Confirmed: Volkswagen Golf GTI manual transmission dead globally

The final Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch with a manual transmission is due to roll off the production line by the end of this year.

Plans to kill off the manual Golf GTI in overseas markets – after it was dropped in Australia in 2018 – were announced by Volkswagen with the unveiling of a Golf GTI 380 special edition in the US last year, designed to farewell the three-pedal gearbox.

There were hopes the manual could be given a stay of execution after strict new Euro 7 emissions regulations – attributed as the catalyst for the deletion of the manual GTI, which emits more CO2 than the dual-clutch auto version – were delayed from 2025 to 2030.

However Volkswagen has confirmed it is too late to back-track on its decision to make the facelifted version of its iconic hot hatch – due for unveiling imminently – automatic-only.

"When we started with the development, there was no clear understanding at which point of time [Euro 7] will be released," Volkswagen technical development boss Kai Gruenitz told Automotive News Europe.

"At some point of time you have to start your development, otherwise you will not hit the timeline."

The executive said 95 per cent of Golf GTI buyers opted for the dual-clutch automatic in the current 'Mk8' Golf GTI – a similar take rate to what was seen in Australia when the manual was dropped in 2018, during the previous 'Mk7.5' model's run.

A manual transmission will remain available in base-model Golf hatchbacks in Europe, Mr Gruenitz said.

MORE: 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI to continue back-track on touch-sensitive buttons

The facelifted Golf GTI for the 2025 model year was previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last week in a camouflage wrap – though hours later images of the showroom version without disguise leaked online, thanks to a digital rendering in the car's infotainment screen.

The updated Golf GTI is also due to ditch the controversial touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel in favour of traditional buttons. 

A larger touchscreen with illuminated slider controls, new infotainment software, a ChatGPT-powered voice assistance system, and revised exterior styling are among the other changes planned for the facelift.