What happened to manual transmissions?

[mjt]

So my parents are looking to replace their Mk 6 GTI, but my mum “hates automatics”. Yes, she’s wrong and should embrace change, but it’s astonishing how there’s very little in the way of (relatively) powerful cars with manual transmissions.

S3: auto only
SQ2: auto only
Golf R: auto only
Golf GTI: national importer no longer offers manuals. (Not the time to buy a new Mk7.5 anyway, but I digress)
A35 AMG: auto only
XC40 T5: no manuals

Even further down the range, the VW T-Roc 2.0 190 is auto-only, as is the equivalent Q2 and Q3.

If you want a manual, you have to get a 1.4 or a Hyundai i30N.

FWIW we’re trying to change her mind but it raises an interesting point. When did this happen?

PS: she won’t have a BMW
PPS: forgot about the Cupra and the Vrs

 

[mjt]

I'm sure you can get a manual Golf R

Very few and far between. I think with the facelift it was all but phased out. Who bought one?

1,000 2018 or newer Golf R DSG for sale in Europe. 15 manuals. 15!!!

 

[mjt]

Slightly annoying as my dad's new vehicles have an automatic parking brake so if he moves or borrows mine he forgets to put the handbrake on - fortunately as it has automatic transmission it normally stays in place in park.

Both of my cars have automatic electronic handbrakes but before then I never used the manual handbrake unless I was parked on a hill. People who leave the car in neutral with the handbrake up confuse me.

 

[mjt]

She won't have a bmw or automatic? Basically ruling out the best drivetrain combos available to the average buyer. Sounds sensible.

Have you ever met a 70-year-old Polish woman? Just don’t bother trying to reason with her.
“What do I do with my other hand?”

We’re slowly trying to convince her but it’s hard work!

 

[mjt]

She won't have a bmw or automatic? Basically ruling out the best drivetrain combos available to the average buyer. Sounds sensible.

So the X2 M35i is apparently a thing. I think my dad is going to ignore my mum and just buy what he wants...