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.
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.
