Manual Minis are Back to the US Market

After Mini announced a temporary suspension on the availability of models equipped with manual transmissions for the American market, many auto enthusiasts thought that it was the end for manuals of one more brand in the US. But recently, a Mini’s representative has said during the interview that the gear stick will be back on some Minis models sold in the US.

It is worth recalling that the suspension measure was taken due to the fact that the manufacturer didn’t manage to perform calibration testing in time after some updates being introduced to the fuel feed system. These improvements were aimed to make improvements to the efficiency parameter and build up fuel-injection pressure, but also led to the temporary suspension of manual Minis import, limiting possible transmission variants to the 7-speed DCT and 8-speed automatics.

But now it is confirmed that starting from February of the following year, American customers again will have a chance to order (2 or 4-door) Mini hard-top and open-top models that come with manual gearboxes.

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The company is well aware of the fact that many Mini customers prefer to be in charge of the gear shifting process instead of comfortable driving in cars without a clutch pedal. Mini has a significant number of customers giving preference to manually shifted models. The company certainly has no intention to lose this part of customers, as the gear stick availability is crucial for them. The company plans to offer manual models in all markets, where it is economically viable to sell Minis with a gear stick.

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Despite the fact that manual Minis get back on the American market, not all models will be sold with a gear stick. To be more precise, AWD Minis as well as performance-oriented models (John Cooper Works and JCW GP) will be automatic only.