In a world increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, the manual gearbox seems to be making a comeback. For driving enthusiasts, the tactile experience of shifting gears, the heightened engagement with the car, and the potential for better fuel economy offer a compelling alternative to automatics. If youre looking to rediscover the joy of driving a manual car, here are some of the top 2020 models worth considering⁚
Sports Cars
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The Miata remains the quintessential roadster, offering a lightweight, nimble driving experience thats perfect for spirited driving on winding roads.
- Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86⁚ These twins share the same platform and offer a balanced blend of performance and affordability, making them excellent entry points into the world of sports cars.
- Ford Mustang⁚ The Mustang is a classic muscle car thats available with a manual transmission in both its base and performance trims.
- Chevrolet Camaro⁚ Like the Mustang, the Camaro offers a wide range of powertrains, including a manual option for those who prefer to shift gears themselves.
Hot Hatches
- Honda Civic Si⁚ The Civic Si is a fun-to-drive hot hatch that offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience thanks to its sharp handling and responsive engine.
- Volkswagen Golf GTI⁚ The GTI is a legendary hot hatch that combines sporty performance with practicality, making it a great choice for those who want a car that can do it all.
- Hyundai Veloster N⁚ The Veloster N is a relatively new entry in the hot hatch segment, but it quickly made a name for itself thanks to its blistering performance and value for money.
Other Notable Models
- Jeep Wrangler⁚ The Wrangler is a true off-road icon, and its manual transmission option adds to its rugged character.
- Subaru WRX⁚ The WRX is a rally-inspired performance sedan thats known for its raw power and impressive handling capabilities.
- Ford Focus ST⁚ The Focus ST offers a hot hatch experience with a more refined and sophisticated feel, thanks to its European-inspired design and driving dynamics.
Choosing the Right Manual Transmission Car
When choosing a manual transmission car, consider factors like your driving style, budget, and intended use. If youre looking for a car for daily driving, a hot hatch or a compact car might be a good fit. If youre looking for a car for weekend adventures, a sports car or an SUV might be a better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right manual transmission car for you is to test drive a few different models and see which one you enjoy driving the most.
The Resurgence of the Manual Transmission
The decline of manual transmissions in recent years has been largely attributed to the rise of automatic transmissions, which offer convenience and efficiency. However, theres a growing movement of enthusiasts who appreciate the driving experience offered by a manual gearbox. Here are some reasons why the manual transmission might be making a comeback⁚
- Enhanced Driver Engagement⁚ A manual transmission puts the driver in direct control of the cars power delivery, allowing for a more immersive and engaging driving experience. The act of shifting gears adds a layer of skill and involvement that automatics simply cant replicate.
- Potential for Better Fuel Economy⁚ While automatic transmissions have become increasingly efficient, a skilled driver can often achieve better fuel economy with a manual transmission by carefully selecting gears and avoiding unnecessary acceleration.
- Greater Control and Precision⁚ Manual transmissions offer more precise control over the cars acceleration and braking, which can be beneficial for situations like hill starts, driving on slippery surfaces, and spirited driving.
- Lower Cost⁚ Manual transmissions are generally less expensive to manufacture and maintain than automatics, which can translate into lower purchase prices and fewer repair costs.
The Future of the Manual Transmission
While the manual transmission might never regain its former dominance, its clear that theres still a strong demand for this type of gearbox among driving enthusiasts. Car manufacturers are recognizing this trend and are offering more manual transmission options in their model lineups. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative manual transmissions that offer the best of both worlds⁚ driver engagement and efficiency.
So, if youre looking for a car that offers a truly rewarding driving experience, consider giving a manual transmission a try. You might just discover the joy of driving that youve been missing.