With the UK’s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales edging closer and automatic gearboxes now standard on almost all electric and hybrid models, the manual gearbox is slowly disappearing from UK showrooms. But for buyers choosing today, the decision still matters. Here is a clear look at manual vs automatic car pros and cons.
Manual Car: Pros and Cons
- Lower purchase price: manual versions of the same model are typically cheaper to buy new or used than the automatic equivalent.
- Better fuel economy in smaller cars: manuals can still edge out automatics on fuel efficiency in smaller, lighter vehicles, though the gap has narrowed considerably.
- Greater driver control: many enthusiasts prefer the direct involvement of choosing exactly when to change gear.
- More tiring in traffic: constant clutch and gear use in stop start city driving can become tiresome on longer commutes.
Automatic Car: Pros and Cons
- Easier to drive: with no clutch pedal to manage, automatics are simpler for new drivers and less stressful in heavy traffic.
- Higher purchase price: automatic versions typically cost more to buy than the equivalent manual model.
- Future proofing: since hybrids and electric vehicles are almost exclusively automatic, learning or driving automatic aligns with where the UK market is heading.
- Licence flexibility: passing your test in a manual allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars, while passing in an automatic restricts you to automatics only.
Manual vs Automatic: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Lower upfront cost | Manual |
| Easier city driving | Automatic |
| Wider used car choice | Manual |
| Future proofing for EVs and hybrids | Automatic |
| Driver engagement | Manual |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to pass your driving test in a manual car?
Manual learners are statistically somewhat more likely to encounter test faults such as stalling or poor clutch control, though this varies significantly by individual and amount of practice.
Will manual cars disappear completely in the UK?
With the UK government’s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, and hybrids and EVs being almost exclusively automatic, new manual cars are expected to become increasingly rare, though used manuals will remain available for years afterwards.
Are automatic cars more expensive to insure?
Automatic cars can sometimes carry slightly higher insurance costs than manual equivalents, largely reflecting their higher purchase price rather than the gearbox type itself.
Related reading: switching to automatic for the first time? See our guide on how to drive an automatic car.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK car buying guides.
