Shift yourself

ADD INVOLVEMENT; CUT COST WITH A MANUAL

DIY TYPES WILL be pleased to learn that three of our field offer a manual transmission. The Hyundai i30 N-Line with a six-speed manual is 29kg lighter than its dual-clutch counterpart and costs $2000 less, however, it is claimed to increase fuel consumption by 0.4L/100km on the ADR combined cycle. You can also buy a Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X with a six-speed manual, as with every other variant in the range. It weighs 23kg less than the six-speed automatic and discounts the price by $1000. As for the Corolla, you can pair its 2.0-litre engine with a six-speed manual, though you’ll have to step down to the base Ascent Sport grade for the pleasure.