In a world dominated by automatic transmissions‚ it’s easy to forget the joy of shifting gears yourself. But for many driving enthusiasts‚ the manual transmission remains a cherished part of the driving experience. Fortunately‚ the manual transmission is not going extinct just yet. In fact‚ a number of manufacturers are offering new models with stick shifts‚ and some are even seeing a resurgence in popularity.
There are a number of reasons why manual transmissions are still relevant. First‚ they offer a more engaging and rewarding driving experience. Shifting gears yourself gives you a greater sense of control over the car‚ and it allows you to feel more connected to the road. Second‚ manual transmissions are often more fuel-efficient than automatics‚ particularly in city driving. Third‚ manual transmissions are typically less expensive to maintain than automatics.
If you’re looking for a new car with a manual transmission‚ there are a number of great options available in 2019. Here are a few of the best⁚
Best Overall⁚ Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a true sports car that happens to come with a manual transmission. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Si is also incredibly fun to drive‚ with sharp handling and a well-balanced chassis. It’s a great choice for drivers who want a car that’s both practical and exciting.
Best Value⁚ Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the quintessential roadster‚ and it’s available with a six-speed manual transmission. The Miata is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It’s not the most powerful car on this list‚ but it’s incredibly fun to drive thanks to its light weight and agile handling.
Best Performance⁚ Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is a rally-bred performance car that comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The WRX STI is known for its raw power and incredible grip‚ making it one of the most thrilling cars to drive on the market.
Best for Everyday Use⁚ Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hot hatch that’s both fun to drive and practical for everyday use. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission‚ and it’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Golf GTI is also known for its comfortable interior and impressive fuel economy.
The Future of Manual Transmissions
While the manual transmission may not be as popular as it once was‚ it’s far from dead. Many car manufacturers are still offering manual transmissions‚ and some are even seeing a resurgence in popularity. For driving enthusiasts‚ the manual transmission remains a cherished part of the driving experience‚ and it’s sure to continue to be a popular option for years to come.