Many car fans have a soft spot for the Smart Coupe. It’s the most tiny, most quirky, most undeniably charming thing I’ve ever seen in my life. While automatic transmission is no great hardship for those who like their driving to put a buzz in their brain, it’s still a stumbling block for would be Smart Coupe lovers. This is a vehicle that people commonly think of as a city car that disregards the trait that a manual gearbox brings — the exhilarating connection. The Smart Coupe’s user friendliness has not pleased some of its fans who would like more thrill out of the pick-up.
On urban roads with constant stop and go traffic, the Smart Coupe’s automatic gearbox makes driving fun, it should be noted. But there’s a price for that convenience: The lack of that sense of control and the lack of connect to the vehicle that driving enthusiasts love to have. In some circumstances, the automatic transmission will shift smoothly but it does not provide the direct engagement you get from manual shifting. This can leave some jaded drivers pretty disappointed.
Lack of a manual option
Also, this also does not have a manual option which means that very passionate drivers have very few choices. Essentially an automated manual transmission, this will result in jerky shifts with delays that make one wonder just how responsive it really is. Many Smart Coupe enthusiasts will describe its transmission as a lacking one — far from the satisfactions of a manual that more discerning drivers would seek — leading many to consider the Smart Coupe to be unsatisfying.
In truth, the other end of that equation is much less common: you can convert a car in which automatic transmission is standard to one that has to be operated manually, but it’s entirely possible to switch a manual transmission to an automatic. Unfortunately, the Smart Coupe doesn’t come in a manual transmission and plenty of folks have turned elsewhere. In the case of the Smart Coupe, its enthusiasts mostly seem to want a manual version, but it also happens to be a decision of personal preference, and when you do end up having a decision of personal preference, there really is no right or wrong option. With this in mind, what options do drivers have if they’re looking for a vehicle that offers the same compact charm, but with a manual transmission? There are several alternatives available that offer that engaging driving experience without losing on fun.
Some options
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the finest roadsters in existence, and one of the most notable alternatives. The Miata has a manual transmission, which gives drivers that manual vibration every time they change gears. It is how you think of driving: lively, powerful, balanced. The MX5 also has an iconic design that attracts many sport car fans leading to it being a great choice for anyone looking for the thrill of driving with a manual gear box.
Car Model Information: 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club
Price: $37,812
Exterior color: Zircon Sand Metallic
Interior color: Black
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive
Transmission: Manual
Engine: SKYACTIV-G 2L I-4 gasoline direct injection, DOHC, variable valv
VIN: JM1NDAC77R0609284
Mileage: 5 mi.
Summary: The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-person sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The convertible is marketed as the Mazda Roadster or Eunos Roadster in Japan, and as the Mazda Miata in the United States, and formerly in Canada, where it is now marketed as the MX-5 but is still commonly referred to as “Miata”.
Get more information about: Mazda MX-5
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With the Fiat 124 Spider as another great alternative, Fiat may be an interesting way to go. This Italian sporty convertible pairs its manual transmission and plenty of character by offering a fun ride. While the 124 Spider is about style and performance, it brings that spirit to life through a delightfully tuneful driving experience and sexy looks that connect back to the Smart Coupe’s ethos — and gives you the manual option fans crave. The Fiat 124 Spider is aimed at people who want a bit of both performance and good looks in their ride, and it does so with a peppy turbocharged engine and its rear-wheel drive layout.
Car Model Information: 2017 FIAT 124 Spider Base
Price: $9,500
Exterior color: Nero Cinema Jet Black
Interior color: Nero (Black)
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive
Transmission: Manual
Engine: 1.4L I-4 MultiAir variable valve control, intercooled turbo, pre
VIN: JC1NFAEKXH0103035
Mileage: 112,937 mi.
Summary: The Fiat 124 Spider (Type 348), is a front-engine, rear-drive, two-passenger roadster manufactured by Mazda for FCA over a single generation. The 124 debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show for model year 2016, with production reaching just over 41,000 for model years 2017-2020.
Largely based on the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 roadster, and manufactured alongside the MX-5 at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, the 124 shares its platform, mechanicals, interior and top mechanism with the MX-5 — it is distinguished by an FCA engineered and manufactured turbocharged Multiair engine, uniquely tuned shock absorbers, unique exterior styling and nominally increased length and cargo capacity over the MX-5.
The 124 nameplate and exterior styling details recall the Pininfarina-designed Fiat 124 Sport Spider, manufactured from 1966 to 1985.
Get more information about: Fiat 124 Spider
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The Honda Civic Si is a fantastic offering for those who wanting the hatchback style. The Civic Si is famous for its sideways engaging driving dynamics, but seeing that manual transmission only adds to the fun of it. Being versatile, practical and sporty all at once it is a great balance between performance and everyday usability. If you enjoy driving though, you’ll find the Civic Si’s turbocharged under the hood provides a punchy performance.
Car Model Information: 2020 Honda Civic Si Base
Price: $23,400
Exterior color: Platinum White Pearl
Interior color: Black
Drivetrain: Front-wheel Drive
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Engine: 1.5L I4 16V GDI DOHC Turbo
VIN: 2HGFC1E51LH709405
Mileage: 51,000 mi.
Summary: The Honda Civic is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. As of 2023, the Civic is positioned between the Honda Fit/City and Honda Accord in Honda’s global passenger car line-up.
The first-generation Civic was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door fastback sedan, followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With a 1,169 cc transverse engine and front-wheel drive, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, later iterations have become known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Si, SiR, and Type R versions.
The Civic has been repeatedly rebadged for international markets, and served as the basis for the Honda CR-X, the Honda CR-X del Sol, the Concerto, the first generation Prelude, the Civic Shuttle (later to become the Orthia) and the CR-V (which, by extension, was used as the basis for the Honda FR-V).
The Civic is one of the all-time best-selling automobiles in the world, with over 28 million units sold since 1972 as of 2024
Get more information about: Honda Civic
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If a small SUV is what you’re interested in, there’s the Subaru Crosstrek. Offering a manual transmission and more of an off road, rugged design than the crowd, this compact crossover is a popular choice and can just about fit into a standard garage door. The adventurous souls will love this for a vehicle capable of taking on city streets as well as off the beaten path treks while maintaining manual thrill.
Car Model Information: 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
Price: $23,990
Exterior color: Horizon Blue Pearl
Interior color: Gray
Drivetrain: All-wheel Drive
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Engine: 2.0L H4 16V GDI DOHC
VIN: JF2GTACC2NG208897
Mileage: 55,699 mi.
Summary: The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV produced by Subaru since 2012. It is a successor to the Outback Sport in the United States and Canada, and the Impreza XV globally. Like the Outback Sport, the Crosstrek is a lifted Impreza hatchback with minor differences, though with a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport.
Initially, the vehicle was marketed as the XV globally, and as the XV Crosstrek in the United States and Canada. In 2015, Subaru dropped the XV moniker in the United States and Canada, marketing it simply as the Crosstrek for the 2016 model year and onward. In 2022, Subaru introduced the third-generation model, using the Crosstrek nameplate globally for the first time.
All generations of the Crosstrek are raised versions of the Subaru Impreza hatchback.
Get more information about: Subaru Crosstrek
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The Mini Cooper is another fun model to consider, too. Mini Cooper’s distinctive styling and sporty handling is available with a solid, lively manual transmission. With its automatic layout, it provides both fun and functionality in a small car format — a reason why it’s popular among buyers who still seek a small car but want to enjoy the experience of driving.
Car Model Information: 2012 MINI Cooper Cooper Convertible 2D
Price: $9,995
Exterior color: Blue
Interior color: Black
Drivetrain: Front-wheel Drive
Transmission: Manual
Engine: 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter
VIN: WMWZN3C55CT265479
Mileage: 78,859 mi.
Summary: The Mini (stylised as MINI) supermini range, marketed under various names such as Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works, are a family of retro-styled three-door hatchback, two-door convertible, and five-door hatchback (since 2014). The range was introduced in July 2001, following the acquisition of the Mini brand by German automaker BMW.
BMW first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini brand was still part of the BMW-owned Rover Group. Developed as a successor to the original Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini range was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini’s discontinuation that same year. Under BMW ownership, the brand later grew its line-up by adding larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Countryman in 2010, the Paceman in 2012, and the Aceman in 2024.
Get more information about: Mini Hatch
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We finally get to the classic Volkswagen Golf. For years the Golf has been a stalwart of the compact car sector for reasons. It boasts of a manual transmission option, a spacious interior and a comfortable ride all of which makes it a perfect choice to use every day. On top of its solid build quality and fun to drive nature, the Golf makes a great alternative to someone who is in the market for a manual transmission vehicle in compact package.
Car Model Information: 2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S
Price: $31,000
Exterior color: Oryx White Pearl
Interior color: Titan Black
Drivetrain: All-wheel Drive
Transmission: Manual
Engine: 2L I-4 gasoline direct injection, DOHC, variable valve control,
VIN: WVWWA7AU1KW123453
Mileage: 30,593 mi.
Summary: The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen’s best-selling model and is among the world’s top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.
Get more information about: Volkswagen Golf
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The Smart Coupe has its merits, but no manual transmission can be a huge negative for driving geeks. Luckily, there’s more than enough alternatives for those who crave the thrill of changing gears. Whatever your style, the Mazda MX-5 Miata or maybe the Subaru Crosstrek will keep the fun alive and well in your life and in your wallet. Well, if you are prepared to play the engine treatment with a smile on the face and fingers on the manual gearbox, these are definitely your bet automotive cravings. Spend the gas, and have fun.
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