If you’re in the market for a mid-sized sedan with a manual transmission, you’ll soon have one less option.
Following reports that the six-speed manual was going to be dropped from the 2019 Mazda6, a spokesperson told Jalopnik “As we have moved the Mazda6 upscale, with the launch of the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models, we have seen less demand for a manual transmission option.”
As a result, the six-speed manual will no longer be offered on the Mazda6. However, this decision only applies to the US market.
While it’s sad to see another manual bit the dust, the spokesperson did suggest it could eventually return if there is enough demand. They also noted “We continue to support enthusiasts who enjoy driving with a manual transmission in the all-new 2019 Mazda3 Premium Hatchback model and, of course, the ever iconic MX-5 Miata.”
Also Read: We review the Mazda6 Facelift with the 2.5 Turbo
Customers looking for a mainstream, mid-sized manual aren’t entirely out of luck as the Honda Accord is still available with a stick. Unfortunately, that’s about the only option.
Little else is known about the 2019 Mazda6, but CarsDirect says the model will receive additional standard equipment including an i-Activsense suite of driver assistance systems. It will reportedly include automatic emergency braking, automatic headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and an adaptive cruise control system with stop and go. Customers will also find rain-sensing wipers and the G-Vectoring Control Plus system from the 2019 CX-5.
Those are a lot of new features and, unfortunately, they’ll make the 2019 Mazda6 more expensive. Pricing will reportedly start at $24,720 which is $1,875 more than last year’s model.
