You'll Be Surprised to Find Out Which Car 69% of Owners Choose with a Manual Transmission | Carscoops

      We'll provide a clue: it's not from BMW or Porsche.

      18 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      Skoda has disclosed that 69% of Fabia buyers chose a manual transmission last year.

      This percentage exceeds that of several sporty vehicles available in the United States.

      Even with the popularity of manual transmissions, Skoda acknowledged that customers are increasingly favoring automatic options.

      Manual transmissions are often linked to sports cars, yet they have become progressively scarce over the years. The decline has been so significant that vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette no longer offer a manual option at all.

      Nonetheless, there are still a few sporty models with manual options, such as the BMW M4, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and Porsche 911 Carrera T. At the more affordable end of the spectrum, you'll find the Honda Civic Si, Ford Mustang, and Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86.

      More: 22 Manual Cars You Can Still (And Should) Buy In America In 2025

      So, can you guess which model 69% of customers selected with a manual last year? If you guessed the Skoda Fabia, give yourself a pat on the back.

      The manufacturer revealed this surprising statistic earlier this week, stating that it is their most popular manual by a wide margin. The Scala follows in a distant second place with a commendable 45% manual transmission rate. Next in line is the Kamiq crossover at 35%.

      Skoda 2024 Transmission Take Rate

      Although manuals remain a favorite among Skoda customers, there has been a growing acceptance of automatics in recent years. According to the automaker, just 13% of Fabia buyers chose a manual in 2018. The change is even more pronounced with the Octavia, where the 72% manual take rate has shifted to 80% for automatics.

      Automatic transmissions provide several advantages, but manuals are generally more affordable and lighter. For instance, in the Fabia, an automatic transmission can add an additional £1,000 ($1,293 / €1,188) to the cost compared to a six-speed manual, making them attractive for those on a tight budget who prefer to shift gears themselves.