In a world increasingly dominated by automatics, the allure of a manual transmission remains strong for those who crave a more engaging and visceral driving experience․ 2015 saw a handful of fantastic cars that still offered the joy of shifting gears, providing a tangible connection to the road and a sense of control that automatics simply can’t match․
Sports Cars
- Mazda MX-5 Miata⁚ The Miata has always been a manual transmission enthusiast’s dream, and the 2015 model was no exception․ Its light weight, nimble handling, and responsive engine made it a joy to drive on winding roads․
- Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S⁚ These twins offered similar performance and handling to the Miata, but with a bit more power and a more aggressive stance․ The manual gearbox was precise and engaging, making it a true driver’s car․
- Porsche Cayman/Boxster⁚ For those who wanted a more refined and luxurious experience, the Cayman and Boxster delivered․ With their powerful engines, precise handling, and exceptional build quality, they offered a true sports car experience with a manual transmission․
Hot Hatches
- Ford Focus ST⁚ The Focus ST was a hot hatch that packed a punch․ Its turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and manual gearbox made it a blast to drive on both the street and the track․
- Volkswagen Golf GTI⁚ The GTI was a classic hot hatch that continued to impress in 2015․ Its turbocharged engine, precise handling, and engaging manual gearbox made it a perennial favorite among enthusiasts․
- Honda Civic Si⁚ The Civic Si was a more affordable alternative to the GTI, offering a similar level of performance and handling․ Its naturally aspirated engine and manual gearbox provided a more linear and engaging driving experience․
Everyday Drivers
- Mazda 3⁚ The Mazda 3 was a surprisingly fun-to-drive compact car․ Its sharp handling, responsive engine, and available manual transmission made it a standout in its class․
- Subaru Impreza⁚ The Impreza offered a blend of practicality and performance․ Its all-wheel drive system and available manual transmission made it a capable car in a variety of conditions․
- Fiat 500 Abarth⁚ The Abarth was a tiny but potent hot hatch․ Its turbocharged engine, responsive handling, and manual gearbox made it a blast to drive around town․
The manual transmission may be a dying breed, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many drivers․ These cars prove that a manual gearbox can still deliver an engaging and rewarding driving experience, making them the perfect choice for those who crave a more visceral connection to the road․