Audi Still Offers a Manual Transmission, But There's a Catch
Three-pedal cars—featuring a gas pedal, brake pedal, and clutch for manual shifting—are becoming increasingly scarce, with only a few luxury automakers continuing to produce them. Some of the remaining manual transmission models in the high-performance segment include: Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
BMW M2
BMW M3
BMW M4
BMW Z4 M40i
Porsche 911 GT3 Audi's Manual Transmission Option for 2025
Surprisingly, Audi still offers a manual transmission, but it's far from a high-performance sports car. Instead, the 2025 Audi A1 retains a five-speed manual gearbox in select markets.
Buyers in Europe can still purchase a brand-new Audi A1 with a three-cylinder engine producing 94 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque. However, this small hatchback wouldn't stand a chance in North America, not just because of its compact size but also due to its basic specifications.
The entry-level Audi A1 is equipped with halogen headlights, 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, and manual air conditioning, while also lacking a center armrest. Performance-wise, it takes a sluggish 11 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Despite its compromises, the base Audi A1 starts at €22,950 ($24,000) in Germany, making it Audi's most affordable model. Shared DNA with Volkswagen Group Models
The Audi A1 shares its platform with Volkswagen Group vehicles, including the Volkswagen Polo, which starts at a lower €19,835 ($20,500) in Germany. The mechanically similar Seat Ibiza is even more affordable, with a starting price of €18,430 ($19,100).
However, the A1's days are numbered. Once the current generation is phased out, Audi will discontinue the model, making the A3 the new entry-level Audi in its premium lineup. Another small Audi, the Q2 crossover, will also be retired, with no planned successor. Audi vs. Tesla: Sales Performance in 2024
From a broader perspective, Audi continues to trail behind Tesla in global sales. In 2024, Audi sold 1,671,218 new vehicles, marking an 11.8% decline compared to 2023. Meanwhile, Tesla outperformed Audi, delivering 1,704,093 new cars worldwide during the same period.
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