Audi Latest to Drop Manual Transmissions

It's yet another blow for the third pedal. Audi has said that the manual transmission is going away from the US and Canadian markets in 2019.

The German sports car brand was one of the few that was still holding on to the DIY transmission option, though it was on fewer and fewer models. Even the full-on sports models like the TT RS were auto-box only in 2018.

Now it's official. The manual version of the A4 and A5, the last in the company's offerings, are gone when the 2019 car launches with a bit a of a refresh. We're not sure exactly when that will be, but we'd expect it sooner rather than later.

It's no surprise, though, really. Manual transmission sales have been falling for nearly every model that still offers them. And most abandoned it long ago due to single-digit take rates. It's a combination of reasons, but ultimately the best automatic transmissions now shift more quickly than manuals, and they deliver better fuel economy in testing, thanks to offering seven to 10 gears as well as dual-clutch offerings. We don't have Canadian figures, but info from the US suggests that fewer than five percent of A4 sales there were the stick.

So if you've been on the fence for a manual Audi, you're probably going to want to decide soon. Before that decision is made for you. And if you really want a three-pedal compact German luxury sedan, BMW will grant your every desire. For now. For the rest of you, there's one less box to check when you order your next Audi.