In a world increasingly dominated by automatics‚ the manual transmission remains a cherished relic for driving enthusiasts․ It’s a connection‚ a visceral experience that allows drivers to truly engage with their vehicles․ For those who appreciate this connection‚ 2014 offered a diverse range of manual transmission cars‚ each with its own unique character and appeal․
Sports Cars
- Porsche 911⁚ The iconic 911‚ in its 991 generation‚ offered a pure driving experience․ Its naturally aspirated flat-six engine and precise six-speed manual gearbox made it a true driver’s car․
- Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S⁚ These twins‚ sharing a platform and powertrain‚ offered affordable sports car thrills․ Their lightweight design and responsive handling made them a joy to drive on winding roads․
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The Miata‚ a legend in its own right‚ remained a top choice for enthusiasts․ Its lightweight‚ nimble chassis and rev-happy engine made it a pure driving machine․
Hot Hatches
- Ford Focus ST⁚ The Focus ST offered a compelling blend of performance and practicality․ Its turbocharged engine and six-speed manual gearbox delivered a punchy and engaging driving experience․
- Volkswagen Golf GTI⁚ The GTI‚ a perennial favorite‚ continued to impress with its blend of performance‚ handling‚ and practicality․ Its turbocharged engine and six-speed manual gearbox provided a smooth and rewarding driving experience․
- Honda Civic Si⁚ The Civic Si offered a more affordable option for those seeking a hot hatch․ Its naturally aspirated engine‚ revving freely‚ provided a visceral experience․
Sedans
- Subaru WRX STI⁚ The WRX STI‚ a rally-bred performance sedan‚ offered a raw and unfiltered driving experience․ Its turbocharged engine and six-speed manual gearbox provided a thrilling ride․
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution⁚ The Evolution‚ another rally-inspired sedan‚ delivered raw power and handling․ Its turbocharged engine and five-speed manual gearbox offered a visceral driving experience․
- Mazda 3⁚ While not as performance-focused as the WRX STI or Evolution‚ the Mazda 3 offered a satisfying driving experience․ Its responsive engine and six-speed manual gearbox delivered a fun and engaging drive․
Conclusion
The manual transmission‚ though facing an uphill battle‚ remains a vital part of the driving experience․ Whether it’s the pure connection with the car‚ the engagement of shifting gears‚ or simply the thrill of a well-executed heel-toe downshift‚ these cars offered a unique and rewarding driving experience in 2014․ For those who appreciate the art of driving‚ the manual transmission remains a cherished part of the automotive landscape․