Where are the little ones?
I own a 2017 Nissan Micra with manual transmission. I like it a lot, it performs very well even in winter, and I find it comfortable. I’m a fan of small cars. However, I am disappointed to see that these, like the manual transmission, are disappearing. I’m having trouble understanding the North American market. The Renault 5s of the time suited our climate very well. I have never had any problems with a small vehicle in winter in Quebec. I am considering purchasing a new vehicle (the smallest possible) within two or three years. What do you recommend as a purchase? Do you think the manual transmission will ever return? Thank you for not offering me a Fiat…
Marie-Claude D.
In the name of safety and consumer demands, cars, large and small, continue to grow. Within two or three years, there may no longer be any new subcompacts (the category you are referring to) on the North American market. You will have to consider vehicles in the higher category (a compact) or “second hand”. And the manual gearbox, let’s not talk about it. It too is doomed to disappear as the transition to all-electric accelerates. That said, at the moment, apart from the Fiat 500e, there will only be the future electric Mini (it will be smaller than the current one) that could interest you. But this one will not have a manual gearbox.
A bit higher
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
Toyota Corolla
I have always owned Toyota Camrys, because of their reliability and interior space. I am part of the category of elderly people with reduced mobility. It is difficult for me to sit down and especially get out of my vehicle, a 2012 Camry in good condition, because it is too low. So I’m looking for a raised, non-plug-in hybrid, reliable vehicle, with plenty of space on the driver’s side: seat width, height, legroom. I use the car for errands, medical appointments and essential trips. Does the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross meet these criteria? If not, what vehicle do you suggest?
André B.
The Corolla Cross meets your criteria. You might also consider Kia’s Niro.
True or false ?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen Golf GTi
I don’t know who to believe anymore. My dealer tells me that my order (a 2024 GTi) will be modified, because Volkswagen no longer produces this vehicle with a manual transmission. TRUE ?
Paul T.
For 2024, the Volkswagen GTi and R are offered with a manual transmission. However, the latter will no longer be offered for the 2025 model year.
Death announced?
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
Kia Soul
I recently rented a Kia Soul in the United States which I really liked. I’m thinking about buying one at the end of the year, but I’m hearing rumors that this model will disappear from the market. What about it?
Guy N.
Don’t count on Kia to answer this question. That said, when the current generation of Soul was launched, we wrote in 2019: “some signs suggest that this generation (the third) will undoubtedly be the last”. Today, everything suggests that the “future Soul” could very well be inspired by the EV3 concept study presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall.