Honda’s New S+ Shift as the Brand’s Modern Take on Fading Manuals

Honda’s new S+ shift stands as the brand’s modern answer to the disappearing manual transmission, bringing something fresh into the mix for drivers who still remember shifting gears by hand or maybe just curious about it now. It’s positioned right there in their lineup, trying to capture that old feeling in a new way without fully letting go of what cars are becoming these days, I think. The S+ shift, you know, it’s Honda saying they get it, manuals are fading but here’s this updated version that blends in with automatics and everything else going electronic. Feels like a nod to the past while pushing forward, or at least that’s the idea they’re going with in this shift mode kind of.

Honda Civic Type R

Civic Type R with its S+ shift just sits there in the driveway sometimes, feeling like it wants to rev up and go but then maybe it’s too much for daily stuff. Owning one, it’s this mix where you grip the wheel and shift quick, but is it really better than just letting the paddles do it. Days pass and waits, engine humming low, almost like it’s unsure if you’ll take it out for that track feel or just cruise around town. Sometimes seems alive in the garage, other times just another car blending in. Wonder if the S+ makes it feel more manual-like, or if it’s fooling you a bit there, in a way.

Acura Integra Type S

That Acura Integra Type S exists pretty comfortably in the parking lot, S+ shift ready whenever but not always calling for it strongly. Being owned, it’s like having a friend that’s sporty yet settles into traffic fine, though repeat to yourself it’s got that manual spirit revived somehow. Lingers through the week, tires quiet, waiting for a twisty road that might not come today, I think. Feels premium sitting there, but uncertain if the shift mode truly replaces the real clutch feel or just echoes it weakly. And then there’s the shine on the hood catching light, kind of unnecessary but nice to notice.

Toyota GR Corolla

GR Corolla hangs around with its own manual mostly, but imagining S+ shift in something like it, would feel eager yet parked too often. Owning this kind of car, it’s that thrill waiting under the hood, shifting sharp but then softening into normal drives. Exists in your garage space, rally roots whispering, though daily life pulls it back some. Shifts and responds, but does it fully satisfy that manual itch or leave a little gap. Sometimes just idles, feeling a bit out of place on straight highways. The wheels look clean after rain.

Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX with a shift like S+ would idle in the lot, boxer engine muttering low and uncertain about the electronic help. To be owned, it’s gripping roads when you want, but then easing off like maybe it doesn’t need the full manual push. Sits through rain, waiting uncertainly for dry pavement, that all-wheel grip ready but softened by the mode. Feels raw owning it, yet the shift repeats that quick action without the full leg workout. And the hood scoop, it’s there catching eyes pointlessly sometimes, in a way.

Volkswagen Golf R

Golf R exists smoothly in suburbia, S+ shift blending performance with ease, though wonder if it misses the pure stick. Owning one means it’s always game for a boost, turbo spooling up quick but then settling calm. Parked overnight, quiets down, waiting uncertainly for morning pulls. The shift feels modern, echoing manuals lightly, but does it contradict the old-school want a bit, I think. Feels connected yet distant in traffic. Handles corners okay.

Mazda3 Turbo

Mazda3 Turbo just blends into the fleet with S+ vibes, feeling premium but softening on long hauls. To own it, there’s that zoom when shifting, repeating the fun without full effort, though uncertainty lingers if it’s enough, kind of. Waits in the drive, sleek lines idle, ready or not for spirited runs. Sometimes hums along fine, other times think about real manuals fading away. The interior comfort adds a layer that’s nice but unnecessary for the drive feel. Seats are supportive.

Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai Elantra N sits hot in the garage, S+ shift promising punch but easing into commutes uncertainly. Being owned, it’s aggressive starts then calm coasts, like the mode repeats manual snaps softly. Exists through seasons, tires gripping variably, waiting for pushes that might not fully arrive. Feels fun yet mildly off, as if the electronic shift contradicts pure control a touch. And the exhaust note echoes faintly when cold, maybe.

Kia K5 GT

Kia K5 GT lingers larger in the lot, S+ style shift making it feel sport sedan ready but parked often. Owning means smooth pulls, the mode lightening the manual memory without full commitment. Idles patiently, sedan shape blending, uncertain about track days ahead. Shifts quick, repeats that engagement, though maybe not resolving the old gear feel completely. Styling catches light pointlessly at dusk, in a way.

Dodge Charger Hellcat

Charger Hellcat with shift thoughts like S+ just dominates space, supercharged roar waiting but softening electronically some. To be owned, it’s muscle overwhelming roads, yet the mode eases clutch-less shifts uncertainly. Sits heavy in the bay, tires wide and idle, feeling powerful but mildly contradicted by modern aids. Grip and go, repeating the thrust, though pure manual purity fades. Exhaust rumbles low, unnecessary but there.