5 Used manual transmission cars that are cheap and extremely fun for under RM 50k
Arvind · Jun 16, 2022 09:41 AM
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Like cassette tapes and the vinyl records that came before it, the manual transmission will soon become either a thing of the past or an expensive plaything for affluent buyers who can afford highly focused machines such as the GR Toyota Yaris or Honda Civic Type R.
Lest we forget, automatics rule our sales charts and with the advent of new hybrid, PHEV and EV powertrains (which don’t use manual transmissions) – the writing is already on the wall. But yet, for some, the symphony of rifling through gears, and the sensation of having total control over how a car performs is worth its weight in gold. (We at WapCar thank you).
Manual transmissions may not disappear entirely, but they may only be reserved for low-volume (and expensive) products such as the GR Toyota Yaris.
But you might be thinking, there aren’t too many manual cars that are cheap to own, fun to drive and reasonably quick these days – but you’d be wrong.
The following five manual cars, all of which are 10 years or younger and still qualify for hire purchase financing, are guaranteed to put a smile on your face without breaking the bank.
Kia Picanto 1.2L (MT)
A Kia? Manual and fun? Well yes, the second-generation Kia Picanto (TA) is an underrated gem – if you can look past the ubiquitous Axia or Myvi – that offers great design, good build quality, and a very efficient powerplant.
Approximately 1,000 units of the Kia Picanto TA were sold locally with a smooth and very precise 5-speed manual, so finding one isn't too hard. Its tiny 1.2-litre engine outputs an impressive 92 PS and 120 Nm, and when you consider it only weighs approximately 900 kg - delivers a surprising turn of speed on a tight backroad.
Price range: RM 20,000 – RM 24,000
Proton Iriz 1.3L and 1.6L (MT)
The first of two Protons on this list is the Iriz. Whilst the Iriz isn’t as popular or successful as the Perodua Myvi, the Iriz is the car of choice if you’re looking for a fun and engaging driving experience. Besides being cheap to own and maintain, The Iriz also offers decent equipment and safety levels.
Although the engine isn’t exactly the Iriz’s strong suit (and the majority of manuals are supplied with the 95 PS / 120 Nm 1.3-litre), it more than makes up for it with a stellar suspension setup, great body rigidity and precise steering.
Price range: RM 15,000 – RM 25,000
Toyota Vios 1.5 J
The entry-level (NCP 150) Toyota Vios will probably not rank high on a petrolhead’s list but it really should – with a proven powerplant, quick-shifting 5-speed manual and well-sorted underpinnings, the Vios 1.5 J is a very quick car in the right hands.
Thanks to the Toyota Vios Challenge, we also know how robust and adept this Vios model is on track with just some minor bolt-on modifications. The power numbers aren’t too shabby either, with its 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE four-cylinder delivering 109 PS and 141 Nm of torque. Facelifted 2016 and up models received the newer but less powerful 2NR-FE (107 PS / 140 Nm).
Price range: RM 38,000 – RM 47,000
Honda CR-Z 1.5L Hybrid (MT)
The Honda CR-Z combines hybrid efficiency and driving fun in one stylish package. Some 12 years on, the CR-Z remains a compelling option for any petrolhead due to its 6-speed manual, snazzy design and trademark Honda driving performance.
First introduced in 2011, the CR-Z features a 114 PS /145 Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder which is aided by a 14 PS / 78 Nm electric motor for a combined 124 PS and 174 Nm. The 2013 facelift model swapped the older Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery for an 18.8 kW lithium-ion battery and a more potent 20 PS / 78 Nm electric motor for a combined 136 PS and 190 Nm - these are the ones to get.
Price range: RM 34,000 – RM 50,000
Proton Inspira 1.8L (MT)
We round off this list with the Proton Inspira 1.8L manual. Launched in 2010, the Mitsubishi Lancer-based Inspira was offered in 2.0L and 1.8L guises, with the latter being offered with a CVT-type auto or a 5-speed manual.
The 1.8L variant features a Mitsubishi-sourced 4B10 four-cylinder which punches out 140 PS and 177 Nm of torque (a bit less than the 2.0L's 150 PS ad 197 Nm). Although the 1.8L is down on power, a surefooted chassis, its 5-speed manual and precise steering give the Inspira 1.8L good pace and poise on any given road.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
