Audi's 2019 US Lineup Ditches Manual Transmission Option

If you are a fan of Audi cars and like to change your own gears, bad news for you. Audi has confirmed that the last cars offered in the US with a manual transmission option are losing that option for 2019. The refreshed 2019 Audi A4 no longer has a 6-speed manual option.

Since the current gen A4 was launched in 2017, the manual has been available for those who want it. The A5 coupe will also lose its manual transmission option for 2019. This means that in the entire US line from Audi the manual is now extinct.

Audi says that the reason for discontinuing the manual option is that customer demand was very low. In the US numbers show that only 5% of A4 buyers opted for the manual transmission. Oddly, Car & Driver says that the manual A4 was a tenth of a second faster to 60mph than the 7-speed dual clutch now the only transmission option. Normally the manual is slower.

If you have your heart set on an A4 or A5 with a manual transmission, you need to cruise dealerships online or in person while there are some left. C&D notes that the manual transmission was only offered in Quattro versions of the car with the 252hp 2.0L turbo four engine.

Buyers could add that manual to any of the three available trim levels. The 2019 models will hit dealerships later this year. Another possibility is that with most Audi owners not interested in a manual transmission, perhaps the manuals left out there will see discounts.

SOURCE: Car & Driver