Manual cars are a dying breed around the world with most buyers opting for older used models to satiate their needs. Fortunately, some automakers still produce manual cars, trying to preserve this engaging mode of driving for a bit longer. These automakers pair these transmissions with the most fun-to-drive vehicles, making them worthy for all enthusiasts worldwide. In Kenya, we have a healthy selection of manual vehicles. We’ve chosen a few variants, highlighting the top manual cars in Kenya and helping enthusiasts find some diamonds in the rough.
10. Toyota GR 86/Subaru BRZ
The GR 86 and Subaru BRZ are among the most exciting manual cars in Kenya. Introduced in 2012 as the GT 86, the sports car has evolved from being an underpowered vehicle to a surprisingly fun-to-drive coupe. The modern version of the GR 86 and BRZ uses a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer engine with 232 hp and 250 Nm of torque. As standard, this engine pairs with a six-speed manual transmission, powering the rear wheels.
However, Toyota and Subaru also offer an optional six-speed automatic. Both models receive plenty of performance-oriented equipment, including some sports seats, a rear wing, Brembo brakes on higher trims, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Such qualities help make the GR 86 and BRZ some of the top sports cars for sale in Kenya since they appease a wide variety of enthusiasts.
9. Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota’s new pocket rocket is another viable option for the best manual cars in Kenya. Introduced in 2020, this model has had great success thanks to its impressive powertrain and feature set. Unlike most vehicles on this list, the GR Yaris boasts the smallest engine. That’s a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
Toyota only pairs this engine with a six-speed manual transmission, powering all four wheels through the brand’s GR-Four all-wheel drive system. This system also introduced three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Track. In addition to the powertrain, Toyota equips the GR Yaris with a lightweight, high-rigidity chassis, Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and Torsen limited-slip differential. These features combine to deliver exceptional handling, performance, and driving dynamics.
8. Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen’s Golf is among the top fun cars in Kenya. It’s available in a plethora of trims, including the sportier GTI and R models. For the 2024 model year, these models are available with a manual transmission. However, this will soon be a story of the past with the 2025 models axing the manual option. Fortunately, you can still buy new 2024 GTI and R models with the six-speed manual transmission. These models feature a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 242 hp and 370 Nm of torque in the GTI.
The GTI is only available with a front wheel drive layout but the Golf R introduced all-wheel drive. The Golf R also gets more power, boasting 316 hp and 420 Nm of torque. For an additional power boost, Volkswagen also offers the Golf R 20 Years edition, boasting 328 hp. In addition to their capable engine and transmission, these Golf models also get a host of standard features like a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and a VAQ limited-slip differential.
7. Honda Civic Type R
The Civic Type R is among the best new Japanese hatchbacks money can buy. This hot hatch boasts a high-performance turbocharged 2.0-litre K20C1 four-cylinder engine with 325 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Honda pairs this engine with a six-speed manual transmission, powering the front wheels. This transmission boasts rev-matching technology, giving newer drivers smoother and faster gear shifts. It also gets a short throw shifter and a lightweight single-mass flywheel for quicker engine response.
Despite being a front wheel drive hot hatch, the Civic Type R gets a wide array of performance-oriented equipment, including a Helical limited slip differential, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. These components paired with the lighter new-generation chassis, work together to enhance the grip of the Civic Type R.
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6. Toyota GR Supra/BMW Z4
Despite being marketed as driver’s cars, both the GR Supra and Z4 weren’t available with manual transmissions at launch. Fortunately, Toyota was the first to see the light, introducing the GR Supra 3.0 MT in 2023 with BMW introducing the Z4 M40i Handschalter Package in 2024. Today, these models get a six-speed manual transmission, channelling power from the twin-turbocharged inline-6 to the rear wheels.
Furthermore, BMW and Toyota only pair the manual transmission with the more powerful 3.0-litre engine which produces 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque. In the GR Supra, this enables it to dash from 0 to 100 kph in 4.4 seconds. Besides being reasonably fast, these models also get a shorter final drive ratio and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
5. BMW M2
Like most new cars, well except the M135i, the BMW M2 gets more power than its predecessor, making it the most powerful M2 ever. BMW’s G87 M2 boasts a variety of configurations, one of them being a six-speed manual transmission. While it is slightly slower from 0 to 100 kph compared to the automatic, this variant promised more smiles per litre. It pairs with BMW’s potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6, producing 480 hp and 600 Nm of torque. All this power goes to the rear wheels, enabling the M2 to dash from 0 to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds.
While that’s sufficient for the base M2, BMW also offers an M Race Track package for all variants. When equipped, this package introduced carbon trim in the interior, high-performance brakes, increased top speed, a carbon fibre reinforced roof, track tyres, and M carbon bucket seats with illuminated M logos.
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4. Porsche Cayman/Boxster
Porsche’s modern Cayman/Boxster lineup consists of a variety of sports cars, ranging from coupes to convertibles. While some consider them as the baby 911s, these variants are more driver-focused, offering standard manual options for most trims. The base Cayman/Boxster models use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 295 hp and 380 Nm of torque. While this isn’t the most powerful sports car in the catalogue, it is reasonably quick, dashing from 0 to 100 kph in 5.1 seconds when paired with the manual transmission.
All 718 Cayman/Boxster models with the six-speed manual transmission include the base variants, 718 Style Edition, 718 S, and 718 GTS 4.0. Some of these models get more powerful engines, including a turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-4 and a turbocharged 4.0-litre flat-6. While models have the manual transmission as standard, they also get Porsche’s quick-shifting PDK automatic. The automatic makes them quicker from 0 to 100 kph, but the manual is more engaging and thrilling to drive.
3. BMW M3
Currently in its sixth generation, the G80 BMW M3 is available in a variety of body styles and trims. As standard, the base BMW M3 is the only variant available with a manual transmission. This model uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 473 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Its transmission is a six-speed manual which powers the rear wheels as standard. Despite being the base M3, this variant boasts a selection of BMW M performance enhancements like an M Sport exhaust, adaptive M suspension, M compound brakes, and an M Sport differential.
The M3 Competition xDrive is the most powerful model, but it only gets an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it uses the same twin-turbocharged inline-6, the Competition produces 503 hp and 649 Nm of torque. This variant gets all the goodies in the base M3, plus the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Fortunately, both variants also get similar optional upgrades like the M Carbon package, M Driver’s package, and forged M alloy wheels.
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2. Ford Mustang
For the 2025 model year, Ford offers two main Mustang models with a manual transmission: the GT and Dark Horse. Both models boast a mighty 5.0-litre V8, with the GT producing 440 hp and 540 Nm of torque (European variants). The Dark Horse boasts the same torque but a higher horsepower output of 447 hp (European variants). These models pair with a six-speed manual transmission, powering the rear wheels.
In the previous models, Ford also offered a manual option for the EcoBoost models. However, this is no longer the case since all EcoBoost models get the 10-speed automatic transmission. Fortunately, the manual being available with the larger V8 models makes the Mustangs more fun to drive. In addition to the V8, the models (GT and Dark Horse) get a variety of standard performance features like an electronic line lock, a limited-slip rear axle, a MagneRide damping system, and launch control.
1. Porsche 911
Porsche’s new 911 lineup consists of a variety of trims, ranging from the base Carrera to the track-focused GT3 RS. All these models boast a variety of engine options, with the base variant getting a flat-6 3.0-litre engine with 389 hp and 450 Nm of torque. While most variants get Porsche’s responsive PDK transmission, there are models like the Carrera T that are only available with a manual transmission. While it uses the base engine as the Carrera, the T unlocks better dynamics, agility, and driving pleasure.
In addition, Porsche equips the manual-only Carrera T with unique standard features like adaptive dampers and rear axle steering. These not only make it fun to drive, but they also give the driver a more luxurious experience. Besides the Carrera T, there are more models with manual transmission. They include the Carrera S, GTS, and the GT3.
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