German carmaker Audi has decided not to offer a six-speed manual transmission to its 2019 A4 and A5 couple models.
The current-generation A4 has been using a six-speed manual transmission since it debuted in 2017 in the U.S. market. The same goes for the A5 Coupe.
However, Audi will drop the six-speed manual transmission for the automatic transmission. The decision leaves Audi's line in the United States without a stick shift for 2019.
Reports indicate that Audi's reason for removing its manual transmission was because of low customer demand. Only 5 percent of A4 customers in the United States opting for the six-speed manual while the majority of them picked the model's available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Unknown to many, the six-speed automatic has improved the car's performance, with the stick-shift-equipped A4 accelerating from zero to 60 in 5.1 seconds. The manual transmission's performance is one-tenth of a second quicker than the A4 equipped with a dual-clutch automatic.
2018 Model Still Available With Manual Transmission
However, drivers who still want Audi's manual transmission can still go to their nearest dealership and purchase 2018 A4 and A5 models if there is still inventory remaining.
Audi offered a six-speed manual transmission to the Quattro all-wheel-drive equipped with a standard 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder engine. However, the stick shift could also be paired with any of the three trim levels.
Audi is not the first European automaker to drop the manual transmission in the United States. Lamborghini, Audi's sister brand, also dropped the manual transmission on its Gallardo model.
Also, Lamborghini did not include the stick shift as an option on the Huracan, Aventador or the new Urus. Luxury car Bentley and Bugatti also dropped the manual transmission from their respective models while Mercedes-Benz last put a manual transmission in its brand two years ago on the SLC model.
Some of Audi's rivals, however, have kept the manual transmission among their models. BMW continues to offer a manual transmission on certain 2, 3, 4, and 6 Series and Jaguar on its F-Type model and so as Cadillac and Hyundai on its ATS and G70 models respectively.
Audi 2019 A4 To Have Minor Facelift
Currently, Audi is showing the European version of the 2019 A4. However, it is expected that the U.S. version will carry almost the same specifications. Audi has revised the grill, front, and rear fascias and added 19-inch wheels on the latest A4.
The round exhaust tips were dropped for rectangular ones while the design of the tailgates has been updated. American customers can also avail of the optional Competition package with a sport-tuned suspension, Audi Sport 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, LED headlights, and Turbo Blue paint.
