Best Manual Cars in India 2023

The automatic transmission has been gaining traction in India across all car segments. However, with rising prices, automatic cars tend to be inefficient cars to drive regularly. In this scenario, manual transmissions still prove to be the better choice. With a perfect balance of efficiency, power and capable manual transmissions, driving is more engaging, rewarding, and in the end, more fuel efficient. Here are 9 of the best manual transmission cars in India that are great to handle and just as fuel efficient.

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Best Manual Hatchbacks

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

When it was first launched in 2015, the word Baleno was famously associated with Maruti’s flagship sedan of the 2000s. Just like the dominating Baleno sedan, the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback has delivered nothing short of sheer excellence This is pretty much evident from the huge sales number the Baleno has achieved over the years. Not only is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno good looking it also comes with several comfort features for a premium driving experience.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Features

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system 
• Auto climate control
• Push-button stop/start
• Keyless entry
• Semi-digital instrument cluster
• 60:40 rear split

The manual powered Baleno comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 83 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed Manual Transmission. Additionally, the hatchback also gets a BS6 compliant 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology that returns 90 PS of power along with 113 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. As far as mileage is concerned, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno returns a mileage of 21.01 kmpl for the NA petrol-manual variants, and an impressive 23.87 kmpl on the Mild-Hybrid unit. With a price starting from ₹5.98 – 9.30 Lakhs (ex-showroom) the Baleno is a worthy vehicle when it comes to manual performance. 

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Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS

The i10 badge isn’t new for hatchback enthusiasts, as the vehicle holds a glorious legacy spread over 14 years. With the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, the hatchback has taken a leap forward and arrived in an avatar that isn’t just good looking, but also a seriously capable performer. There is no wonder that the Grand i10 Nios is a good looking hatchback, with plenty of premium features on offer.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Features

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system 
• Automatic AC
• Rear AC vent
• Cooled Glove Box
• Leather Wrapped Steering with Audio Controls 
• Wireless Charging

Talking about manual power the Grand i10 Nios comes with both petrol and diesel engines. For petrol buffs there’s a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol churning 83 PS of power with 114 Nm of torque and a peppier 1.0 litre turbo petrol unit doing 100 PS with 172 Nm. For the diesel lovers, the Nios also offers a 1.2-litre diesel motor developing 75 PS with 90 Nm. All engines come mated to a smooth to cruise 5-speed manual that seems quite tastefully mated. In terms of mileage, the Grand i10 Nios shines with up to 20.7 kmpl for petrol and up to 26.2 kmpl for diesel. Priced between ₹5.23 – 8.45 Lakhs (ex-showroom), the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is built to thrill.

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Tata Altroz

Launched in 2020, the Tata Altroz is one of the very latest offerings by the Indian automaker, delivering a premium experience in every way. Locking horns with veteran competitors, the Tata Altroz has definitely brought in a refreshing wave of design based on the philosophy of Impact Design 2.0. As good as it is from the outside, the Altroz brings in several top-notch features for a complete driving experience.

Tata Altroz Features

• iRA Connected Car Technology
• 7-inch touch infotainment system powered by HARMAN’s premium sound system
• Voice Command Enabled
• Cruise Control
• Auto Headlamps and Rain Sensing Wipers
• 7-inch digital MID instrument cluster

In terms of performance, the manual Tata Altroz comes with three engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 86 PS with 113 Nm, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol tuned at 110 PS with 140 Nm, and a 1.5-litre diesel delivering 90 PS with 200 Nm. All three engines are currently paired to only a 5-speed manual making the Tata Altroz a truly manual hatchback. The mileage figure too is quite impressive with petrol returning 19.05 kmpl and the diesel variant delivering an impressive 25.11 kmpl. With superb driving dynamics and even top-notch safety, the Altroz has truly proven itself as a capable manual hatchback. Priced between ₹5.79 – 9.55 Lakhs (ex-showroom), the Altroz is indeed the gold standard.

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Best Manual Sedans

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

Talking about the best suited manual sedans, it would be a sin not to mention the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Launched in 2014, the Ciaz made a lasting impression with its style and exterior designing. Even in 2021, the Ciaz hasn’t just evolved in terms of looks; it also asserts itself as a smart and efficient sedan with Maruti’s Smart Hybrid Technology. Even on the inside, the Ciaz gets several comfort and convenience features to elevate the driver and passenger experience.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Features

• Analogue-Digital MID instrument cluster 
• Cruise control
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Automatic Headlamps
• Keyless Entry
• Auto Climate Control

The manual powered “heart of the car” is powered by a BS6 compliant 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual. The engine returns 103 PS of maximum power and 138 Nm of peak torque. In terms of mileage, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz blows away the competition by offering an impressive 20.65 kmpl for the manual variant. This is largely because of the unbeatable pair of Maruti’s capable 5-speed manual and smart hybrid technology that helps increase fuel efficiency and enhances driving performance. The hybrid system stores energy generated during braking to assist the engine’s idle start-stop and low-end torque demands. Priced between ₹8.52 – 11.50 Lakhs (ex-showroom), the Ciaz is definitely one of the best manual sedans out there.

2020 Honda City

If there is one sedan that has managed to carve a legacy for itself, it’s undoubtedly the Honda City. Leaving no stone unturned in offering the best suited car for the city, Honda’s midsize sedan offering has often ruled the sales charts. Since its first launch in 1998, Honda City has made its way into the hearts of over 8 lakh happy customers. Always the best in looks, the 2020 Honda City brings in a plethora of premium features on the inside as well, such as:

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• Electronic sunroof
• 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Three-spoke steering wheel with angular mounted controls
• Lane watch camera
• 510 litre of boot space
• Cruise Control 
• 8 Speaker Bose Sound System

Powered by a 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol (121 PS power & 145 Nm torque) and a 1.5 litre iDTEC diesel engine (100 PS power & 200 Nm torque), the 2020 Honda City offers both the petrol and diesel engine with a 6-speed manual that’s perfect for these engines. Mileage game too is on top, with figures touching 24.1 kmpl for diesel manual and 17.8 kmpl for petrol manual variants. Priced between ₹10.99 – 14.94 Lakhs (ex-showroom), the Honda City was and continues to be an icon.

Ford Aspire

When it comes to compact sedans, the Ford Aspire is Ford’s frontrunner and the critic’s choice as the brand calls it. Responding to the sheer love that the Figo Figo Aspire received, Ford refreshed the vehicle in 2018 shedding the Figo badging, and branding the vehicle as the glorious Ford Aspire. The Aspire has been equipped quite well in terms of features.

Ford Aspire Features

• My Ford Connected Car Tech
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Built-In Navigation
• Auto Headlamps, Rain Sensing Wipers 
• Automatic AC
• Auto Dimming IRVMs
• Push Button Start

The driving dynamics of the Aspire are easily one of the best, and the sedan can put the majority of its competitors to shame without breaking a sweat. Powered by a 1.2-litre Dragon Series petrol engine (96  PS power & 119 Nm torque) and a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine (100 PS power & 215 Nm torque), Ford’s love for manual gearboxes is evident from the fact that both engines are available only with a 5-speed manual. Mileage is also respectable, with petrol variants returning 18.5 kmpl and diesel doing 24.4 kmpl. Priced between ₹7.27 – 8.72 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Aspire has an impressive manual hold. 

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Best Manual SUVs

Nissan Magnite

Often dubbed as the “newbie of 2021” with love, the Nissan Magnite is a supremely capable compact SUV that is priced like a hatchback. Just because it’s priced lower, doesn’t mean that the Magnite isn’t topped with classy features, looks and comfort. In addition to having modern looks and a good ride quality, the Magnite even brings several cool comfort features to delight passengers.

Nissan Magnite Features

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Automatic Climate Control
• Rear AC Vents
• Wireless charger
• Nissan Connected Car Tech
• All Digital Instrument Cluster
• JBL speaker sound system
• Puddle Lamp Feature

Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 72 PS with 96 Nm, and a peppy 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (100 PS & 160 Nm) engine, the Magnite offers 5-speed manual transmission on both the engines. Mileage wise, the manual powered Magnite can return a highly impressive figure of 20 kmpl, much like its cousin the Renault Kiger. Priced between ₹5.59 – 10.00 Lakhs (ex-showroom), the Nissan Magnite is a newbie that shines across plenty of spheres, with petrol powered manual drive being one of its many fortes.

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is a capable compact SUV that brings in the fluidic beauty of the Hyundai Creta in a smaller form factor and a cheaper price. The distinctive yet elegant styling of the Hyundai Venue paired with a well performing and capable engine and transmission duo, makes the Hyundai Venue a perfect compact SUV to own. Even in terms of efficiency, the Venue is one of the most fuel efficient petrol SUV out there. The feature department too shines with:

• Auto climate control
• Cruise control
• Electronic Sunroof 
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system 
• Intelligent Auto Transmission (iMT)
• Hyundai Blue Link
• Cooled Glove Box

The manual variants of the Hyundai Venue are powered by a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine (83 PS power & 114 Nm torque) mated to a 5-speed manual, a 1.5-litre diesel engine (100 PS power & 240 Nm torque) paired to a 6-speed Manual and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (120 PS power & 171 Nm torque), mated to a 6-speed manual as well. The Venue is also paired with an iMT transmission, which gives the pleasure of the gearshift with the convenience of an automatic. Mileage wise, the petrol manual returns a superb 18.27 kmpl on the 1.0 litre petrol, and the diesel engine returns 23.7 kmpl, making the Venue a best of both worlds! Priced at ₹6.92 – 11.78 Lakhs (ex-showroom), the Venue is surely worthy.

Tata Harrier

Tata’s premium entrant into the midsize SUV segment, the Tata Harrier is based on the all-new Impact Design 2.0 philosophy through which Tata Motors have successfully been able to redefine its brand ideology and product offerings. The Harrier with its stable bodyline, high strength build quality, powerful performance, and advanced safety is the perfect soft adventurer and a highly capable family SUV. In terms of features, the Harrier being a full sized SUV brings in a lot like:

• Layered three tone interiors
• Panoramic Electric Sunroof
• iRA Connected Car Tech
• Voice Enabled Commands
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Multi Drive Modes
• Electronic Stability Program
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Rear AC Vents
• JBL Sound System and much more.

In terms of manual power the Harrier comes with a 2.0-litre Kryotec Diesel engine putting 170 PS of power with 350 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine and manual transmission combination gives the Harrier a smooth and sturdy driving dynamics and an exceptional mileage of up-to 17 kmpl, which is quite a number for a vehicle of this size. Priced between ₹14.29 lakh to Rs 20.81 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Harrier is one of the best manual powered sizable SUVs currently in the market.

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