[Veloist]

I can talk on and on about how much I love how the shifts feel and how distinct the gearbox feels.

It's not a smooth gearbox which is a good thing.

Every shift has feedback. Feedback is the key word. When you put it into gear you are rewarded with a clunk that represents the rawness and precision of the shifter. I shift at 3000 RPM on my commutes and it's fantastic.

In higher revs at about 5000 RPM+ you get less feedback but in return you get buttery smooth shifts. It's smoothness is progressive relative to the engine speed. This is what makes daily driving the manual so much fun. The clicking into gear at low speeds/RPM is so rewarding and satisfying, and the confidence you have knowing the shift lever has clicked in gear makes you as the driver so much more involved which in turn makes it so much fun.

Don't get me wrong, I have driven the new WRX and the new STI as well as the MK7 Golf GTI and a few commuter cars like the Scion iM and Mazda3.

The WRX has a lazy-feeling shifter and I'm disappointed with the long throws and uninspiring spacing. The WRX STI is essentially the same but feels more springy and smoother operation when transitioning into a gear but it doesn't have the "click" that I'm used to in the BRZ. The GTI would be my definition of a smooth gearbox and while it is still a lot of fun to drive, there is less connection felt to the car because of how smooth it is. I felt the same way about the Mazda3 which felt too smooth too me and not enough feedback and the Scion iM was just a terrible detached feeling.

The BRZ's shift feel has set the bar for me as the most enjoyable manual car to shift with. I haven't driven cars like the S2000 (which I hear is supposedly a better feeling stick shift) but the notchy clicking gears truly contributes to the BRZ's character as an enjoyable driver's car.