Manual Transmission Cars: A Dying Breed or a Resurgent Trend?
As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification and automation, the traditional manual transmission is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. However, a handful of automakers are still holding on to the stick shift, offering a limited selection of manual transmission cars for 2020.
Why the Decline of Manual Transmissions?
The decline of manual transmissions can be attributed to several factors:
* Increased popularity of automatic transmissions: Automatic transmissions, which offer greater convenience and ease of use, have become the preferred choice for most drivers.
* Fuel efficiency advantages of automatic transmissions: Modern automatic transmissions have become extremely efficient, often offering comparable or even better fuel economy than manual transmissions.
* Emergence of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are typically not compatible with manual transmissions.
Car Manufacturers Still Making Manual Transmission Cars for 2020
Despite the overall decline, a few car manufacturers are still committed to offering manual transmission cars for 2020. These include:
# Honda
* Civic Type R
* Civic Si
* Accord Sport (6-speed manual only)
* Fit
# Toyota
* Supra
* 86
* Yaris
# Subaru
* WRX
* WRX STI
* Crosstrek (base trim only)
* Impreza (base trim only)
# Mazda
* MX-5 Miata
* Mazda3 Hatchback
# Mini
* Cooper Hardtop 2-Door
* Cooper Convertible
* Cooper Clubman
* Cooper Countryman
# Porsche
* 911 GT3
* 911 GT3 RS
* 718 Boxster
* 718 Cayman
# Chevrolet
* Corvette Stingray
* Camaro
# Dodge
* Challenger
* Charger
# Ford
* Mustang
* Focus ST
Advantages of Manual Transmission Cars
While manual transmission cars may not be as convenient or fuel-efficient as automatic transmission cars, they still offer several advantages:
* Greater driver engagement: Manual transmission cars require active driver input, providing a more engaging and rewarding driving experience.
* Improved handling: Manual transmissions allow drivers to have more precise control over the car’s performance, especially when cornering or driving on slippery roads.
* Lower cost: Manual transmission cars are typically less expensive than automatic transmission cars due to their simpler construction.
Future of Manual Transmission Cars
It’s difficult to predict the future of manual transmission cars. While it’s unlikely that they will ever regain their former popularity, there will likely always be a niche market for enthusiasts who prefer the driving experience offered by a stick shift.
However, as the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification and automation, it’s possible that manual transmission cars could eventually become extinct. With the advent of self-driving cars, the need for manual control will become obsolete, leaving the stick shift as nothing more than a nostalgic memory.
