to its engaging nature.
Whether you were looking for a sporty roadster, a powerful sedan, or an affordable hatchback, 2017 offered a diverse selection of manual transmission cars that catered to a wide range of tastes and budgets. These cars provided a connection to the driving experience that was both rewarding and engaging, proving that the manual transmission was far from obsolete.