Which Manual Transmission Mid-Size Cars Are Available in 2021?
2 Answers
1. Civic: The Civic, a compact sedan produced by Honda (often joked as 'buy an engine and get a free car'), has experienced incidents of oil dilution. As a family car, the Civic excels with its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, strong performance, youthful exterior, and affordable maintenance costs. 2. MG 6: The MG 6 is a compact hatchback that holds immense appeal for young drivers. Its ambiance exudes a strong sporty vibe, from its aggressive exterior to its battle-ready interior. It boasts a more powerful engine than the Civic, paired with a dual-clutch transmission, and even allows control over the exhaust sound. Most importantly, it doesn’t compromise on practicality, offering a spacious rear seat and a large trunk. 3. Elantra: The Hyundai Elantra is the domestic version of the latest-generation Avante. It features a sporty and stylish exterior, a roomy cabin, smooth power delivery, and a wealth of features, making it a high-value option. With its competitive configuration among joint-venture cars and well-balanced interior and exterior, it’s a top choice for many young buyers. However, the interior design remains somewhat conservative, though it avoids feeling cold or rigid. 4. Focus: The Ford Focus is a compact model under Ford and one of the brand’s earliest domestically produced vehicles. Compared to its predecessor, the new-generation Focus has undergone a comprehensive exterior upgrade, with a fuller front fascia and sharp, angular LED headlights. The interior adopts a fresh design, elevating both its premium feel and sportiness. The new Focus is available in both hatchback and sedan versions, with the hatchback’s rear design being more sporty and appealing to younger consumers.
As someone who has driven manual transmission cars for a long time, finding a manual mid-size sedan in 2021 was indeed challenging. Most brands like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry have basically eliminated manual options. However, the Mazda6 Sport trim offers a manual transmission with excellent driving feel and smooth shifting; the Subaru Legacy provides manual options in certain trims like the base model, particularly strong in all-wheel-drive mode with great control; the Volkswagen Passat might retain manual transmissions in specific markets or custom configurations, offering spacious interiors suitable for families. The benefits of manual transmissions include more engaging driving experiences compared to the monotony of automatics, though they require adaptation and learning, with slightly lower daily maintenance costs such as better fuel efficiency. If you're looking to buy this type of car, used models are more common on the market now. Pay attention to clutch wear when driving and avoid excessive use in heavy traffic to prolong component lifespan. Overall, manual transmissions became increasingly rare in 2021, with the Mazda6 standing out as a highlight choice.
