The automaker had promised a return of the manual transmission, which was fulfilled last fall for its signature Hardtop. Now, the 6-speed manual option is available for the Cooper and Cooper S grades on the 4-Door Hardtop and Convertible models, with the 8-speed automatic as an alternative.
The decision to bring back the manual transmission option was driven by the results of a recent survey conducted by MINI, which found a high level of interest in driving a stick shift. 63% of respondents said that learning to drive a manual transmission was a rite of passage and an important life skill. Additionally, the survey found that nearly half (49%) of Gen Z respondents did not know how to drive a manual, but 53% of those respondents expressed interest in learning how to do so. Among all age groups up to 34 years old, the proportion of respondents who were eager to learn how to drive a manual increased to 67%.
In response to the growing interest in manual driving, MINI has been offering a manual transmission driving course since last fall at the BMW West Coast driving school located at the Thermal Club private racetrack in California. The course costs $499 and provides an opportunity for those who are interested in learning how to drive a stick shift.
With the reintroduction of the manual option on more models, MINI is hoping to capitalize on the renewed interest in manual driving.
Source: MINI USA
