Even in the UK, stick-shifts are becoming a niche hobby as automatics quietly take over
Manual gearboxes now available on fewer than a quarter of new cars in UK. Researchers found only 67 manual models in market once dominated by them. Used market still offers enthusiasts plenty of engaging three-pedal options.
If you love to row your own gears, it might be time to start hoarding. Manuals are disappearing fast, and we’re not just talking about from US showrooms. In the UK, where more than 80 percent of new cars used to have three pedals, the third one is rapidly headed for retirement. According to new data from CarGurus, just 67 models from the UK’s top manufacturers still offer a manual gearbox in 2026, down from 82 models last year. That’s a huge drop compared to a decade ago, and even down noticeably from last year. In fact, manuals now make up less than a quarter of all new cars on sale. Related: Porsche Has A Crazy Idea To Keep The Manual Alive, But It’s Not That Simple Meanwhile, automatics are having a real moment. Out of nearly 300 models studied, the vast majority - 225 - are now automatic-only. That shift isn’t exactly shocking when you consider how many SUVs, hybrids, and EVs dominate today’s market. None of those categories really have time for a clutch pedal and a bit of driver involvement. Manual-Free Brands Some brands have already moved on completely. Mini and Honda have now joined the growing list of manufacturers that have ditched manuals entirely in the UK. They sit alongside familiar names like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Tesla, all of which have decided the future doesn’t involve a clutch pedal. There are a few reasons behind it. Modern automatics are smoother, more efficient, and easier to live with in traffic, and easier to program for superior fuel economy during homologation tests. Add in the rise of electrification, and the manual gearbox starts to look like a relic from another era rather than a must-have feature. Even BMW M says the clock is ticking on manual availability on its cars. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Porsche 911 GT3 continue to offer stick-shift thrills to enthusiasts with different budgets, and there are quite a few low-ranking hatches and crossovers available with a manual. Plus, if you can't find what you want on the list below and still want that hands-on driving feel, you just have to change your car-shopping habits from new to used. “Over the past decade, the number of new manuals has more than halved,” said Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK Editorial Director. “But for drivers who still value the engagement and control of a traditional gearbox, the used market still offers a wide variety of options.” UK Manual Availability BrandModels With Manual Option in ’26AudiA1, A3, Q2BMWM2CitroenBerlingo, C3, C3 AircrossCUPRAFormentor, LeonDaciaDuster, Jogger, Sandero Stepway, Sandero, BigsterFiat-FordPuma, Kuga, Tourneo Custom, Tourneo Courier, Mustang, RangerHonda-HyundaiBayon, i10, i20, Kona, TucsonJaguar*-JeepAvengerKiaK4, Picanto, Sportage, Stonic, XCeedLand Rover-Lexus-MazdaCX-30, CX-5, MAZDA3, MX-5Mercedes-Benz-MGMG3, HS, ZSMINI-NissanJuke, QashqaiPeugeot2008, 208Porsche911RenaultClio, CapturSEATArona, Ibiza, Leon, AtecaSkodaFabia, Kamiq, Karoq, Octavia, ScalaSuzukiS-Cross, Swift, VitaraTesla-ToyotaGR Yaris, HiluxVauxhallAstra, Corsa, MokkaVolkswagenPolo, Golf, Taigo, T-Cross, TransporterVolvo-TOTAL:67
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