I've owned nothing but cars with manual transmission since 1980, and I don't intend to change. I currently drive a 2007 Honda Fit Sport that I plan to replace in the next year or two, so I'm researching cars now.

I want a vehicle with more cargo capacity without sacrificing too much in fuel economy, and AWD with a higher ground clearance would be a big plus for Chicago winters and the rough forest roads I sometimes navigate to reach hiking trailheads.

I like the CX-5 better than the Subaru XV Crosstrek, which falls short in mpg and is reported to be noisy at highway speeds (more than half my miles are on interstates).

But the CX-5 manual transmission is only offered in base trim, with 2WD.

Apparently car manufacturers think the only reason a customer buys a MT with this sort of vehicle is to save a few bucks -- not because there are engaged drivers out there who much prefer a manual transmission and would also like what's offered in the higher trims.

Would anyone else here get the MT with AWD in the higher trims if it was offered?

 

You can bet there are a few, but in Mazda's estimation (as well as many other manufacturers) not enough to offer the combination on what essentially is a low-medium priced family hauler.