I don't know with the manual, but the matic Strada VGT is quite lethargic off the line. Unless you can keep the rpm above 2k upon launch, it takes off with the enthusiasm of an old school diesel. But then when the turbo works at full steam, the mid range acceleration is very good indeed, IMHO it feels even more brutal than our R e-VGT Santa Fe. The 5 speed tranny is a very willing companion. Manual shift override gives you near full control. 2nd gear starts, upshifts at 1500rpm and gear holding upto redline can actually be done (same can't be said for the Santa Fe 6AT).

The Strada is more lifestyle vehicle than actual workhorse. The rear bed space is much compromised to make way for more cabin space. I could not fit a glass living room coffee table on it without opening the tailgate and involving lots of ropes. In the end, I had to bring in the Revo (with 2nd and 3rd row seats folded up) for that job.

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