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Will Subaru keep the manual transmission in the next-generation 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, or will they drop it? A new report from Drive says Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read told them Subaru Corporation is working on keeping the 6-speed manual gearbox in the new Crosstrek, WRX, and BRZ.
Why would Subaru consider dropping the manual transmission?
Subaru has a goal of zero fatal accidents by 2030, and they need every model in the lineup to be equipped with EyeSight safety technology. EyeSight is not offered on any Subaru model with a manual gearbox because it's incompatible with the safety system.
Subaru is working on a solution
Read recently told journalists at the 2022 WRX launch, "We are working on bringing Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) onto manual variants. We're just not in a position to do that just yet."
Until now, Subaru has not been willing to invest the resources needed to make its EyeSight driver assist safety technology compatible with a manual transmission.
"From a Subaru perspective, we would like to see it as soon as possible, and it's something that we work closely with Subaru Corporation on and something that's definitely on our radar to get to market as soon as possible. Subaru Corporation has supported and worked to make it happen for us."
Subaru wants the Crosstrek, WRX, Impreza, and BRZ to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award across the entire lineup. Currently, the Crosstrek, Impreza, and WRX without EyeSight don't get the highest scores and can't be included with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic models.
Will Subaru make EyeSight available with a manual transmission Crosstrek?
We expect the next-generation 2023 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV to come with a 6-speed manual transmission and the 2023 Impreza compact sedan and hatchback models with a 5-speed manual gearbox. If Subaru is committed to making EyeSight driver assist technology compatible with the manual gearbox, Subaru will keep the manual transmission option. The entire Subaru lineup will earn the highest safety ratings, which is the automaker's primary goal.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
"2023 Impreza compact sedan
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"2023 Impreza compact sedan and hatchback models will keep the 5-speed manual gearbox."
That is a huge surprise to me. I understand keeping the 6-speed manual, but I thought the 5-speed was a goner.
That "zero fatal accidents"
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That "zero fatal accidents" goal sounds great on paper. What it involves is ruining cars for people that enjoy actually driving. And the fact remains that it still wont matter. Cars with their eyesight system and vehicles with similar tech are involved in fatal accidents every day. So they will just ruin cars and get no results.
The Eyesight 'safety' system
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The Eyesight 'safety' system is just a crutch for lazy and inattentive bad driving habits. All it does is ruin the joy of driving a manual vehicle just for the fun of driving.
I completely agree with NMK &
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I completely agree with NMK & Ellis M Cook all of these so called safety features only serve as an enabler for inattentive, dangerous drivers. If auto manufacturers spent as much time and money on intensive driver training programs for school students they might actually make a change, but with more young people starting to drive with short attention spans, inattentive-ness, and low confidence in their abilities I don’t see any lives being saved. Personally I turn all the aid off and put tape over the driver monitoring camera in my car.
I'm actually thrilled Subaru
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I'm actually thrilled Subaru may be adding the eyesight tech to the manual transmission: I have been waiting forever for this news. I hate driving an automatic, but I had to buy the crosstrek auto to gain an invaluable feature-- blind spot monitor.
Deposit ready!!
I'm actually thrilled Subaru
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I'm actually thrilled Subaru may be adding the eyesight tech to the manual transmission: I have been waiting forever for this news. I hate driving an automatic, but I had to buy the crosstrek auto to gain an invaluable feature-- blind spot monitor.
Deposit ready!!
My 2022 BRZ is a manual so it
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In reply to I'm actually thrilled Subaru by Karen L Polascik (not verified)
My 2022 BRZ is a manual so it has no eyesight. It does still have blindspot monitoring. I dont mind that feature, especially in a tiny little 2 door coupe with plenty of blindspots. I couldnt care less about the rest of what eyesight offers.
I'm actually thrilled Subaru
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I'm actually thrilled Subaru may be adding the eyesight tech to the manual transmission: I have been waiting forever for this news. I hate driving an automatic, but I had to buy the crosstrek auto to gain an invaluable feature-- blind spot monitor.
Deposit ready!!
I ordered a premium 2022
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I ordered a premium 2022 Crosstrek with a 6 speed manual transmission, best move I’ve made considering the car industries’ decision to go with all the tech. My wife drives a premium 2021 Crosstrek with a CVT, which includes all the tech and then some. I absolutely hate the engine start stop feature, the push button start (on the 2022), the Eyesight feature, the lane assist feature, and the CVT (even though it gets an average of 5 mpg better than the manual). The manual has none of those features and it’s available in the premium model. Way to go Subaru, driving is fun again! It’s no secret that the 152 hp engine is sluggish, but with the manual transmission the engine feels more peppy, which significantly improves the driving experience. Great news they’re continuing the manual in 2023. My solid advice, order a premium with a manual transmission while you still can without all the tech. You will absolutely love it!
I have never felt more safe
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I have never felt more safe than while driving a manual car. You have more control of acceleration and your body as a whole is more involved and in sync to the driving process. Plus you are forced to out the sandwich or celll phone down!
Maybe Subaru is more
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Maybe Subaru is more committed to placing a high price component in their vehicles for more revenue generation. Zero fatalities though a noble goal is unobtainable. Automakers keep finding more ways to take the fun out of driving.