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@Kazinator@mstdn.ca

Post #3585240

2026-06-15 20:05 UTC

#ManualTransmission #Cars have become enshittified in recent years. There is almost nothing out there that's like a small hatchback with a < 2l engine, naturally aspirated, yet which has a top gear that lets you cruise at around 2500 RPM at 100 km/h. The worst offender I found so far: 6-speed #Kia Souls. The overall ratio of 6th gear is about what 4th gear was in the 1998 Honda Civic DX hatch i had years ago. Why would I want to flip through 6 gears, just to get to 4th? And then continue driving in 4th after hitting the freeway? #FacePalm So far the only thing I found with non-sucky gearboxes are #Mazda 3s. They are a little large. Mini Coopers are good also, but they are finicky about fuel and built by BMW (expensive parts, maintenance, issues, ...).

Replies (1)

  • @Kazinator@mstdn.ca 2026-06-16 19:01

    It turns out that while the #Kia Soul has ridiculous manual gear ratios, Kia redeem themselves in the Rio. The 2018 Rio5 LX manual has a decently high 6th gear, allowing cruising at around 2500 RPM at 100 km/h. The engine is 1.6 l, naturally aspirated, rated as producing 130 hp. Hatchback, small engine, no turbo, tall overdrive gear: approved.

    Open ##3585239