{"id":33633,"date":"2024-11-07T12:40:54","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T16:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=33633"},"modified":"2024-11-07T12:40:54","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T16:40:54","slug":"payne-five-manual-hotties-vie-for-best-stick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2024\/11\/payne-five-manual-hotties-vie-for-best-stick","title":{"rendered":"Payne: Five manual hotties vie for best stick"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Charlevoix<\/em>\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0I tested more new manual vehicles this summer\/fall than I did electric vehicles: the Honda Civic Si, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ tS, Toyota GR Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta GLI. \u00a0All 6-speeds, all joy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">It\u2019s a telling sign as EV sales slow amid indications they are a niche segment, not the mass market many brands and their government allies foresee. An electric motor-driven future would make manual-transmission, internal combustion-engine gearboxes obsolete. Yet, a key ingredient that EVs have been missing is the enthusiast community, as electrics have largely been adopted by luxury and green-class buyers who like their smooth ride.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Enthusiasts, meanwhile, like to be in charge. Pun intended.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084778007-toyota-gr-corolla-shifter.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"536\" height=\"302\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 6-speed shifter on the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is notchy and easy to use.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Go to an autocross, track day or empty country road, and you will find manuals galore. Drivers rowing boxes, heel-and-toeing, slipping the clutch for burnouts, banging off the redline. EV motors lack that visceral thrill while their accompanying batteries make performance cars heavier and less maneuverable. There are lotsa drag strip videos of Teslas blowing away muscle cars. Outmaneuvering sportscars in the twisties? Not so much.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cThis electric transition has generated zero enthusiasm among the motorsports enthusiasts who have always stood in the middle of what\u2019s popular,\u201d said fellow SCCA racer Jack Baruth. \u201cThis is the first time in automotive history that we\u2019ve had a class of cars aimed at everyday purchasers &#8230; and there is no motorsports interest.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">When EVs reach for emotion, they feel compelled to mimic a manual. The wicked-quick electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, for example, has a GRIN SHIFT mode for fake shifting sounds. Would a flying car mimic squealing tires on turns?<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Meanwhile, ICE brands continue to perfect sticks\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0and target the niche audience that covets them. Gone are the days when manuals were the cheapest thing on the lot. The Civic Si, MX-5 Miata, BRZ tS, GR Corolla and Jetta GLI are all affordable pocket rockets with a common goal: put a smile on your face.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Here\u2019s how I rank \u2018em.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">Michigan Politics<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Washington and Lansing, red and blue, we&#8217;ve got your government covered.<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\"><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>5) VW Jetta GLI.<\/strong>\u00a0The GLI is the sedan sibling to VW\u2019s famed GTI hot hatch, but for 2025 it has stepped up with improved interior and exterior styling. Over the whoops and whip-like turns of Hell, I rowed the Jetta\u2019s gearbox, its front-wheel-drive chassis rotating beautifully. Out of the Hankerd Road hairpin in second hear, the growly GLI surged forward with 258 pound-feet of torque from its turbo 2.0-liter.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084673007-vw-jetta-2025-glihellfr-34.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"With multi-link rear suspension, aggressive shocks, and an e-limited slip diff, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a joy in the twisties.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>With multi-link rear suspension, aggressive shocks, and an e-limited slip diff, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a joy in the twisties.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">But upshifting from second to third can be tricky. The V-dub\u2019s box is rubbery compared to competitors, and upshifts need to be executed carefully lest you grab a bag of neutrals. On track, a mistake could ruin a good lap.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Downshifts are easier thanks to automatic rev-matching which saves time over the traditional heel-and-toe foot dance. Less traditional, and more maddening, is GLI\u2019s haptic touch steering wheel\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0a step backward from the standard Jetta\u2019s adaptive cruise and volume button controls. At just $33K, GLI is flawed\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0but priced right in this competitive set.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084668007-vw-jetta-2025-gliconsole.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"497\" height=\"280\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the only Jetta left with a stick option.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the only Jetta left with a stick option.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>4) Mazda MX-5 Miata.<\/strong>\u00a0Miata\u2019s six-slinger is the best in this toybox. With short throws, crisp shifts and excellent pedal placement for heel-and-toe (no auto rev-match here), MX-5\u2019s natural habitat is an autocross. With short wheelbase and rear-wheel drive, you can literally throw the Miata around a cone-filled parking lot.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084847007-mazdamiata-24-fr-34.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Mazda Miata is whip-quick with its lightweight, 2,368-pound chassis.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Mazda Miata is whip-quick with its lightweight, 2,368 pound chassis.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With that wee size, of course, comes compromise, and MX-5 is the least trip friendly of our quartet. At 6\u20195\u201d I don\u2019t so much drive the Mazda as wear it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I was stuffed into the driver seat, my head in the roof. Strap on a helmet, and I have to cock my head. Dropping the top brings relief on Michigan summer days. So compact is the cockpit that I could reach up and peel back the soft top like removing a blanket from a bed. WHUMP! In one motion, I secured it in front of the trunk. Speaking of trunks, Mrs. Payne and I could only fit one suitcase.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084844007-mazdamiata-24-int.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"506\" height=\"285\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Mazda Miata is a drop-top roadster, fit for two.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Mazda Miata is a drop-top roadster, fit for two.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>3) Honda Civic Si.<\/strong>\u00a0Everything has changed from the 2006 Si sitting in my garage to the 2025 model\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0and nothing at all. At its core is a slim stick shift with short, notchy throws. The electronics age has blessed the Si\u2019s manual with rev-matching for quick downshifts.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084883007-honda-civic-si-fr-34-road.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"504\" height=\"284\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2025 Honda Civic Si is affordable at $31k - and fun to drive.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2025 Honda Civic Si is affordable at $31k &#8211; and fun to drive.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The transmission controls the same 200 horsepower as in \u201806, though the engine is now a 1.5-liter turbo-4 with better low-end torque so you don\u2019t have to row the box as much. Still, I wish there was more top-end horsepower, like the screaming 8,000 RPM red line of the 2006\u2019s 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The cheapest car in this peer test, there is no denying the Si&#8217;s value, however. I tore around the twisties of Oakland County and Nashville\u2019s Natchez Trace Highway this summer, never missing a shift. The stick\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0now exclusive to the Si and Type R performance models\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0is more intuitive than Jetta GLI, and both sedans have more comfortable interiors than rear-wheel-drive sportscars listed here. Their front-wheel-drive systems mean they are more all-season friendly, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084878007-honda-civic-si-console.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"276\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"#SaveTheManual. Row the 2025 Honda Civic Si with its excellent 6-speed manual transmission.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>#SaveTheManual. Row the 2025 Honda Civic Si with its excellent 6-speed manual transmission.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2) Toyota GR Corolla.<\/strong>\u00a0The GR (pronounced GRRRR) is a living, breathing example of the superiority of the manual experience. Arm it with the six-shooter and it is a rockin\u2019, sockin\u2019 hooligan ride as I wrung the turbo-3 cylinder\u2019s neck, induced lurid slides and took advantage of its stiff chassis. No rev-match here, but GR features intuitive shift pattern and pedal placement for heel-and-toe.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084777007-toyota-gr-corolla-burnout.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"504\" height=\"284\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla comes with manual or auto transmission. Get the manual for more hooliganism.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla comes with manual or auto transmission. Get the manual for more hooliganism.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Equip it with the auto transmission (new for 2025) and it\u2019s &#8230; meh.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With AWD, GR is an all-season Michigan threat. The only downside of this hot hatch is you have to take your legs off to fit in the backseat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>1) Subaru BRZ tS.<\/strong>\u00a0Rear space is also a drawback of the \u2018Ru coupe, but there\u2019s nothing like a rear-wheel sports car when it comes to on-the-limit performance. The new tS model dresses the BRZ in black trim, summer tires and big Brembo brakes. Manual shifter standard.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084714007-subaru-br-zt-s-fr-34-road.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"502\" height=\"283\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Subarau BRZ tS is fun on a country road with low center of gravity from its Boxer-4 engine.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Subarau BRZ tS is fun on a country road with low center of gravity from its Boxer-4 engine.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">No rev matching here, but pedal placement is perfect and heel-and-toe downshifts a cinch. The shifter is more substantial than the Civic Si&#8217;s unit and makes for quick, notchy gear changes. The tranny is married to Subie\u2019s signature flat-four engine which\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0like a Porsche Boxer 4\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0makes for one of the industry\u2019s lowest centers of gravity. That\u2019s sportscar mojo.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I had a blast up north over M-32\u2019s spaghetti roads\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0yet when I had to back \u2018er down in small towns, tS comes with adaptive cruise control, which maintained the speed limit while coordinating nicely with the stick shift. That livability extended to the cargo space. Like a mini-911 (and unlike MX-5), BRZ has small backseats for storage\u00a0<em>\u2014<\/em>\u00a0and a healthy boot out back for luggage. It\u2019s a road trip car you can comfortably drive to faraway track days.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/06\/PDTN\/76084737007-2024-subaru-brz-t-s-29.jpg?width=990&amp;height=661&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"494\" height=\"330\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Subarau BRZ tS employs an excellent 6-speed manual.\" data-c-credit=\"Subaru, Subaru\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2024 Subarau BRZ tS employs an excellent 6-speed manual.<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_crd gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>Subaru<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">And with 356 miles of range and two-minute fill-up time, it\u2019s more convenient than an EV. #SavetheManual.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2024 Subaru BRZ tS<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger sportscar<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $32,265 including $1,170 destination fee ($36,465 tS as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.4-liter Boxer 4-cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power:\u202f228 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmissions: Six-speed manual<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 5.8 seconds (Car and Driver est); top speed, 140 mph<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 2,835\u202fpounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA, 20 mpg city\/27 highway\/22 combined (manual)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Notchy shifter; useful adaptive cruise control<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Small back seat; RWD in winter<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2024 Toyota GR Corolla<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, four-passenger hot hatch<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $36,995 base, including $1,095 destination (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 300 horsepower, 275 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Six-speed manual<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 4.9 seconds (Car and Driver)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,186 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA 21 mpg city\/28 mpg highway\/24 mpg combined<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: All-wheel-drive grip; notchy stick shift<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Cramped back seat; gets pricey<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2025 Honda Civic Si<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger sedan<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $31,045, including $1,095 destination fee (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 1.5-liter turbo-4<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power:\u202f200 horsepower, 192 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Six-speed manual<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 6.6 seconds (Car and Driver); top speed, 135 mph<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,000\u202fpounds\u202f(est.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: 27 mpg city\/37 highway\/31 combined<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Roomy back seat; great price<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Engine power trails competitors<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-passenger sportscar<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $33,650, including $1,165 destination charge ($39,045 Club as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.0-liter four-cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 181 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Six-speed manual<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 5.7 seconds (Car and Driver); top speed, 140 mph<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 2,368 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA 26 city\/34 highway\/29 combined<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Best shifter in test; easy drop-top<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Limited storage; RWD in winter months<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger compact sedan<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: Base price $33,940, including $1,225 destination charge (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.0-liter turbo-4 cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 228 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Six-speed manual<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 6.1 seconds (Car and Driver est.); top speed, 126 mph<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,217 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: 27 mpg city\/36 highway\/30 combined<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Auto rev-matching downshifts, roomy interior<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Rubbery shifter; haptic steering wheel controls<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Charlevoix\u00a0\u2014\u00a0I tested more new manual vehicles this summer\/fall than I did electric vehicles: the Honda Civic Si, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ tS, Toyota GR Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta GLI. \u00a0All 6-speeds, all joy. It\u2019s a telling sign as EV sales slow amid indications they are a niche segment, not the mass market many brands and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33633"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33633"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33635,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33633\/revisions\/33635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}