Land Rover isn’t exactly known for building the most reliable cars, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still cool, comfortable and incredibly capable. If you’re looking to spend over $1,000 a month leasing a luxury SUV, you can do a whole lot worse than a Range Rover. Unfortunately, as an enthusiast, you’re not actually allowed to drive a Range Rover because they’re only offered with automatic transmissions. Don’t despair, though, we come bearing great news. Land Rover actually does still sell a car with a manual transmission.
There are, of course, going to be some downsides. For starters, you’ll have to leave the U.S. You don’t mind moving to the UK, do you? Sure, they’re pretty hostile toward immigrants these days, and the economy is failing, but on the plus side, their language is close enough to English that you shouldn’t have too many problems communicating with the locals. It’ll take some time to adjust, but surely, it’ll be worth it to get a three-pedal Land Rover, right?
Additionally, Land Rover’s lone manual transmission also isn’t available on something cool like the big daddy Range Rover or Defender. No, you can only get the stick shift on a front-wheel drive Range Rover Evoque. And with a base price of £40,800, it’s not exactly cheap. In fact, it appears to cost more than the median household income in the UK. Nor is it quick, with its 163-hp diesel engine requiring 9.5 seconds to hit 60 mph.
If you want a manual Land Rover, though, it’s your only option. Is it worth the trade-offs to be able to brag to your friends that you have the last Land Rover with a manual transmission, though? Probably not. Still, it does exist, and Land Rover at least deserves credit for offering it even if the U.S. doesn’t get to experience the manual Evoque in all its glory.
H/T: CarScoops