It’s hard to deny that the overarching trend the last few years has been that the manual transmission is on its way out. We get it. People like automatics - they’re easier to drive, cheaper on fuel and of course not a constant struggle in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Manufacturers are now offering an abundance of complex automatic transmissions which offer “manual-like experiences” like the direct shift transmission (DSG), but let’s face it… it will never be the same.

We decided to look at the top fifteen selling passenger vehicles of 2018 to see which (if any) still cater for the manual market. To our surprise, only four of the fifteen models gave an option of the classic stick shift - three of which were hatchbacks! So if you’re after a small funky manual runabout, you’re limited to a Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz or the Mazda 3 (SP25 model). If you’re after something with a clutch and a bit more room, the Nissan Qashqai SUV might tick your boxes.

If you are someone who knows their way around a clutch, there are still a few compelling reasons to choose the manual model.

Maintenance costs

Maintenance on a manual transmission is low and they are relatively easy to service. Oil changes are infrequent and the most common item that will need attention is the clutch, which is a simple mechanical assembly. An automatic transmission in comparison, can often be a costly rebuild at a specialist shop when a failure occurs. A skilled mechanic will often be able to diagnose and rectify internal faults on a manual transmission such as bearings and worn synchros, without the need of a specialist transmission shop.

Performance

There’s just something about dropping a gear and pushing the RPM just that little bit higher that brings out the petrol head inside. Drivers who desire more control and want that delicate balance of human and machine tend to like manuals. Sure there is the risk of accidentally stalling in 4th gear in the supermarket carpark, but who’s bothered? The more connected someone feels to their car and the road, the more intimate the driving experience becomes, and some models are simply perfect for this kind of driving.

Take the Honda Civic Type-R for example; this aggressive piece of machine is only available with a six speed manual coupled to a transmission cooler and a Helical limited slip diff. The Honda VTEC engine simply craves higher RPM and the manual transmission allows drivers to keep the engine singing to achieve impressive yet noisy performance from the two litre turbo charged engine.

Commercial

Once upon a time nothing screamed “tradie” more than a rugged manual ute or van. A lot has changed over the years, and with the advancement in automatic technology we’re now seeing a shift in favour of automatics in the commercial sector. A decade ago, 80% of new utility vehicles were sold with a manual gearbox .Fast forward the clock and we’ve seen a complete U-turn. New Zealand’s top selling vehicle, the Ford Ranger, has decided to wave goodbye to the manual transmission for all 2019 models – a sad day indeed for manual enthusiasts.

Automatic transmissions are designed to choose the best gear for any situation, but they tend to be a bit cautious. They cannot predict oncoming conditions like a driver can, nor purposely select a lower gear for an added boost of power. Manual transmissions give drivers greater control over the vehicle, which is particularly important for commercial vehicles carrying an extra load or towing on a regular basis.

Although the manual transmission isn’t dead yet, it’s starting to look like the term “clutch” will more frequently refer to a woman’s strapless purse.