The once popular feature quickly vanishing from new cars as EV sales rise

A new study has found that a feature that was once found on almost every car sold in the UK is rapidly declining in popularity, with a growing number of new models offering an alternative idea. For decades, all motorists learning to drive were expected to know how to use a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox. However, according to a new study by CarGurus, the number of new models offered with this type of transmission has declined by 57% since 2015.

Chris Knapman, Editorial Director for CarGurus UK, highlighted that a key cause for the decline in manual cars is the rising popularity of electric models, which do not feature conventional gears. He explained: "With an increasing number of new cars being fully electric, and the market's general push to larger and more premium vehicles, it is no great surprise to see the decline of the manual gearbox continuing in the 12 months since we last conducted this study. Increasingly, an automatic gearbox is no longer a luxury that buyers must pay extra for, but an expected standard feature."

During the 1950s and 1960s, almost all family cars sold in the UK featured a manual transmission, with automatics typically being the reserve of luxury models. However, over the years, systems have become more affordable to fit in new cars of all sizes and budgets.

This is particularly true for hybrid and electric vehicles, with the motors used in almost all models not requiring gears. As a result, brands that produce a full range of zero-emission models may have no cars fitted with a manual gearbox.

According to a survey of 2,000 Brits conducted by the company, just 28 % claimed they would miss having a manual gearbox in their car. The lack of love has led the company to predict that the last manual cars will be sold in the UK in 2037.

Nevertheless, Chris urged motorists not to lose faith in cars with manual gearboxes, noting that they typically offer a more rewarding driving experience than automatic alternatives.

He added: "There is some good news for those who do still value the additional layer of interaction that comes with a manual gearbox, however.

"Drivers can still buy a new car with a truly great gear-change like the Honda Civic Type R and Mazda MX-5. Or, of course, they can look to the used market, where manuals are in plentiful supply."

Currently, drivers looking for a low-cost city car or supermini are some of the most likely to feature a manual gearbox, including the Citroen C3, Fiat 500, and Hyundai i10.

However, some larger family models that come from value-focused brands, like the Dacia Duster and Kia Sportage, are also offered with a more conventional gearbox.

High-performance coupes and hot hatches are also more likely to use a manual transmission, including the Honda Civic Type R, Mazda MX-5, and Porsche 911.