Some manufacturers have been taking part, either officially or unofficially, in a so-called “save the manuals” campaign ensuring that at least some of the vehicles they produce will continue to have a stick shift option. And you might be surprised at some of the current products offering the enthusiast-favorite feature, i.e. not just sports cars. Below, we highlight models, including the Honda HR-V subcompact crossover SUV and Ford Focus ST hot hatch, that continue to put a grin on drivers’ faces one shift at a time.
Honda HR-V
Any car enthusiast will tell you Honda has a reputation for building excellent manual transmissions, which rings true whether we’re talking about the one found in the classic S2000 drop-top roadster, or the recently launched North American Civic Type-R.
The technology is proven to trickle down throughout the lineup, because while the HR-V has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) option, a six-speed standard transmission belonging to the same lineage is otherwise the norm for front-wheel drive grades. The lever clicks into each gear with such precision and tactile feeling — and the fact that it’s mated to a peppy 141-horsepower i-VTEC engine — you almost forget you’re in a subcompact crossover.
Ford Focus
When the car in question is only offered in manual, you can be pretty sure it won’t disappoint. And we’re happy to report that this is indeed the case with the fabulous Ford Focus ST. The six-speed, short-throw gearbox is tight and the shifter easily slips into each appropriate slot, thankfully avoiding the rubbery, vague feel plaguing certain competitors.
The hot hatch always looked the part, boasting body-hugging Recaro bucket seats and a trio of dash-top gauges, but got even meaner after a refresh in 2015 which added things like sleeker light housings, new bumpers, a flat-bottom steering wheel, standard rear view camera, aero parts and twin hexagonal center exit tailpipes. Performance also kicked up a notch via a stiffer suspension setup and revised electric steering to yield better response.
Nissan 370Z
Driving purists should know all about the heel-and-toe method of shifting, whereby you use the heel of your foot to “blip” the throttle to bring up RPMs prior to a downshift in order to match engine and transmission speed for a smoother transition.
Nissan takes the guesswork out of the task using a synchronized downshift rev matching system available on Touring Sport trim levels. Simply drop a gear, and the SynchroRev Match automatically matches the exact speed of the next position for an ultra-smooth entry. The purpose is to allow greater focus on braking and steering, as well as reducing the jarring shock that can follow a sloppy change. The function can be toggled on or off according to preferences.
In an effort to make the driver’s job even easier, the gear knob has extra support padding strategically added to certain areas to improve comfort and the accuracy of diagonal shifts.
