Manual transmissions offer sticking power
It’s true that cars with a manual transmission are a dying breed. According to Edmunds research, manual-equipped vehicles make up less than three per cent of current U.S. car sales. Automakers are making automatic transmissions standard because the latest ones return better fuel economy, and they shift quicker and smoother than even the best manual transmissions.
For some drivers, though, pushing a clutch pedal and rowing your gears are among the most satisfying parts of the driving experience. For others, nostalgia explains the attraction. If you’re in either camp, know that some mainstream cars are available with a manual. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites from a variety of vehicle classes. HONDA ACCORD • One of the most appealing sedans on the market is the redesigned 2018 Honda Accord. The Accord boasts a highquality cabin, generous cargo space, high-tech options and engaging performance. Under the hood is one of two available engines: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Both are turbocharged and available with a six-speed manual transmission as a nocost option on the Sport trim level. • MAZDA 6 With its fair share of style and a likable powertrain, the Mazda 6 is another excellent midsize sedan that offers a manual transmission. You can only get it on the Mazda 6’s base Sport and midlevel Touring trims, but even those trim levels provide many desirable features. Other highlights for the Mazda 6 include pleasing power from its four-cylinder engine, a fun-todrive nature and a classylooking cabin. A 2018 Mazda 6 is coming this spring that offers similar qualities with updated styling and technology. • JEEP WRANGLER The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler has been vastly improved with this year’s redesign. For now, you can only get the manual with the 3.6-litre V6, but you can put that powertrain package in either the two- or the four-door Wrangler. You can also choose all sorts of options to go along with it. Thanks to high ground clearance, big tires and four-wheel drive, the Wrangler is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the road today. Yet this new model is also more practical and comfortable than ever before. • AUDI A4 For a more luxurious experience, there’s the 2018 Audi A4. A manual transmission is available in all three of the A4’s trim levels:, Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. And it is paired to a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. As we’ve come to expect from Audi in recent years, the interior of the A4 has a user-friendly design, comfortable seats and excellent cabin materials. It’s a nobrainer if you’re looking for an upscale sedan with three pedals. • BMW 3 SERIES A direct competitor of the A4 is the perennial luxury sedan powerhouse known as the BMW 3 Series. Unlike the Audi, which comes with only all-wheel drive when you opt for a manual, the BMW offers a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive as well as fourcylinder or six-cylinder power to go with the manual transmission. From the stylish exterior to the impeccable interior build quality and the modern tech, there’s a lot to like about the 3 Series sedan.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Many budget-oriented vehicles offer a manual transmission. Worth checking out are Honda’s Civic and HR-V crossover SUV, Kia’s Soul hatchback and Toyota’s Corolla iM hatchback. Of course, there are many high-performance vehicles that you can get today with a stick shift. In the compact category, check out the Ford Focus ST or RS, the Honda Civic Type R, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Mini Cooper Hardtop, the Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Detroit’s muscle cars are keeping up tradition, too: The Chevrolet Camaro, the Dodge Challenger and the Ford Mustang all still have manuals. Don’t bother with Ferrari, though. Nothing coming from Maranello, Italy, has a clutch pedal anymore. EDMUNDS SAYS: If you’re looking for a car with a manual transmission, you don’t have to look far. Sedans, SUVs, luxury cars, small hatchbacks and sports cars all have something to offer in the manualtransmission category. Just try not to stall yours when you pull away from the dealer lot.