The manual transmission has been teetering on the edge of extinction for a good couple of decades now, but it refuses to die entirely. A few manufacturers are determined to keep the venerable manual shifter alive, so here are all the brands that still offer a manual option on one or more of their models in New Zealand today.
Manufacturer: Nissan
Models: Z and Z Nismo
An old-school quintessential rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, the Z packs a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine with a classic 6-speed manual box. The big update for 2026 is the arrival of the manual transmission for the track-ready Nismo variant (pushing out 309kW and 520Nm), which features a short-stroke gearbox and specialized performance drive modes.
Manufacturer: BMW
Models: M2
While the larger M3 and M4 are automatic-only in New Zealand, the BMW M2 officially keeps the three-pedal configuration alive for Kiwi buyers, albeit only in RWD form – the AWDs are auto-only. It pairs a crisp 6-speed manual transmission with rear-wheel drive and a muscular 338kW twin-turbocharged straight-six engine.
Manufacturer: Honda
Models: Civic Type R
Widely regarded as one of the finest front-wheel-drive performance cars ever built, the Civic Type R continues to be a manual-only affair. It pairs a surgical 6-speed manual transmission (featuring precise rev-matching technology) with a 2.0L-litre turbocharged engine. Oh, and maximum fun.
Manufacturer: Mazda
Models: MX-5
A truly legendary lightweight roadster, the Mazda MX-5 continues to carry the torch for pure analogue driving. Its naturally aspirated engine sends power to the rear wheels via a truly sublime mechanical 6-speed manual shifter that remains the preferred choice for the majority of Kiwi buyers.
Manufacturer: Lotus
Models: Emira V6
Supposedly serving as the British brand's final internal combustion send-off (who knows for sure these days?), the Emira V6 offers a premium tactile driving experience that matches a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with a slick 6-speed manual gearbox that celebrates its stubborn adherence to traditional shifting by leaving its mechanical linkages beautifully exposed right in the cabin.
Manufacturer: Porsche
Models: 911 Carrera T and GT3
While automated dual-clutch transmissions dominate lap times, Porsche holds the line with manual options in enthusiast-centric iterations like the Carrera T (which packs a 6-speed manual mated to a 290kW twin-turbo flat-six) and the high-revving, track-oriented GT3/GT3 Touring. While you can still possibly get a 718 Boxster/Cayman in manual form from current dealer stock, the 911's smaller sibling is no longer available to order from the factory as the company is preparing an all-electric replacement...
Manufacturer: Suzuki
Models: Swift, Jimny (3-Door and 5-Door)
It’s not just sports cars that are clinging to the manual transmission – Suzuki’s cult-favourite compact off-roader also retains its rugged mechanical simplicity by offering a manual option. Available in both the classic short-wheelbase 3-door and the newer 5-door variants, it pairs its reliable 1.5-litre petrol engine with a tough 5-speed manual gearbox and a dual-range 4WD system.
Suzuki also covers off the budget end of the manual spectrum with a 5-speed manual available on the base GLS, which is paired with the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder mild hybrid powertrain. While the company did offer the awesome Swift Sport in manual form, production of that model has now ended and Suzuki NZ only has a stock of automatic models available. A new 4th-gen Swift Sport is imminent though, which looks likely to include a manual version!
Manufacturer: Toyota
Models: GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR86, Hilux
Toyota builds boring cars? Not anymore. Toyota is the undisputed king of the modern manual transmission, offering up a DIY shifting option across four models in its range. The company’s Gazoo Racing division remains fiercely dedicated to high-octane stick shifts, with the rally-bred GR Yaris and its larger sibling, the GR Corolla, both featuring an incredibly punchy 3-cylinder turbocharged engine routed through an intelligent 6-speed manual and a performance-biased all-wheel-drive system.
The GR86 (and, on occasion, its Subaru BRZ twin) offers a pure, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car blueprint at a more accessible price point, using a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated Boxer engine equipped with a crisp, short-throw 6-speed manual transmission.
And, finally, the Toyota Hilux is in a one-horse race in the manual ute segment, with the legendary staple on New Zealand farms and worksites being the last ute standing to offer a manual option. While high-spec versions use automatics and hybrid setups, Toyota continues to offer a traditional 6-speed manual transmission on diesel variants across Single Cab, Extra Cab, and Double Cab body shapes.