Can You Still Get a Manual Car in Australia in 2025?
Introduction: Has the Manual Gearbox Died?
If you’ve ever taken joy in clutching, shifting, and feeling one with the road, you might be wondering — can you still get a manual car in Australia in 2025?
With the auto industry shifting gears (pun intended) toward electric vehicles, driver-assist tech, and performance automatics, the humble stick shift is becoming a rarity. But while it's true that manual transmissions have fallen out of favour, they’re not extinct just yet.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore:
Which manual cars are still available in Australia in 2025
Why manuals are disappearing
Who’s still buying them and why
Manual vs automatic: which should you buy today?
The future of manual transmissions in a tech-heavy, electric world
Let’s dive into the clutch-connected world of 2025’s remaining manual warriors.
1. The Decline of Manual Transmissions: What Happened?
a. Convenience Over Control
Most Aussies today prefer automatics. And why wouldn’t they? They’re easier in stop-start traffic, more fuel-efficient than ever, and more intuitive for tech-packed cabins.
Sales trends back this up:
In the early 2000s, manuals accounted for nearly 30-40% of car sales.
By 2020, that number was already down to around 10%.
In 2025, manual cars are estimated to be under 5% of new vehicle sales in Australia.
b. EVs Don’t Need a Gearbox
Electric vehicles (EVs) have no traditional gearbox. Their motors provide instant torque without needing multiple gears. As more Australians make the switch to EVs, the manual transmission is naturally becoming obsolete.
c. Technology, Hybrids & Performance
Today’s performance cars often use dual-clutch automatics (DCTs) or torque-converter autos that shift faster than any human. Hybrid cars, too, rarely support manuals due to their complex drivetrains.
In short: tech advancements have made manuals feel... outdated.
2. But Wait – Manual Cars Are Still Available in 2025!
Despite the odds, several manufacturers continue to offer manual variants in Australia in 2025. They cater to driving purists, budget-conscious buyers, or both.
Popular Manual Cars Still Available in 2025:
1. Mazda MX-5
Type: Convertible sports car
Why it matters: The quintessential driver’s car, always offered with a slick 6-speed manual
Who buys it: Enthusiasts who value fun over practicality
2. Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
Type: Sports coupe
Why it matters: Rear-wheel drive, lightweight, manual option – a rare combo in 2025
Who buys it: Young drivers and performance lovers
3. Ford Mustang GT
Type: Muscle car
Why it matters: Still comes with a manual in V8 form
Who buys it: Traditionalists who love American power
4. Toyota GR Corolla & GR Yaris
Type: Hot hatch
Why it matters: Rally-bred fun in compact form with 6-speed manual
Who buys it: Track-day drivers and manual loyalists
5. Suzuki Jimny
Type: Compact 4x4
Why it matters: Comes with a 5-speed manual in both 3-door and 5-door variants
Who buys it: Off-road adventurers
6. Hyundai i20 N & i30 N (Limited numbers)
Type: Hot hatchbacks
Why it matters: Manual still offered despite a shift to autos in some trims
Who buys it: Young urban enthusiasts
7. Kia Picanto S
Type: Budget city hatch
Why it matters: One of the cheapest new cars with a manual
Who buys it: Budget-conscious P-platers or first-car buyers
8. Isuzu D-MAX SX & Mazda BT-50 XT (Base variants)
Type: Utes
Why it matters: Offered in base manual for fleet and tradie buyers
Who buys it: Workhorse drivers who want low maintenance and durability
3. Manual Transmission: Pros and Cons in 2025
✅ Pros of Driving a Manual in 2025:
Driving Engagement: You’re in full control of gear shifts – more fun for some.
Lower Cost (Sometimes): Manual variants can still be cheaper to buy and maintain.
Fuel Efficiency (In Select Cases): Some older manual designs still outperform automatics in rural or highway driving.
Theft Deterrent: Believe it or not, many car thieves today can’t drive stick!
❌ Cons of Driving a Manual in 2025:
Traffic Fatigue: Constant clutch work in stop-start traffic is tiresome.
Resale Value Drop: Fewer buyers want manuals – resale can be harder.
Limited Choice: Fewer models, fewer trims, and fewer dealers willing to stock manuals.
Learning Curve: Young Aussies now overwhelmingly learn to drive on autos.
4. Who Still Buys Manual Cars in Australia?
Despite a shrinking market, a small but passionate base of buyers still insists on manual gearboxes.
Typical Manual Buyers in 2025:
Enthusiasts: Want maximum control and fun
Tradies: Value simplicity and repairability in utes
Regional Drivers: In rural areas, simpler tech is often preferred
Budget-Conscious First-Time Buyers: Where a manual is the cheapest variant
5. Transmission Trends in 2025 Australia
a. Manuals in Decline
Even brands like Volkswagen, Honda, and Hyundai have phased out manuals in many mainstream models. CVTs, DCTs, and torque-converter autos dominate.
b. EVs Changing the Game
Most EVs – including the Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Kia EV6 – operate without traditional transmissions. This means the idea of “shifting gears” may eventually become a relic.
c. Revival in Niche Markets
Some carmakers, like Toyota’s Gazoo Racing or Mazda with the MX-5, have doubled down on manual offerings for enthusiasts, even as the rest of the lineup goes automatic or hybrid.
6. Should You Buy a Manual Car in 2025?
Let’s break it down by scenario:
| Buyer Type | Should You Get Manual? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| First-Time Car Buyer | Maybe | If you’re comfortable with stick shift and want to save money |
| Performance Enthusiast | Yes | For maximum driving feel, stick is still king |
| City Commuter | No | Automatics and EVs are more practical |
| Off-Road Explorer | Yes | Simplicity and control matter off-road |
| Resale Value Watcher | No | Autos generally sell quicker and easier |
7. Future of Manual Cars in Australia: Are They Doomed?
Manuals are not completely gone — but they’re endangered.
Short-Term Outlook (2025–2028):
Enthusiast models will keep manuals alive.
Utes and base-spec cars may continue offering manuals in rural markets.
Fewer driving schools are teaching manual driving tests.
Long-Term Outlook (2030+):
As EVs dominate and hybrids fill the gaps, manual gearboxes may disappear entirely from new car showrooms.
Manuals may become collector’s items, much like vinyl records or film cameras.
8. Tips for Buying a Manual Car in 2025
Check Availability: Not all dealers carry manual stock – order ahead.
Insurance: Some insurers offer cheaper premiums for manual models (especially older ones).
Driving Test Licence Type: If you learn manual, you can drive both manual and auto legally in Australia.
Maintenance: Fewer mechanics specialise in clutch work – find one with experience.
Final Thoughts: Manuals Are Rare, But Not Dead
So, can you still get a manual car in Australia in 2025?
Yes — but your options are fewer, and your motivations must be clear.
Manual cars are now part of a shrinking niche. But if you’re someone who drives for the thrill, enjoys mechanical engagement, or simply wants a simple workhorse, there’s still a place for a stick shift in your garage.
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