Best Manual Transmission Compact Cars
Mazda3
- Base price: $21,950
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 186 hp
- Torque: 186 lb-ft
- EPA fuel economy: 26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
The Mazda3 is a perennial favorite among enthusiasts, and for good reason. It’s fun to drive, with sharp handling and a responsive engine. The manual transmission is a pleasure to use, with short throws and a light clutch. The interior is well-appointed and comfortable, and the infotainment system is easy to use.
Honda Civic
- Base price: $21,700
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 158 hp
- Torque: 138 lb-ft
- EPA fuel economy: 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway
The Honda Civic is another excellent choice for a manual transmission compact car. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive. The manual transmission is smooth and precise, and the clutch is easy to modulate. The interior is spacious and well-equipped, and the infotainment system is user-friendly.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- Base price: $27,495
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- EPA fuel economy: 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a sportier version of the regular Jetta. It comes with a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a variety of performance upgrades. The manual transmission is a joy to use, with short throws and a precise shift action. The interior is well-appointed and comfortable, and the infotainment system is easy to use.
Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door
- Base price: $22,900
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 189 hp
- Torque: 207 lb-ft
- EPA fuel economy: 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
The Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door is a stylish and fun-to-drive compact car. It comes with a powerful engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The manual transmission is a delight to use, with short throws and a light clutch. The interior is well-appointed and comfortable, and the infotainment system is easy to use.
Subaru Impreza WRX
- Base price: $29,605
- Engine: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 268 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
The Subaru Impreza WRX is a rally-inspired performance car. It comes with a powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and a variety of performance upgrades. The manual transmission is a pleasure to use, with short throws and a precise shift action. The interior is well-appointed and comfortable, and the infotainment system is easy to use.
Which Manual Transmission Compact Car is Right for You?
The best manual transmission compact car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a car that’s fun to drive, the Mazda3 or Volkswagen Jetta GLI are both excellent choices. If you’re looking for a car that’s fuel-efficient, the Honda Civic or Mini Cooper Hardtop 2 Door are both good options. And if you’re looking for a car that’s both fun to drive and fuel-efficient, the Subaru Impreza WRX is a great choice.
No matter which manual transmission compact car you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the driving experience. Manual transmissions offer a level of control and engagement that automatic transmissions simply can’t match. So if you’re looking for a car that’s fun to drive, a manual transmission compact car is the way to go.
