Best Manual Cars in India 2023

Many car enthusiasts strongly believe that the best way to experience a true connection with the vehicle is by using a manual gear shift. The exhilarating feeling of downshifting and swiftly overtaking another car is unmatched. The sudden growl of the engine when you hit the accelerator, pulsing through the seat, the rush of power, and the acceleration pushing you back into your seat create an invigorating experience. It is widely agreed that the control offered by a manual gear shift cannot be replicated. Skilled drivers can maximise a vehicle’s efficiency and performance, pushing it to its limits. To assist you in your pursuit of the ultimate driving experience, we present a list of the best manual cars in India equipped with manual transmissions. These vehicles have been carefully selected to provide an exceptional driving experience. The best manual cars in India offer a unique blend of performance, precision, and sheer driving pleasure. Each one invites you to take control, enjoy the tactile connection, and embark on memorable driving adventures.

List of best manual cars in India

Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Baleno is truly a remarkable hatchback, one of the best manual cars in India, that effortlessly combines style, comfort, and practicality. Its sleek design and aerodynamic contours give it a modern and dynamic appearance that stands out on the road. The Baleno’s peppy engine offers impressive fuel efficiency without compromising on performance, making it an ideal choice for both city driving and highway cruising.

One standout feature of the Baleno is its manual transmission, particularly in the Baleno RS variant. Although it has been discontinued, you can still find it in the second-hand market. The five-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch enhances the driving experience. It provides a light and precise shifting action, encouraging seamless gear changes. Additionally, the introduction of an anti-stall system allows you to drive at slow speeds on higher gears without stalling, adding to the convenience and ease of driving making it to the list of best manual cars in India.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

The Grand i10 Nios by Hyundai is one of the best manual cars in India, a stylish and practical hatchback that excels in versatility and comfort. Its modern and sleek design captures attention, while the well-crafted interior offers a premium and spacious feel. The Grand i10 Nios comes equipped with advanced features, including a user-friendly infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and a range of safety technologies. With its efficient engine options, the Grand i10 Nios delivers a smooth and responsive performance, ideal for urban commutes and long drives alike. The engine comes mated to a five speed gearbox. The shifts and gear changes are super smooth, meshing easily even if you use two fingers. The clutch is soft and you will feel no stress whatsoever driving this car. The agile handling and compact size make it easy to manoeuvre in crowded spaces. It is easily one of the best manual cars in India.

Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz is a standout hatchback among the best manual cars in India that brings a refreshing blend of style, safety, and practicality to the segment. With its bold and distinctive design, the Altroz stands out from the crowd, showcasing Tata’s commitment to modern aesthetics. The doors open at 90 degree angles, making it easy for occupants to enter and exit the spacious well crafted cabin especially senior citizens and the well endowed. The Altroz excels in safety, with a strong build quality and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Its refined engine options provide a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, while the precise handling and comfortable ride make it a pleasure to drive. The five speed manual on offer is the same across all engine options and is very reliable. Gear shifts present adequately and the power is delivered whenever needed. It is among the best manual cars in India currently.

Maruti Fronx

The Maruti Fronx is a crossover hatchback based on the Baleno ensuring it a place among the best manual cars in India. The five seater SUV has a high stance with a side profile reminiscent of the Baleno while the entire cabin is a straight lift from the same. The engines are also similar though the Fronx comes with a 1.0 L turbojet that delivers more power and torque. The driving dynamics are beautifully put together with the Fronx behaving impeccably on the roads. It comes with a five speed manual transmission and has a very light clutch making it easy to drive in traffic. The gear throws are short and slot easily. The clutch pedal range is average ensuring that you will feel no fatigue in stop-go traffic.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The Maruti Brezza is a popular compact SUV that delivers a winning combination of style, practicality, and efficiency. Its bold and muscular exterior design catches attention on the road, while the spacious and well-designed cabin offers ample room for passengers and cargo. The Brezza boasts a range of modern features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and advanced safety technologies. This entrant to the best manual cars in India with its peppy engine and smooth performance, offers a delightful driving experience both in the city and on highways. Additionally, its excellent fuel efficiency makes it an economical choice. The Maruti Brezza offers the option of a 5-speed manual transmission, making it one of the best manual cars in India, enhancing the driving experience for enthusiasts who prefer the engagement and control of shifting gears themselves. With its smooth and precise gear changes, the manual transmission adds an extra level of enjoyment and connection between the driver and the vehicle.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Maruti Grand Vitara is a versatile and capable compact SUV that combines style, functionality, and performance. Its eye-catching design exudes a sense of adventure, while the well-designed interior offers comfort and practicality. The Grand Vitara is packed with modern features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced safety technologies. It is one of the best manual cars in india. With its responsive engine options, the Grand Vitara delivers a smooth and confident performance on various terrains. Its agile handling and comfortable ride quality make it a pleasure to drive in both urban and off-road settings. The five-speed gearbox, in one of the best manual cars in India, is the beating heart of the Grand Vitara that delivers easy shifts with short throws. Your left leg and left hand will not feel fatigued after a crawling commute or a day long drive. 

Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna is a captivating sedan that combines elegance, performance, and advanced features. Its sleek and aerodynamic design leaves a lasting impression on the road, while the refined interior offers a comfortable and premium driving experience. The Verna boasts a range of cutting-edge technologies, including a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and a host of safety features for peace of mind. With its powerful yet fuel-efficient engine options, the Verna delivers a dynamic and engaging driving experience. Its precise handling, comfortable ride quality, and ample space make it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and well-equipped sedan. It slots in seamlessly on our list of best manual cars in India.

The Hyundai Verna is one of the best manual cars in India, and comes with a six speed manual transmission. The huge amount of torque and power on offer means that you can drive in city traffic without downshifting and really push it hard on the highways. It has a light clutch and the gears slot easily making drives in the city stress free.

Mahindra XUV700

The XUV700 by Mahindra is a bold, compelling and feature-packed SUV that redefines luxury with performance. Step inside the cabin, and you’ll be greeted by a premium and spacious environment, equipped with modern comforts and advanced technologies. The XUV700 is one of the best manual cars in India offering a range of cutting-edge features, including an immersive infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, and an array of safety innovations. With its powerful engine options and advanced suspension system, the XUV700 delivers a refined and exhilarating driving experience.

The engine response and torque offered is superb. It is mated to a light clutch and allows easy gear shifts ensuring you can easily drive for an hour in city traffic without fatigue ensuring it a place among the best manual cars in India. The six speed manual transmission allows you a greater feel of control and really shines on highway drives.

Mahindra Thar

The Thar by Mahindra is one of the best manual cars in India, an iconic and rugged SUV that embodies the spirit of adventure. Having a bold and muscular design, the Thar commands attention on and off the road. Equipped with a capable 4×4 system, it conquers challenging terrains with ease. The open-air experience, thanks to its removable roof and doors, adds to the thrill of exploration. The Thar offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, packed with modern features and advanced safety technologies. Its powerful engine options deliver robust performance, while the sturdy build and reliable off-road capabilities make it a true companion for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. 

It comes with a six speed manual transmission option and while the gears have rather long throws, you will find no problems shifting with it slotting easily. The light clutch ensures lack of fatigue while driving, especially off road or on dirt tracks. The Thar is the perfect blend of style, capability, and freedom making it a no brainer on the list of best manual cars in India.

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon is a striking compact SUV that stands out with its contemporary design and compelling features making it one of the best manual cars in India. Its bold and distinctive exterior is complemented by a well-crafted and spacious cabin that offers a comfortable and premium experience. The Nexon boasts a range of advanced technologies, including a user-friendly infotainment system and comprehensive safety features. With its powerful engine options and responsive performance, the Nexon delivers an enjoyable driving experience on various terrains. It’s agile handling, comfortable ride quality, and impressive fuel efficiency make it a versatile and practical choice. 

The six speed manual transmission is the same on all engine options. The gear shift has long throws and is not the smoothest around. Getting into reverse gear does require extra effort. Though the clutch is not hard, it does have a longer travel . Put together, this vehicle on the list of best manual cars in India does mean that you will find some problems in city traffic but it absolutely shines on the highways.

Summary

Manual transmissions, also known as “stick shifts,” offer a more engaging and interactive driving experience. The best manual cars in India require the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear lever. Manual transmissions provide greater control over the vehicle’s speed and power delivery. They are often preferred by driving enthusiasts for their responsiveness and the sense of connection they provide. While automatic transmissions have become more popular, manual transmissions still have a dedicated fanbase. The best manual cars in India offer a level of driver involvement and satisfaction that is unmatched, making them a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more hands-on driving experience.