The Decline of Manual Transmissions in the U.S.
In recent years, the availability of vehicles with manual transmissions in the United States has significantly decreased. While some cars still offer the option for a manual gearbox, it is becoming increasingly rare. One brand that held onto manual transmissions longer than most was Volvo. However, even Volvo eventually discontinued them for the U.S. market after the 2013 model year.
The final Volvo to be sold in the U.S. with a manual transmission was the C30, a stylish two-door hatchback. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1800ES shooting brake, the C30 had a unique design that turned heads. Unfortunately, the appeal of two-doors and hatchbacks had waned amongst American buyers, leading to lackluster sales for the C30.
Under the hood, the U.S.-market 2012 C30 was equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged straight-five engine, producing 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, Volvo offered the Polestar Performance software upgrade, boosting output to 250 horses and 273 pound-feet of torque. With a curb weight of just 3,200 pounds, the C30 offered respectable performance.
Interestingly, the C30 came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Opting for the five-speed automatic added an additional cost of $1,250 back in 2012 (equivalent to $1,711 in 2024). This shows that even though manual transmissions were losing popularity, they still commanded a premium.
The price of a base T5 model C30 in 2012 was $24,950, which translates to around $34,159 in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation. Despite its attractive pricing and unique design, the C30 failed to attract enough buyers, leading to its discontinuation after the 2013 model year.
In a New Orleans car graveyard, one can find the remains of a C30 that was likely in excellent cosmetic condition before meeting its demise. Although the exact cause of its abandonment is unknown, it is safe to assume that a costly mechanical malfunction played a role.
While Volvo’s decision to discontinue manual transmissions in the U.S. market was not surprising given the declining demand, it is still worth noting. The manual transmission was once beloved among enthusiasts for its engagement and connection to the driving experience. Its disappearance from mainstream vehicles represents a shift towards more convenient and efficient automatic transmissions.
However, not everyone sees the demise of the manual transmission as a positive development. Some enthusiasts believe that it takes away from the joy and skill of driving. As Volvos move further away from manuals, there is a growing debate about whether their design compromises beauty for practicality.
In conclusion, the C30 was the last Volvo model to be sold in the U.S. with a manual transmission. While it had its strengths, such as its unique styling and respectable performance, the decline of two-doors and hatchbacks contributed to its underwhelming sales figures. Ultimately, Volvo followed the industry trend and discontinued manual transmissions for the U.S. market after the 2013 model year.
