It is a sad fact that younger drivers are abandoning manual transmission cars in favour of automatics. The current traffic conditions in the Klang Valley certainly did not favour cars with a manual gearbox, hence the demand for autos skyrocketed. That’s led to marques bringing more cars with automatic transmission options in Malaysia, and choices for new manual cars get lesser by the day. The fact that young Malaysians can choose either to go for automatic driver’s license will soon become a further catalyst for the demise of manual cars in this country.
In solidarity with those who love driving ‘sticks’, we have compiled five reasons why young Malaysians should be driving manual transmission cars.
1. You’ll be a safer and better driver
The problem with automatic cars is that while it makes driving a lot easier, it also makes drivers easily distracted and lose focus. While we are entering the information age via smart devices, it is not surprising to see drivers replying messages on Whatsapp, checking Facebook updates or taking a “selfies” and uploading them onto Instagram, while driving!
However, driving cars with a stick shift makes you more focused on the road, since both hands were required while driving. That pretty much eliminates all potential carelessness while on the road. Not forgetting, you have all the control of the car, so whether if the car drives smoothly or aggressively will depend on your gear changes.
2. It’s a proven theft deterrent
There have been cases where car theft was prevented as the thieves themselves don’t know how to operate a manual gearbox. So why invest thousands for a Thatcham Category 5 system when thieves can be defeated by the stick shift?Need some proof? Here’s one, and this is one of the many found on the Internet!
3. It’s more economical
Undoubtedly, a manual car can lead to money savings, here’s why:
– Manual cars in general are cheaper to purchase than automatic cars, regardless if its new or used.
– Manual cars usually have better fuel economy figures compared to automatics (unless if its a double-clutch like DSG)
– In the long run, maintenance on manual gearboxes is cheaper than automatics. All is needed are scheduled oil change for the manual gearbox (which is cheaper than ATF oil) and preservation of the clutch. A good driver who handles the car well can have a clutch that lasts up to 100,000km or more!
4. Your driving skills will go a notch higher!
You may experience driving manual cars in driving school but after passing the driver’s test it doesn’t mean the driver has the skills to drive a manual car smoothly. It takes time and patience, but the moment you can operate the clutch and gear leaver smoothly just like an automatic car, at the very least you’ll have a wider scope of cars to drive.
Also, there are a number of advanced techniques you can learn with a stick-shift, ranging from heel-and-toe, double-declutching, etc. something which is not possible with an automatic gearbox. That is why, driving with manual gearbox is a lot of fun.
Besides, movies like the Fast and the Furious wouldn’t have six sequels if all the cars were in automatic!
Fast and Furious won’t be the same if Vin Diesel drove a slush box!
5. You’ll get more respect
While your peers will mostly end up driving an automatic, driving a manual car does make you standout among the crowd. Ask a true petrolhead and they will tell you they will have more respect for you if you drive a car with a stick-shift, fast, rather than a fast car with an automatic gearbox.
Does anyone remember the scene in “The Bourne Identity” where Jason Bourne outran the cops in a small red Mini Cooper with a stick shift? That scene would not be the same if a modern Mini with a 6-speed automatic was used. Also, did you recall how James Bond outran the baddies in his Aston Martin DBS in Quantum of Solace? Yes, he has all the control, thanks to the manual gearbox in his Aston. So do you see the trend we are mentioning, how brilliant our heroes were when they used a stick shift?
CONCLUSION
We hope that this piece will impart that it’s cooler to own and drive a manual in this day and age. So, are you pumped up and ready to buy a new manual car? Come back again where in our next installment of AF’s popular buyers guide, we will look into the best available manual new cars in Malaysia, so stay tuned!
