MINI likes to bill itself as an enthusiast brand that offers sporty models with go-kart like handling. However, one thing’s been missing in the United States – manual transmissions.
That’s about to change as MINI has announced the manual is coming back for 2021.
A six-speed gearbox will be standard equipment on a handful of 2021 models including the 2- and 4-Door Hardtop as well as their respective S variants. A manual will also be standard on the Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible as well as John Cooper Works 2-door Hardtop.
Also Read: MINI Pausing U.S. Sales Of Manual Models Due To Emissions Certification
However, there will be some notable omissions as the John Cooper Works GP will be offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic. Likewise, the John Cooper Works Convertible will only come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
MINI wasn’t ready to talk about the 2021 Clubman and Countryman, but they did confirm all-wheel drive variants, including the JCW versions, will be automatic-only. However, it appears a manual will be offered on at least some front-wheel drive variants.
As we have previously reported, MINI had to temporarily drop manual transmissions in the United States last year. Long story short, the company made updates to the fuel-delivery system and this required additional testing and optimization. With the issues now sorted out, the manuals are set to make a return.
MINI USA’s head of product planning, Patrick McKenna, welcomed the news as he said “Fun to Drive is the number one reason why customers choose to purchase a MINI, and many of them enjoy the experience of driving a MINI with a manual transmission.” He also joked about a new special offer where you “buy two pedals, you get one free!”
