Ya, I agree... the manumatic mode of the Focus isn't all that great.

If I'm choosing based on the transmission only:

1. Honda City/Jazz 1.3 or 1.5 CVT (Jazz 1.5 CVT most desirable, City 1.5 CVT most bang for the buck)

2. Mitsubishi Lancer MX 1.8 Limited (reasonably quick for a mere 1.8)

3. Mazda3 (1.6 model lacks oompf, even if manu-matic'd)

4. Ford Focus (you find yourself fighting with the box a lot if you're not used to it... never does want to shift when you do!).

Of course, if we're not talking trannies, I'd pick the Mazda and the Focus over the Lancer.

BTW, di sila semi-auto... manumatics tawag. :lol: