Is the Manual Transmission Dead for MINI in the U.S.? Not So Fast.
Mini Cooper JCW 2025; NY Auto Show (Photo/MINI USA)
For MINIacs, the manual transmission has always been part of the charm. That tactile joy of shifting gears yourself? It’s part of what made the brand stand out in a sea of automatics. But in 2025, the future of the manual MINI is looking... confusing?
The Global Outlook: A Clear Shift Away from Manuals
According to a report from MotoringFile (May 18, 2025), MINI officials in Australia and New Zealand have confirmed that manual transmissions won’t return in the current generation lineup. This aligns with earlier coverage from CarBuzz, which notes that MINI plans to continue phasing out the manual globally—largely due to regulatory and logistical pressures, especially in Europe where emissions compliance rules are tightening.
In fact, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) has become MINI’s new standard, favored for its fuel efficiency and lightning-fast shifts. But for fans of the brand’s original spirit, this shift feels like a goodbye to one of its most beloved features.
But Wait—America Isn’t Done Shifting Just Yet
Here’s where it gets interesting. Just last November, MINI USA’s then-head of product, Pat McKenna, told MotoringFile that a final decision hadn’t been made for the U.S. market. He acknowledged the hurdles—emissions rules, market logistics—but pointed out a remarkable fact: in 2023, more than 50% of buyers for the F56 JCW Hardtop chose the manual. That’s nearly unheard of in today’s car market.
It’s a sign that MINI USA could potentially chart a different course from its global counterparts if the demand—and business case—remains strong.
Fiat Throws a Wrench (and a Gear Stick) into the Narrative
Meanwhile, Fiat is adding a twist to the “manuals are dead” storyline. The 2026 Fiat 500e is coming back with a gas engine and a manual transmission in certain markets. This move suggests that, despite global trends, there may still be space for character-driven cars with manual gearboxes—especially in regions where driver engagement still matters to buyers.
Or, with Fiat 500’s recent tank in sales, is this a way to gear themselves back into the competition? Let’s just dive into these recent claims:
In 2024, Fiat's U.S. sales rose from a dismal 605 units in 2023 to an equally unimpressive 1,528 units in 2024. That's fewer cars sold in a year than many automakers sell in a week, according to Autoblog.
Additionally, Carscoops reported that the electric Fiat 500e faced challenges in the U.S. market, with only 439 units sold in 2024. This underperformance led Stellantis to pause production at its Mirafiori plant in Italy multiple times due to sluggish demand.
Suspicious? I don’t think so.
So Why Did MINI Kill the Manual Anyway?
The answer is pragmatic, if bittersweet. As MotoringFile explains, the manual’s slow demise has been tied to emissions regulations, production costs, and MINI’s streamlining efforts. The DCT is more efficient, but it’s not a replacement for the hands-on experience that has defined MINI since its 1959 beginnings.
For us US-MINIacs, there’s nothing better than a 6-speed manual, 2-door Cooper PERIOD.
The Bottom Line
So, is the manual MINI truly dead? Globally, it seems likely. But in the U.S., where driving passion still plays a major role in buying decisions, the final gear might not have shifted just yet.
As MotoringFile puts it: “Enjoy those third pedals if you’ve got them.” And keep your fingers crossed—they might not be gone forever.
Sources:
MotoringFile. “MINI’s Manual Transmission Future Once Again Looks Grim.” May 18, 2025. MotoringFile.com
CarBuzz. “MINI Confirms End of Manual Transmission Globally.” Carbuzz.com
MINI USA MiniUSA.com
Carscoops. “Stellantis Extends Fiat 500e And Maserati Production Halt Again By Two More Weeks As Sales Struggle.” Dec. 12, 2024. Carscoops.com
