In a world increasingly dominated by automatics‚ the allure of a manual transmission remains strong for those seeking a more engaging and connected driving experience. 2015 offered a decent selection of vehicles that still catered to the enthusiast driver who craved the tactile involvement of shifting gears themselves. Here’s a look at some of the best manual transmission cars from that year.
Sports Cars
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata‚ a perennial favorite among enthusiasts‚ continued its reign as the quintessential affordable roadster. With its lightweight chassis‚ peppy engine‚ and precise handling‚ the Miata provided pure driving joy in its purest form. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offered a spirited 155 horsepower‚ making it a blast to drive on winding roads.
2. Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S
The Subaru BRZ and its twin‚ the Scion FR-S‚ were hailed for their balanced handling and engaging driving dynamics. Powered by a 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 200 horsepower‚ these rear-wheel-drive coupes delivered a thrilling driving experience‚ especially with the manual gearbox.
3. Ford Mustang
The iconic Ford Mustang returned in 2015 with a new generation‚ offering a potent blend of performance and style. While the V8-powered GT models were tempting‚ the base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a manual transmission was a compelling choice. With its turbocharged power and responsive handling‚ it provided a spirited driving experience.
Hot Hatches
1. Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI‚ a legend in the hot hatch segment‚ continued its dominance with its seventh generation in 2015. The GTI offered a perfect blend of performance‚ practicality‚ and everyday usability. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine‚ paired with a six-speed manual‚ delivered a thrilling driving experience.
2. Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST was a worthy rival to the GTI‚ offering a more aggressive driving experience. Its 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine produced 252 horsepower‚ and the six-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to fully exploit its potential. The ST’s sporty handling and engaging driving dynamics made it a true enthusiast’s car.
Other Notable Choices
1. Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si‚ a cult classic‚ returned in 2015 with a refined driving experience. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine‚ paired with a six-speed manual‚ delivered a smooth and responsive power delivery. The Civic Si also featured a well-balanced chassis and engaging handling‚ making it a fun and engaging car to drive.
2. Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 Abarth‚ a tiny but potent hot hatch‚ offered a unique driving experience. Its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine‚ paired with a five-speed manual‚ provided a surprising amount of power and agility. The Abarth’s playful handling and distinctive style made it a fun and engaging car for city driving.
These cars represented just a glimpse of the manual transmission options available in 2015. Whether you were looking for a sporty roadster‚ a hot hatch‚ or something in between‚ there was a manual car out there to satisfy your driving desires. The manual transmission‚ despite its declining popularity‚ still offered a unique and engaging driving experience that many enthusiasts cherish.