Why Volkswagen Is Investing In The Manual

Lighter, cheaper and more efficient than any auto, VW has revealed an all-new six-speed manual gearbox for the hybrid era. Meet the MQ281

- Jesse Crosse

AUTOMATICS AND SEMI-AUTO dual-clutch transmissions may be technically brilliant, but there’s still plenty of space left in the market for manual gearboxes – and it’s not only petrolheads who think so. Volkswagen recently announced its new MQ281 manual, which will supersede the MQ250 and replace the MQ350 in some applications.

Manual gearboxes suit low-cost, entry-level cars because they are cheaper to make than autos and consume less energy from the engine. They’re efficient because they don’t have internal hydraulics or other components like clutches or actuators to consume power, and they weigh less.