In the era of silent electric vehicles, semi-autonomous technologies and slick-shifting automatic transmissions, the manual gearbox is an anachronism. But there remains a sect of enthusiasts who appreciate the immersion that only a trio of pedals and a do-it-yourself shifter can bring.
And surprisingly, even in 2024, buyers still have the option of a clutch pedal in the performance-car arena. At the more attainable end of the scale, B-segment, look at front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks such as the Suzuki Swift Sport, offering six-speed thrills for R432,900. The 1.4l turbocharged pocket-rocket is lauded for its zingy performance and nimble handling.
Though quite long in the tooth, the Abarth 595 Competizione — which packs a motor matching the displacement of the Suzuki’s — still offers a hugely novel driving experience. Quite pricey at R579,900 however, while the cabriolet version goes for R609,900.
Similar in size, but in a completely different league, is the rally-bred Toyota GR Yaris for R840,200. With four-wheel drive, a potent 1.6l, three-cylinder turbocharged engine and a short-throw gearbox, it makes for an addictive recipe.
Toyota upped the ante slightly with the GR Corolla, using the same engine but tuned to produce more power. Both are served exclusively in manual form. Might as well get the more practical five-door Corolla, as it starts at R841,000.
Rivalling the all-wheel drive capability of the Corolla is the Subaru WRX. Do yourself a favour and avoid the two-pedal, continuously variable transmission (CVT) derivative. Save R78,000 and get the manual (R799,000), which gives you full control over that boosted 2.4l boxer power source.
Now, we enter an even more exclusive class of manual prospects: rear-wheel drive models in coupé form. Once again, the Toyota GR division shows its commitment to enthusiasts, with the 86, which uses the same 2.4l engine as the Subaru WRX (Toyota has a stake in the firm), but without a turbocharger. Its low mass, low centre of gravity and wonderfully balanced chassis makes for a hugely rewarding driving experience. Yours for R755,800.
Rounding off the sporting Toyota GR manual quartet is the Supra. While the 86 is a lean, pared-down purist, the larger, six-cylinder Supra (R1,488,400) dials in a more muscular, grand-tourer type of flair. Based on the BMW Z4 and retaining the signature 3.0l unit from Germany, the Supra delivers an addictive bellow, hearty acceleration and potential for smoky, sideways fun, as we learned at the Circuit de Sevilla in Spain.
If you are the kind of haughty shopper who turns their nose up at the Toyota emblem, you could shell out R1,514,145 for the BMW M2 in manual. Using the same engine but in a more potent state, the latest M2 is a theatrical machine imbued with the distinct spirit of powerful, compact M-badged models of years gone by. This is currently the only manual BMW you can buy new in South Africa.
But in this league some buyers might find a BMW a little too mainstream. It could be that you seek an extra layer of exclusivity, deeper bragging rights; a sports car with an engine in a location other than right in front.
Though it has shown it is firmly on board with the electric future, Porsche seems to have no short-term plans to ditch internal combustion just yet. It also intends to keep pleasing those customers with a compulsion to stir their own gearboxes. Cough up R1,758,000 and you’re behind the wheel of a 718 Cayman GTS manual, with its excellent 4.0l, six-cylinder engine placed right in the middle.
Pay R43,000 more to enjoy the same delight, but without a roof, in the 718 Boxster GTS. Either is an exhilarating prospect, but for some there is no compromising on the cachet afforded by the archetypal Porsche: the 911. With its engine in the rear, timeless, unmistakable silhouette and proven sporting competencies legitimised by motorsport pedigree, the range offers a derivative for all tastes.
Get the undiluted 911 essence in the Carrera T manual (R2,415,000), or enjoy a more leisurely mix of performance and posing with the stick-shift Carrera GTS cabriolet for R3,066,000.
Hard-core fans would turn the wick up with the GT3, true embodiment of that “race car for the road” truism so often misapplied. It carries a base price of R3,916,000. For an even more exclusive pick, get your paws on a copy of the limited edition 911 S/T for R6,226,000. Only 1,963 units were built, commemorating 60 years of the 911 in 2023. Using the GT3 RS as a basis, the S/T employs further weight reductions, specific exterior and interior details, as well as a six-speed, short-ratio manual.
