No manual in 2019 Golf GTI

[Mattlock]

Taught my wife to drive a manual years ago and now she prefers it.

Yep. Same here. Won’t drive auto at all.



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[Ozsko]

Further underlining the complete lack of trust in VW Australia with respect to the lack of demand for a manual GTI I have just remembered the VW Golf GTI 40 Years model from less than 12 months ago. As I recall there were 100 manual variants out of 500 in total ie 20%, and that the manual sold out even before a single car had arrived in the country!!! Fast forward less than 8 months and VWA are trying to have us believe no one will want a manual GTI. What a load of b****cks!!!!

I am not surprised at that as the 40 years model would be a halo thing that is aimed at the sporty driver demographic. You can't argue that the greater majority prefer an auto, the figures don't lie. Overall in the GTI community the auto sells way more than the manual and if driven in a serious manner a DSG car will blow the doors off a manual in a point to point contest and I doubt the fun factor would suffer much in the process.

[Mattlock]

I am not surprised at that as the 40 years model would be a halo thing that is aimed at the sporty driver demographic. You can't argue that the greater majority prefer an auto, the figures don't lie. Overall in the GTI community the auto sells way more than the manual and if driven in a serious manner a DSG car will blow the doors off a manual in a point to point contest and I doubt the fun factor would suffer much in the process.

I don’t disagree on anything you’ve said.

I think the frustration I suffer with this is that they are hiding behind it being about emissions rather than an intrinsic uplift in revenue.



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[Ozsko]

Stuff comes and goes in cars and I think the manual gearbox has had its time in the sun. Thirty years ago people were saying they would not buy a fuel injected car for a bet and now the manual is sort of at that same cross roads. The transport industry is changing to auto as fast as they can except in really specialised cases because of less stress on the drivers. I find it really difficult to understand the "manual is fun to drive fast" factor because if fast driving is all it is about the manual just gets in the way. I find it much more rewarding to dive really deep into a corner with both hands on the wheel and leave it to the last second to pull the box back gears using the paddles after absolutely trying to bend the brake pedal on the first application.

[Mattlock]

No manual in 2019 Golf GTI

For me a manual is more fun as I get to decide exactly how I want to drive at all times. I have to heel n toe, balance steering input and weight transfer to keep everything smooth and clean.

I like the dexterity involved in taking multiple inputs and feelings to connect with the car and get the best out of it. I feel that an auto removes 1 level of connection for me.

The DSG in the VW is particularly fussy and insists on inserting its programming into the mix. Perhaps if I could always drive an RS ‘box or a Ferrari ‘box (which I have done on numerous occasions, including a 458 Speciale recently), it would be a different matter.

I know I’m in the minority. I understand that. Perhaps by the time I can no longer source a new car with a manual, I’ll have saved up enough for an RS4!



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[Brycem]

Please don’t project this micro market on the world. The sad facts are Australians are heading to auto only SUV Armageddon and faster than any other country barring the US. Europe and the UK have traffic issues but don’t insist on autos. They also have higher fuel costs so buy cars that are fit for purpose. Australia needs to start thinking that way and soon. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

[BenT]

Autos cause road congestion because drivers don’t have to think.




Ben

Current
2015 Polo GTI manual
2018 Golf GTI Original manual

Previous
2014 Polo GTI DSG
2013 Golf GTI DSG
2006 RenaultSport Megane 225 Cup manual
2006 Golf GTI manual
2005 Golf 2.0 TSI manual
2001 Astra SRi manual
2000 Pulsar SSS manual
1999 Astra CD auto
1998 Pulsar SLX auto
1991 Pulsar GL manual
1981 Subaru Leone auto

[Brycem]

Agreed. Low speed limits, straight roads, loose drink driving laws and automatic transmissions all lead to a **** fight.

[feenix74]

You cannot push start an auto . . . not sure about a DSG but I assume it would be similarly difficult.

[dinot81]

Not sure if has been mentioned above but another reason for the end of the hand mixer is that Mild Hybrid Technology is moving in. Coasting funtions, electric motors to help the combustion engine will play a major part in the near future for most manfacturers. That type of tech does not work with a manual gearbox. All of that is to reduce consumption and emissions in cars which eventually will become EV's in the future. Golf Mk8 is expected to be a mild hybrid as well.

2015 Tiguan 130TDI R-Line, Pepper Grey, Panoramic Sunroof

[bxpressiv]

I'm sure the numbers support that manuals are disappearing from the market but in terms of choice, the Golf is pretty much the only auto hot hatch to choose from with BMW and Audi as the other considerations.