Unfortunately it's been clear for a long time that VAG as a whole doesn't really have much interest left in manuals. There' hasn't been a manual Audi since a one year run of the B9 A4/5 in I believe 2019. Before that, the last manual S car was in 2016 with the B8.5 S4/5. The last RS manual was the 8J TTRS for 2012 and 2013. Volkswagen itself has held onto the manuals longer than Audi, but I think that's because VW's (and manuals) are inherently cheaper/more affordably, and Audi's "need" good 0 - 60 numbers to look attractive in a world with more and more fast EV's coming onto market. Autos and EV's are of course faster, and I myself only drive and have driven only manuals for the last almost 10 years now. It's just sad to see as a VW/Audi enthusiast, that we don't really have many top trim options any more. I think the saddest part is that we're on the crest of EV's starting their take over, and most auto manufacturers are still killing off their manuals. I think it's partly to try and match the 0 - 60 times of EV's. We're nearing a time where all ICE vehicles (hell, some states have ruled that by 2030 they will ban the sale of new ICE powered vehicles,) will be gone soon. That to me alone in heritage and enthusiast name sake for holding onto manuals. But sadly corporations don't see it that way. Audi and VW have made the majority of my favorite and most wanted cars ever since I got into them, and they just keep pushing forward to a heavy, less soulful, auto/EV only future.
I get trying to match EV numbers but I believe most of who you think care about it really don't. EVs are showing their problems already and I any doubt those "By 2030" pledges will actually be adhered too. And Toyota even brought a manual to their Supra after not having one on their first runs and it's sold so well they can't keep up with production of it. A lot of people will tell you that EVs are in, manuals are out, but I don't believe that's the mindset of most people. I forget which Japanese maker, but one is actually in the process of making a "manual" for EVs even with stalling and roll back because people want the manual. I really do think VW could do well with keeping the manual, but you can tell from BMW's exec saying manuals are too slow and autos are faster that they don't really care about what people actually like to drive.
Symptom of society wide distracted driving. People would be better drivers and better understand their vehicles and driving dynamics if they at least had to learn on a manual.
VW already cheated out on the MK8 interior and provided the WORST infotainment system ever. Loves the Mk6/7 but left the brand due to the crappy MK8. Civic type R wins for me in this category
They are being forced by regulations and burocracy. A facelift requires new certifications so just because it already exists doesnt mean it has a right of passage in the future.
@@TheParkingLotMechanic they would probably still drop it even w/o a facelift becauee its not a consecuence of…in any case, facelifts bring more money thru cost cutting, lease renewals and overall re-injection of interest for the customers that actually buy the products (and not the ones that critizize them).
Unfortunately it's been clear for a long time that VAG as a whole doesn't really have much interest left in manuals. There' hasn't been a manual Audi since a one year run of the B9 A4/5 in I believe 2019. Before that, the last manual S car was in 2016 with the B8.5 S4/5. The last RS manual was the 8J TTRS for 2012 and 2013. Volkswagen itself has held onto the manuals longer than Audi, but I think that's because VW's (and manuals) are inherently cheaper/more affordably, and Audi's "need" good 0 - 60 numbers to look attractive in a world with more and more fast EV's coming onto market. Autos and EV's are of course faster, and I myself only drive and have driven only manuals for the last almost 10 years now. It's just sad to see as a VW/Audi enthusiast, that we don't really have many top trim options any more.
I think the saddest part is that we're on the crest of EV's starting their take over, and most auto manufacturers are still killing off their manuals. I think it's partly to try and match the 0 - 60 times of EV's. We're nearing a time where all ICE vehicles (hell, some states have ruled that by 2030 they will ban the sale of new ICE powered vehicles,) will be gone soon. That to me alone in heritage and enthusiast name sake for holding onto manuals. But sadly corporations don't see it that way. Audi and VW have made the majority of my favorite and most wanted cars ever since I got into them, and they just keep pushing forward to a heavy, less soulful, auto/EV only future.
I get trying to match EV numbers but I believe most of who you think care about it really don't. EVs are showing their problems already and I any doubt those "By 2030" pledges will actually be adhered too. And Toyota even brought a manual to their Supra after not having one on their first runs and it's sold so well they can't keep up with production of it. A lot of people will tell you that EVs are in, manuals are out, but I don't believe that's the mindset of most people. I forget which Japanese maker, but one is actually in the process of making a "manual" for EVs even with stalling and roll back because people want the manual. I really do think VW could do well with keeping the manual, but you can tell from BMW's exec saying manuals are too slow and autos are faster that they don't really care about what people actually like to drive.
Symptom of society wide distracted driving. People would be better drivers and better understand their vehicles and driving dynamics if they at least had to learn on a manual.
And to think, they want you to be able to drive electric cars with just one pedal.
@@TheParkingLotMechanicPretty boring me thinks!
VW already cheated out on the MK8 interior and provided the WORST infotainment system ever.
Loves the Mk6/7 but left the brand due to the crappy MK8.
Civic type R wins for me in this category
It is sad they already started on a bad foot with the MK8 but I still love VW. Type R is pretty darn slick though.
love my manual mk6 a part of me hopes they do discontinue it because it'll make the manuals more valuable
k but then nobody will be able to buy any you selfish bastard
Used to be a die hard stick shift guy, now I could care less the DSG and most torque converted autos are better now tbh.
It's not about one being better than the other, it's about the choice and driver engagement with three pedals.
In europe all used cars with a auto demand a hefty premium i hope they switch to all auto so the prices drop!
Wish we had that problem here XD
They are being forced by regulations and burocracy. A facelift requires new certifications so just because it already exists doesnt mean it has a right of passage in the future.
Then just don't do a facelift for another year or two and make a few more manuals. But I agree, regs and what not are not helping keep them alive.
@@TheParkingLotMechanic they would probably still drop it even w/o a facelift becauee its not a consecuence of…in any case, facelifts bring more money thru cost cutting, lease renewals and overall re-injection of interest for the customers that actually buy the products (and not the ones that critizize them).