Let me get straight to the point. As die-hard car-fan, the only future I fear apart from the so-called “flying-car” future is a future where the only transmission available for a low-spec Perodua AxiVi is an automatic. Or to put it in a more machismo perspective, a V10-powered, RWD, mid-engined supercar that can reach to 100km/h from standstill in 2 seconds, which is sold only in automatic transmission. With no paddle-shifts since the computer will help you to change gears in microseconds. Sadly, that future is coming sooner than you think. For example, the Lamborghini Huracan, the Pagani Huayra, the next-gen Audi R8 are all only available in automatic transmission. And if you think the United States of Automatica offered more cars with an automatic transmission than good old Malaysia, think again. At least in the States you can buy a Volkswagen Golf with a stick. In Malaysia? The Polo isn’t even available in manual transmission. Neither is any model from the VW range.

At this point, you might be thinking that this guy really hates automatic transmission. I don’t. In fact, I’m actually amazed of the improvements seen in auto transmission technology in the past decade or so. They can be as fuel-efficient as a manual and perhaps as fast as one too. Look at Volkswagen’s DSG technology for example. It is as fuel efficient and quick as a manual transmission.  I do agree that sometimes an automatic transmission is needed in a hypercar because a normal manual shift could not cope with the insane revs the engine kicks in. A nine-speed manual gearbox would take up a lot of space and will make you feel more like a truck driver. So, no. I am not fully against the idea of an all-automatic future (it does make the flying car idea seem more like a Dr, Dre album release date). However, the fact is that manuals are dying. At least in Malaysia. More and more Malaysians are driving an automatic tranny than a stick. Just take a look at the online classifieds or car-buying websites if you don’t believe me. Every single new car, except Proton and Perodua only offers an auto-transmission. Want a manual MX-5 just to hear those clicks Richard Hammond described in a recent Top Gear episode? Go to Europe. Want a manual Golf just to take a spin? At least America offers one.

But then, you might say, “Hey, isn’t the Almera and the Vios along with all the pick-up trucks offering manual transmission? And last I check they weren’t from local brands!” Yes, the Almera and Vios do offer manual transmission but how many actually buy the manual variant?  They are in fact the last of a dying breed actually. Honda no longer sells a M/T City. If only they did. When I was in India, one of my lecturers said the reason he bought a Honda was because apart from the supple ride, it has the smoothest gear change he ever felt. As a Malaysian, I sadly could not experience that since Honda does not offer a brand new manual transmission car. Except the CR-Z. Malaysians these day would rather drive a car with an automatic gear as it is easier in today’s world with all the traffic jams. Shifting gears would be tiresome they say.

Automotive distributors have to take a look at the market and sales value in order to make a profit. Which is why Mazda will not offer a manual transmission for the upcoming MX-5. Along with the high price offered for a 2.0 litre car, there will probably be a few buyers who are interested in a manual transmission. I don’t blame the distributors for not offering a manual option for their cars. It is possible to import a manual car overseas but why would you with Malaysia’s high import taxes. Anyway, most of these buyers who are interested in a small Mazda sports car would be living in cities which translates into a demand for an auto shift instead. Another setback on why the manual transmission is probably not popular among Malaysians is because the price of fuel in Malaysia is still lower than other countries. Yes, it has increased after a month or so of low fuel prices, but still, most cars sold are small cars like the Myvi, Saga, or small family cars like the Almera. Therefore, these cars are still relatively economical whether it’s an automatic or manual.

Which brings the conclusion. Most Malaysian drivers these days would rather drive an automatic over a manual because they are too tired of changing gears. Yes, the number of cars have increased in the past 10 or 15 years, and thus an increase in jams in city centres, but really, how hard is it for one to drive a manual? For those who say that they are scared to drive a manual because they cannot control the clutch, didn’t you learn to drive in a manual Kancil or Viva. Ininitially for me it was difficult and I only passed on my second attempt but with enough practice on the streets, I managed to do well. The only people buying manual cars nowadays are those who are big car aficionados, senior citizens who maybe have difficulty in remembering PRND, and those who wanted a cheap car within their budget. So, of course when car distributors thought no one would buy a manual transmission BMW 2-Series or a Mazda 6 Wagon, they should  rethink. There is a niche market for manuals out there. It isn’t really dying. It just needs to find the right audience. Which is why they need to sell an MX-5 with a manual transmission. Period.