Another Manual Transmission Bites The Dust, Mazda Kills Popular CX-5's Unpopular DIY Shifter
Mazda, heretofore an avid provider of manual transmissions, is killing off the manual transmission in the brand’s most popular product, the CX-5.
CarsDirect’s pricing analysts informed TTAC of the CX-5’s exclusively two-pedal future, having received confirmation from Mazda.
Few consumers were taking Mazda up on the company’s offer of an entry-level CX-5 with a manual transmission, so while the CX-5’s advertised base price shoots up by $2,290 with the loss of the standard shift, the typical transaction price for the typical CX-5 buyer won’t change.
CarsDirect says the CX-5’s manual transmission will continue to be offered north and south of the border. But for American consumers in search of a manual shift crossover, where are they to turn?
Even with all-wheel drive, the Jeep Renegade, Compass, Wrangler, and discontinued Patriot; Mini Countryman; and Subaru’s Crosstrek and Forester can all be equipped with manual transmissions.
Front-wheel drive versions of the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and Nissan Juke are available with manual shifters, as well.
But at Mazda? The CX-3, CX-5, and CX-9 are now automatic-only utility vehicles.
MAZDA MANUALS
The MX-5 Miata, naturally, can be had with a manual transmission in any trim level.
The Mazda 6 allows manual selection in Sport and Touring trims, albeit not the top Grand Touring variant.
Manual shifters are standard in all three Mazda 3 sedan trims and in three of four Mazda 3 5-door trims.
And you can actually get your hands on such cars. 10 percent of the Mazda 3s in stock are manuals, as are 5 percent of the Mazda 6s and nearly two-thirds of all MX-5s.
AUTOMATIC SUCCESS
A huge success for Mazda around the world, the CX-5 currently accounts for more than one-third of Mazda’s U.S. volume. Growth has been steady, with CX-5 volume expanding annually in four consecutive years, surging 41 percent between 2013 and 2016.
On a monthly basis, the CX-5’s rate of improvement has been remarkably consistent. In 40 of 49 months, year-over-year CX-5 volume has increased. The 31st-best-selling SUV/crossover in America in 2012, the CX-5 moved up nine positions in 2013 and ranked 19th overall in the last three years, holding steady in old age.
MANUAL DIESELS?
Meanwhile, Cars.com shows that CX-5 buyers who want a manual transmission still have a chance. There are 130 new manual-shift CX-5s on dealer lots, all priced between $20,600-24,500. Get’em while you can.
Timothy Cain is the founder of GoodCarBadCar.net, which obsesses over the free and frequent publication of U.S. and Canadian auto sales figures. Follow on Twitter @goodcarbadcar and on Facebook.
More by Timothy Cain
Latest Car Reviews
Read moreLatest Product Reviews
Read moreRecent Comments
- Hari Your route home sounds like the perfect stretch for a car like the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Its renowned handling and dynamic performance make it an ideal match for those curves. For enthusiasts or potential owners interested in understanding all the capabilities of the Giulia 2017, the owner’s manual is an invaluable resource. Check it out here: https://chatwithmanuals.com/automobiles/2017-alfa-romeo-giulia-owners-manual/. Our AI-powered chat makes navigating the manual simple, helping you quickly find specific details about the car's features and specs. Perfect for making the most out of those driving moments and truly understanding your vehicle!
- Dale I'd consider the RAV4 if the Prime were on the table as paying for gas is for suckers. Otherwise, we have a couple of Mazdas and they are swell. I've driven older versions of both and the CX-5 is a nicer place to live.
- Haran Spot-on review of the Mercedes-AMG GT’s price adjustments and new features! For those intrigued by the all-wheel drive and enhanced features of the latest model, you can delve deeper with the complete operator's manual available here: https://chatwithmanuals.com/automobiles/mercedes-amg-gt-operators-manual-edition-c2020/. It’s a fantastic resource for understanding all the specs and new additions without getting bogged down by the complexity typically associated with car manuals. Chat with the manual using AI to quickly find exactly what you need to know about this sporty beast. Perfect for those who appreciate detailed insights on their luxury investments!
- Flashindapan Beautiful color combinations. I assumed they stop selling the TT here at least five or six years ago.
- Carson D Just don't be the whistleblower who reports on the falsification of safety data. That's a deadly profession.
Comments
Join the conversation
With Mazda's US sales stagnating and market share dropping, they're likely trying to trim waste anywhere they can. Selling 5000 manual CX-5s a year becomes an inventory and service headache. Dropping the stick option is probably a wash for the bottom line.
I bought a CX5 and would have gladly bought it with the manual transmission if they had offered it any anything but the base model. I would have had to give up too many things I did want to get the manual.