A tale of two Stickshifts

With carmakers eager to impress the jaded motoring media, we can’t blame them for collectively shoving their big-engined fully automatic flagships, range-toppers and top-of-the-line models down our journalistic throats. To the point that we sometimes get to test a dozen cars but with none of them fitted with a manual transmission or a smaller-engine option even if those are available.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of the market often has to spring for the cheaper smaller-engined and/or stickshift models both to squeak under a ceiling price and also to avoid paying the penalty later at the gas pumps.

Happily, I got the rare chance to be offered not one but two manual transmission/1.6-liter variants of two models that are now deeply embroiled in a fight with the svelte new Honda Civic: the well-entrenched Toyota Corolla Altis in a new sporty "1.6 S" variant and the fledgling Ford Focus 1.6 Trend. Let’s see just how compelling they are as alternatives.

Toyota Altis S

With more "youthful-looking" cars like the new Honda Civic and the Mazda3 taking the spotlight, Toyota needed to inject some youthfulness into its more "mature-looking" Altis.

Enter the P830,000 5-speed manual transmission-only Toyota Altis S (for Sport). Sure it’s the same basic 1.6-liter Altis that’s been a best-seller for five years B.C. (before Civic). But bolt on front, side and rear skirts, a mesh-type radiator grille sporting the "S" emblem, a rear ducktail spoiler, a chrome tailpipe, unique 5-spoke alloy wheels, then paint it all in gorgeous Red Mica Metallic, Super White or Black Mica, and suddenly the staid old Altis morphs into a sexier, much younger looking sports sedan.

Inside, black leather bucket seats, door trim, shift knob and steering wheel — all accented by racy red stitching — combine with metal panels on the door trims and center cluster to again crank up the youth factor.

All these changes would have been a waste had the Altis not performed with the zest that its new look promises. But stepping on its light clutch and slotting the shift lever into gear, then zooming away in a strong burst of acceleration instantly blew away any impressions of age with this solid platform. 116 hp might not be much but they must be mighty big horses as the Altis S certainly feels like it had at least 130 thoroughbreds under the hood. It’s that lively.

Handling is equally responsive, thanks to sharp steering and suspension damping that strikes a perfect balance between riding comfort and handling. Brakes are hugely confidence-inspiring. In other words, it’s a driver’s car of the highest order. And still definitely worth a look.

The Good

• Tasteful and effective inside and outside body mods

• Strong yet economical engine

• Responsive handling

• Spacious interior/trunk

• Lots of leather inside

• Typically high Toyota build quality

The Bad

• Crying out for 16-inch OE wheels and 205- or 215-sized tires

• Pricey

The Verdict

• A solid (and fun-to-drive) choice if you’re not bent on getting only the newest and latest.

Ford Focus 1.6L Trend

The Ford Focus (in automatic-only 1.8- and 2.0-liter guises) has always been seen as an upmarket Euro-sedan — good for its image but not so good for volume sales as people perceive it to be a high-priced (the 1.8 starts at P945,000 while the 2.0 starts at P1.025M), high-maintenance acquisition. Ergo, Ford gives us the entry-level P799,000 1.6-liter Focus Trend with manual transmission (the automatic variant goes for P849,000).

Entry-level status notwithstanding, this variant retains the key attributes the Focus is well-known for: European styling, German engineering and superior driving dynamics.

From a pricing standpoint, the Focus Trend presents a strong case. You don’t get many sub-P800,000 cars that feels as solid as a Volvo S40, with which the Focus shares its platform.

From a driving standpoint, however, the Trend takes a hit. Mind you, there’s nothing basically wrong with the car or its overall performance. But whereas the 2.0-liter Focus Sport encourages you to attack apexes like a WRC driver, the Trend makes you feel like leaving the driving to the chauffeur.

Perhaps it’s the motor, which makes a mere 104 hp. Saddle this with a structure which can support a Swedish luxury car and you have the makings of a slowish conveyance. The gearshift lever also detracts from the experience. While the clutch pedal is light, the shift-lever throws are not as snickety-snick as those in Hondas and Toyotas. The optional auto gearbox should remedy this, albeit at the further expense of acceleration. Fortunately, the steering and brakes are paragons of feel and responsiveness.

It’s at higher speeds where the autobahn-bred Focus hits its stride. And it should be able to match its 1.6-liter contemporaries in the 80-100-kph cruising range. It feels more stable, too.

Inside, excellent ergonomics, high-quality seating, premium trim detailing and a large, 12-liter glove box with iPod-connectivity are high points. Rear aircon vents likewise up the upmarket touch. I just wish they’d change the center console box which is just too small to be of practical use.

Nevertheless, the Focus Trend should still satisfy a vast majority of motorists with its many plus points. After all, not everyone needs to set a fastest time in his or her daily commute.

The Good

• Understatedly handsome European styling

• Feels really buttoned down at high speed

• Spacious interior

• Good brakes and steering

• Solid construction — and it feels it

The Bad

• Sluggish acceleration from low speeds

• Gearshift lever exhibits typical Euro-car vagueness

The Verdict

• A sub-P800,000 Volvo in Ford clothing. Now doesn’t that make you much more forgiving of its imperfections?