What Mazda Models Come Available With a Manual Transmission?

Certain types of car drivers swear by manual transmissions. If it doesn’t have a stick shift, they don’t want to drive it. If that defines you, you might be wondering what Mazda models come with a manual tranny. The Mazda3 (sedan and hatchback), Mazda6, and Mazda MX-5 Miata all come with the option of having a SKYACTIV®-Drive automatic or a SKYACTIV®-MT manual transmission. The CX models only come available with SKYACTIV®-Drive automatic transmissions. Is there an advantage to having a manual transmission? Continue reading to find out. 

You might also be interested in: What is the difference between the 2019 Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback?

Is a manual transmission better than an automatic transmission? 

As is the case with most questions like this, it’s all about personal preference. Manual trannies are more difficult to learn, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a lot of fun to drive. An automatic transmission is exactly what it sounds like. It automatically changes gears for you as you go up hills, slow down, and speed up. A manual transmission requires you to change gears, wait for it… manually. 

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Manual transmissions are also typically easier to maintain. They are less complex than automatics so fewer things can go wrong in the first place. The only oft-repaired item of a manual is the clutch and that doesn’t usually need attention until after many thousands of miles have been driven. Additionally, most stick-shift vehicles have better fuel economies than their automatic counterparts. The torque converter and hydraulic pump can steal some power and efficiency from automatic cars, though it isn’t always a notable difference. 

Cons of having a stick shift 

As we said above, it can be hard to master a manual transmission. Aside from that, one of the few drawbacks of stick shifts is starting on a hill. Depending on your driving skill, you might roll backward into traffic and stall which is absolutely terrifying. Again, if you learn to drive a stick shift and stay with it, these problems almost never come up. 

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