The Rapid Disappearance of Manual Gearboxes
If you love shifting gears yourself, it might be time to start stocking up. Manual transmissions are disappearing very quickly, and it’s not just about US dealerships. In the UK, where over 80 percent of new cars once had three pedals, the third pedal is rapidly heading into retirement.
Statistics Point to a Sharp Decline
According to new data from CarGurus, only 67 models from leading manufacturers in the UK still offer a manual transmission in 2026, down from 82 models last year. This is a significant drop compared to a decade ago. In fact, “manuals” now account for less than a quarter of all new cars offered for sale.
Meanwhile, automatic transmissions are experiencing a real boom. Of the nearly 300 models studied, the vast majority – 225 – are now available only with an “automatic.” This shift is not surprising, considering how many crossovers, hybrids, and electric vehicles dominate the modern market. None of these categories see a clutch pedal and active driver involvement as something necessary.
Brands That Have Completely Abandoned “Manuals”
Some brands have already fully switched to other technology. Mini and Honda have now joined the growing list of manufacturers that have completely abandoned manual gearboxes in the UK. They stand alongside such well-known names as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Tesla, which have decided that the future does not include a clutch pedal.
Several reasons are behind this. Modern automatic transmissions are smoother, more efficient, more convenient in traffic, and easier to program for better fuel economy during testing. Add to this the rise of electric vehicles, and the manual gearbox begins to look like a relic of another era, not a mandatory feature. Even BMW M states that the time for the availability of manual gearboxes on their cars is limited.
A Light at the End of the Tunnel for Enthusiasts
But it’s not all gloomy. Cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Porsche 911 GT3 continue to offer the pleasure of a “manual” to enthusiasts with different budgets, and there are quite a few affordable hatchbacks and crossovers with a manual gearbox. Furthermore, if you can’t find what you want among new cars and still want the feeling of direct control over the driving experience, you’ll simply have to change your car buying habits from new to used.
Over the last decade, the number of new cars with a manual transmission has more than halved. But for drivers who still value the engagement and control of a traditional gearbox, the used market offers a wide selection of options.
Availability of Manual Transmissions in the UK (Top 30 Brands)
Brand / Models with a “manual” option in 2026
Audi: A1, A3, Q2
BMW: M2
Citroen: Berlingo, C3, C3 Aircross
CUPRA: Formentor, Leon
Dacia: Duster, Jogger, Sandero Stepway, Sandero, Bigster
Fiat: –
Ford: Puma, Kuga, Tourneo Custom, Tourneo Courier, Mustang, Ranger
Honda: –
Hyundai: Bayon, i10, i20, Kona, Tucson
Jaguar*: –
Jeep: Avenger
Kia: K4, Picanto, Sportage, Stonic, XCeed
Land Rover: –
Lexus: –
Mazda: CX-30, CX-5, MAZDA3, MX-5
Mercedes-Benz: –
MG: MG3, HS, ZS
MINI: –
Nissan: Juke, Qashqai
Peugeot: 2008, 208
Porsche: 911
Renault: Clio, Captur
SEAT: Arona, Ibiza, Leon, Ateca
Skoda: Fabia, Kamiq, Karoq, Octavia, Scala
Suzuki: S-Cross, Swift, Vitara
Tesla: –
Toyota: GR Yaris, Hilux
Vauxhall: Astra, Corsa, Mokka
Volkswagen: Polo, Golf, Taigo, T-Cross, Transporter
Volvo: –
TOTAL: 67
This trend is part of a global transformation of the automotive industry, where efficiency, autonomy, and the integration of electric powertrains—which naturally pair with single-speed reducers or automatic transmissions—are becoming priorities. At the same time, the preservation of manual options in icons like the Porsche 911 or Mazda MX-5 indicates that for certain driver-focused segments, the “manual” remains an important part of the car’s DNA. The future seems to be heading towards a split: the mass market will finally switch to automatics, while niche, often expensive sports models may keep the tradition alive as an exclusive option for purists.