A CVT equipped car is hard to get used to. The constant buzzing noise of high-rpms and the lack of feeling a shift can be very irritating and unfamiliar. Sadly, most hybrids come with a CVT transmission and only one hybrid out there can be had with a true six-speed manual. CVT’s have also had questionable long-term reliability.
On the other hand, diesel models are available with a wide range of transmissions. Volkswagen offers their diesel vehicles with a conventional manual, or a high-tech dual-clutch transmission. Chevy’s Cruze diesel comes with an old-school six-speed automatic, while Mercedes uses a spiffy seven speed unit. You’re not forced to use a form of transmission you’re not familiar with, instead you can go with what you know and like.
