Report: Mazda 6 Drops Its Manual Transmission for 2019

Changes come to Mazda’s midsize 6 sedan slowly, with mild — some might say imperceptible — styling refreshes and content changes usually occurring halfway through the model year. Last year saw a big and long-awaited addition to the slinky sedan: an available turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four aimed at silencing, once and for all, enthusiasts’ cries of moar powah.

That mill brought 277 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to a model often regarded as the most engaging midsize on the market, though buyers couldn’t pair it with the base model’s six-speed manual transmission. For 2019, however, it looks like no one will get their hands on a stick.

According to order guides seen by CarsDirect, the manual transmission disappears from the Mazda 6 altogether for 2019, leaving a six-speed automatic as the car’s sole gearbox. Yes, that means the Honda Accord will become the sole mainstream midsizer still available with a stick.

The equipment change also hikes the 6’s entry price. Rising $1,875 from the 2018 model, the base Sport’s after-destination MSRP comes out to $24,720.

For that sum, buyers get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft, the aforementioned automatic, and a higher level of standard content. The addition of i-Activsense (Smart Brake Support, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop & go) to the base model, combined with the automatic, means the entry-level 6 widens the price gap between it and the newly upscale Mazda 3. Factoring in those former options, the Mazda 6 only increases by $200.

Elsewhere in the 6 lineup, changes are meager for 2019. CarsDirect reports that loftier trims see a price climb of $325 to $725, with the Grand Touring Reserve gaining power folding mirrors. The top-flight Signature model will start at $36,020 after destination.

Production of 2019 models began in February, with delivery to dealers expected next month.

(Update: Drew Cary, senior manager of brand communications for Mazda North American Operations, confirmed the report in an email to TTAC, saying, “As we have moved the Mazda6 upscale with the launch of the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models, we have seen less demand for a manual transmission option.”

Cary pointed to the continued existence of the manual transmission in the Mazda 3 and MX-5 lines, adding, “We will continue to listen to our fans and if their desires should change in future we will respond accordingly.”)

[Images: © 2018 Chris Tonn/TTAC]