MINI’s Manual Transmission Future Once Again Looks Grim

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According to officials from MINI Australia and New Zealand, MINI’s current generation lineup will not see the manual transmission return. If true it’s cold water on news we’ve reported (directly from MINI themselves) that they were looking into a potential return of the manual for certain models.

So what’s going on and is the manual truly dead? Yes, MINI Australia and New Zealand has strongly signaled the end of the manual, and CarBuzz cites confirmation from the brand that future models will continue to forgo a stick shift.

Yet just a few we heard differently just this past November when MINI USA’s then-head of product, Pat McKenna, told MotoringFile that a final decision on the manual’s fate in the U.S. had not yet been made. He acknowledged the steep regulatory and logistical challenges facing manual gearboxes—particularly in light of increasingly stringent emissions standards in Europe—but also recognized the unusually high take rate among American MINI buyers, especially for the F56 JCW Hardtop. In 2023, over 50% of those buyers chose the manual—a stat that’s nearly unheard of in today’s market. (See our in-depth reporting here).

That context is important. While the CarBuzz piece reflects the direction MINI is headed globally, especially in Europe where fleet emissions compliance takes precedence, it doesn’t fully account for the North American market, where MINI has traditionally taken a slightly different path when demand warrants it. But could demand in the US and other key markets be enough to make the investment worthwhile?

The 2026 Fiat 500e and it’s manual

In a surprising twist to the “manuals are dead” narrative, Fiat has just announced it’s bringing back the 500 not only with a petrol engine, but with a manual transmission option as well—at least in certain markets. At a time when most automakers are moving toward electrification and automatics-only lineups, Fiat’s move introduces a compelling counterpoint. It suggests that for small, characterful cars, there may still be a viable niche for row-your-own gearboxes—especially if emissions targets can be met creatively or regionally. In a market where personality and driver engagement still matter, Fiat’s play could either be a one-off anomaly—or the start of a small but meaningful shift in the segment.

Why Did MINI Kill the Manual In the First Place?

The manuals demise has long been coming due to emissions regulations, cost pressures, and the strategic consolidation around a more streamlined lineup, including the now-standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). (Full breakdown here).

While the DCT offers faster shifts and greater efficiency, it’s not a one-to-one replacement for the tactile joy and mechanical connection that the manual represents—something baked deep into MINI’s DNA going all the way back to 1959. The shift away from that experience, however pragmatic, is understandably bittersweet for many fans of the brand.

Of course, things can change. MINI USA hasn’t offered an official update since McKenna’s comments in late 2024, and product planning often remains fluid, especially in a market as enthusiast-driven as ours. But if the recent reports are accurate—and all current indicators suggest they are—the door may have closed for the manual in this current generation of MINIs.

As always, we’ll keep a close eye on the story and continue to report as more details emerge. Until then, enjoy those third pedals if you’ve got them.

The post MINI’s Manual Transmission Future Once Again Looks Grim appeared first on MotoringFile.

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