In a world increasingly dominated by automatics‚ the manual transmission car remains a cherished symbol of driver engagement and control. For those who appreciate the tactile experience of shifting gears and the pure joy of a well-executed heel-toe downshift‚ 2013 offered a selection of fantastic vehicles that kept the manual transmission alive and well.
Sports Cars⁚
- Porsche 911⁚ The iconic 911‚ in its latest iteration‚ still offered a manual gearbox‚ allowing drivers to fully exploit the car’s legendary performance. The precise shifting and the engine’s intoxicating soundtrack made for an unforgettable driving experience.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The Miata‚ a perennial favorite among enthusiasts‚ continued to offer a manual transmission as standard equipment. Its lightweight chassis‚ responsive engine‚ and perfectly-weighted shifter made it a pure driving delight.
- Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S⁚ These twins‚ sharing a platform and powertrain‚ offered a thrilling blend of affordability and performance. Their manual transmission‚ with its short throws and precise engagement‚ perfectly complemented the car’s nimble handling.
Performance Sedans⁚
- BMW 3 Series⁚ The 3 Series‚ a benchmark in its segment‚ still offered a manual option‚ allowing drivers to fully experience the car’s handling prowess. Its precise and engaging transmission‚ combined with the powerful engine‚ made for a truly rewarding drive.
- Ford Focus ST⁚ The Focus ST‚ a hot hatch with a sporty edge‚ offered a manual transmission that was both fun and engaging. Its short throws and precise action made it a joy to use‚ complementing the car’s spirited performance.
- Volkswagen GTI⁚ The GTI‚ a legend in its own right‚ continued to offer a manual transmission that was both sporty and practical. Its well-spaced gears and precise action made it a perfect match for the car’s spirited performance.
Compact Cars⁚
- Honda Civic Si⁚ The Civic Si‚ a compact car with a sporting heart‚ offered a manual transmission that was both fun and engaging. Its short throws and precise action made it a joy to use‚ complementing the car’s spirited performance.
- Hyundai Veloster Turbo⁚ The Veloster Turbo‚ a quirky and stylish hatchback‚ offered a manual transmission that was both fun and engaging; Its short throws and precise action made it a joy to use‚ complementing the car’s spirited performance.
While the number of vehicles offering a manual transmission may be dwindling‚ these cars from 2013 still provide a compelling argument for those who appreciate the purity and engagement of a stick shift. From sports cars to performance sedans and compact cars‚ there was something for everyone who wanted to experience the thrill of driving a manual transmission car.