For driving enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the visceral experience of a manual transmission. The control, the engagement, the sheer joy of rowing through the gears – it’s a driving experience that’s hard to replicate with an automatic. In 2018, Toyota offered a handful of models with manual transmissions, catering to those who crave a more hands-on driving experience. Here are some of the standout options⁚
1. Toyota 86
The Toyota 86, formerly known as the Scion FR-S, is a sports car designed for driving enthusiasts. Its lightweight design, nimble handling, and punchy 2.0-liter engine make it a blast on winding roads. The availability of a six-speed manual transmission adds to the driving experience, allowing you to fully control the car’s power delivery and revving the engine to its sweet spot.
2. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback, in its sporty SE trim, offered a six-speed manual transmission, making it one of the few compact hatchbacks on the market with this option. This combination provided a surprisingly engaging and fun driving experience. While not as powerful as the 86, the Corolla Hatchback’s manual transmission added a level of driver involvement that was appreciated by enthusiasts.
3. Toyota Tacoma
For those who need a capable truck but don’t want to sacrifice driving pleasure, the Toyota Tacoma offered a six-speed manual transmission on its TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims. The manual transmission paired well with the Tacoma’s powerful V6 engine, allowing for efficient and responsive acceleration, especially when off-roading.
4. Toyota Yaris
While not available in the US market, the Toyota Yaris, in its European and Japanese markets, offered a five-speed manual transmission on its base trim levels. The Yaris provided a fun and efficient driving experience, making it a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly car with a manual gearbox.
Why Choose a Manual Transmission?
There are several reasons why drivers choose manual transmissions⁚
- More Control⁚ Manual transmissions give drivers complete control over gear selection and engine speed.
- Enhanced Engagement⁚ The act of shifting gears provides a more engaging and interactive driving experience.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency⁚ Manual transmissions can sometimes be more fuel-efficient than automatics, especially when driven aggressively.
- Lower Cost⁚ Manual transmissions are typically less expensive than automatics.
While automatic transmissions have become increasingly sophisticated and provide a smoother driving experience, there’s a certain charm and satisfaction that comes with driving a car with a manual transmission. If you’re looking for a Toyota that offers a more engaging and hands-on driving experience, consider one of the models listed above.