And then there were 3 (U.S. new cars under 20k)

[Fummins]

True, although I think it's fairly common to refer to a CVT as an automatic now days.

Some people just need something to complain about. Most have no idea wtf is under the hood anyways.

[7milesout]

Most have no idea wtf is under the hood anyways.

I bet most dealership staff don't know if it's an auto or a CVT. I find it an insult (to me) to drive a CVT that "shifts." OEMs do this because most people who drive cars don't understand a CVT and may think there is something wrong with it (and take it back to the dealer) if it doesn't "shift." Those OEMs are correct (unfortunately). While probably 85%+ drive along in oblivious bliss, I'm annoyed to no end getting fake shifted on.

[Carfreak09]

The Versa 5 speed is a pretty compelling honest inexpensive drivers car. I watched some YouTube vids of people driving them and they seem pretty decent. Pretty amazing that they have standard auto rear braking and emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The 2021 and earlier models even had standard push button start but it appears the 2022 model went back to a key, probably due to chip shortages. Now, finding one on a lot appears to be a futile exercise. If my Honda hybrid was totaled today, I’d try my damndest to find one of these unicorns, in electric blue.

I also applaud VW for still offering a stick in the base Jetta, as well as a mid level Sport model, in the 20-22k range, something even Honda abandoned. You can now only get a stick in the Civic hatchback Sport Touring model or the Si sedan, no low level models.

[Mark]

I also applaud VW for still offering a stick in the base Jetta, as well as a mid level Sport model, in the 20-22k range, something even Honda abandoned. You can now only get a stick in the Civic hatchback Sport Touring model or the Si sedan, no low level models.

If I were jumping to the 20,000+ price range, I would pick the Corolla hatchback with a 6-speed manual. I don't see myself paying that much for a car, however. I would be searching the used market.

[Carfreak09]

If I were jumping to the 20,000+ price range, I would pick the Corolla hatchback with a 6-speed manual. I don't see myself paying that much for a car, however. I would be searching the used market.

Unfortunately, Toyota has cancelled the manual on the Corolla for 2023. Only the rally model GR has one now.

[Carfreak09]

So, out of curiosity, I did an inventory search of the Chevy Spark and there are shockingly about 54 manual equipped models across the country and most of them are fully optioned! I’m talking 2LT with leather, heated seats and a sunroof! I even found a 1LT with the sunroof, which appears to be a unicorn. I figured there would maybe be a couple of 2LT with most being base LS but I was pleasantly surprised at the selection. This is so tempting because a sunroof equipped manual econo hatchback just doesn’t exist anymore…

[Mark]

So, out of curiosity, I did an inventory search of the Chevy Spark and there are shockingly about 54 manual equipped models across the country and most of them are fully optioned! I’m talking 2LT with leather, heated seats and a sunroof! I even found a 1LT with the sunroof, which appears to be a unicorn. I figured there would maybe be a couple of 2LT with most being base LS but I was pleasantly surprised at the selection. This is so tempting because a sunroof equipped manual econo hatchback just doesn’t exist anymore…

Chevy offering the manual option across most trim levels is nice. Sadly, that's soon to become history, too!

[Ares]

I've (now) driven several vehicles with CVT - one being a 2019 CRV as my daily-driven-for-work. With a competent engine and decent programming, I really dont see the hate for CVT. Another such vehicle that I didnt have a problem with is the Nissan Maxima I just drove as a loaner. Gobs of power when needed, it was quiet at speed (2k rpm @ 75mph; 2.5k @ 90, I think).

Now I can't imagine driving the mirage with a CVT. Driving my 5speed and (normally) shifting at 3k or 4k RPMs, I would imagine driving a Mirage CVT the way I currently drive, the CVT would probably always be pegged at 4k or 5k until I hit whatever the speed limit is.

EDIT:
I would have loved a Rio5 5spd. I drove a bare-bones (no AC; no PS) 2009 Rio 5spd and it was awesome.

I may risk driving the Rios vs the Versa. +1 on the comment above with Nissans being questionable.

[MrMPG]

[QUOTE=Ares;145556] I would imagine driving a Mirage CVT the way I currently drive, the CVT would probably always be pegged at 4k or 5k until I hit whatever the speed limit is.

...You should probably...Drive better lmao. the only time my cvt mirage sees 4k+RPM is a short highway on ramp lol.
Other then that there's zero reason to drive it around pegged out. It moves around at normal speeds fine, lighten up on that foot and save yourself some gas

[Mark]

I've (now) driven several vehicles with CVT - one being a 2019 CRV as my daily-driven-for-work. With a competent engine and decent programming, I really dont see the hate for CVT. Another such vehicle that I didnt have a problem with is the Nissan Maxima I just drove as a loaner. Gobs of power when needed, it was quiet at speed (2k rpm @ 75mph; 2.5k @ 90, I think).

Now I can't imagine driving the mirage with a CVT. Driving my 5speed and (normally) shifting at 3k or 4k RPMs, I would imagine driving a Mirage CVT the way I currently drive, the CVT would probably always be pegged at 4k or 5k until I hit whatever the speed limit is.

EDIT:
I would have loved a Rio5 5spd. I drove a bare-bones (no AC; no PS) 2009 Rio 5spd and it was awesome.

I may risk driving the Rios vs the Versa. +1 on the comment above with Nissans being questionable.

If I had to replace my 2011 Forester 2.5X manual with something new, it would not have a turbo or a CVT. Thus, Mazda or Toyota (only certain models) would be getting my money these days.

I wouldn't even bother to look at anything else. I would be comparing the CX-30, CX-5, and RAV4 base models most likely. The one with the least amount of crap on it would probably win!