SP20 has a five-speed manual gearbox standard and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission available as an option. The automatic transmission on the current generation of 323 uses an electronic throttle valve arrangement, a new clutch control system and precise clutch pressure control to achieve good shift quality and responsiveness. The auto also has a "slope control" feature that attempts to eliminate gear hunting on uphill and downhill gradients, the transmission holds third gear rather than shifting between third and fourth.