Top New Cars With A Manual Gearbox You Can Buy In The UAE
August 4, 2026
, 5 Min Read
Manual gearboxes have become increasingly difficult to find in new cars. Automatic, dual-clutch and electrified powertrains now dominate the market, particularly in the UAE. However, the clutch pedal is not dead yet.
From hot hatches and lightweight sports cars to V8 muscle cars and track-focused Porsches, several new models are still available with factory manual gearboxes in the UAE. Here are some of the best new manual cars you can still buy.
AI Quick Summary
Despite the dominance of automatic and electrified powertrains, making manual gearboxes increasingly rare in new cars, the clutch pedal is "not dead yet." The article highlights several new models available in the UAE, ranging from practical hot hatches and traditional 4x4s to powerful sports cars and V8 muscle cars, which still offer factory manual transmissions. These options cater to enthusiasts seeking a more engaging and traditional driving experience.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.Read Next
Toyota GR Yaris
- Engine: 1.6-litre turbo three-cylinder
- Power: 296hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: AWD
The GR Yaris combines 296hp and 400Nm with a six-speed manual and Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. Rally-inspired engineering, compact dimensions and strong performance make it one of the most distinctive manual hot hatches available. It is currently priced at AED 167,900 in the UAE.
Suzuki Jimny
- Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder
- Power: 102hp
- Gearbox: Manual available
- Drivetrain: 4WD
The Suzuki Jimny takes a simpler approach. Its 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 102hp and 130Nm, while a manual transmission is available alongside the automatic. A ladder-frame chassis, rigid axles and low-range four-wheel drive make it one of the few traditional manual 4x4s still available new.
Hyundai Elantra N
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
- Power: 276hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: FWD
The Hyundai Elantra N combines four-door practicality with serious performance. Its 276hp turbo engine can be paired with a six-speed close-ratio manual. An electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension and variable exhaust help make it one of the most usable manual performance cars for everyday driving.
Subaru BRZ
- Engine: 2.4-litre Boxer four-cylinder
- Power: 237hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: RWD
The Subaru BRZ follows a traditional sports-car formula with a naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. Its low-mounted Boxer engine and compact dimensions prioritise balance and driver involvement rather than outright power, making it one of the more accessible manual sports cars available.
Honda Civic Type R
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
- Power: 315hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: FWD
The Civic Type R remains firmly committed to the manual gearbox. Its 315hp turbocharged engine sends power through a six-speed manual, with no automatic option. A limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes complete the package. UAE pricing starts from AED 204,900.
BMW M2
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six
- Power: 480hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual option
- Drivetrain: RWD
The BMW M2 is one of the most powerful manual cars available through official UAE sales channels. Its 480hp straight-six can be paired with a six-speed manual, while rear-wheel drive, an Active M Differential and adaptive suspension keep the focus firmly on driver engagement.
Ford Mustang GT
- Engine: 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8
- Power: Up to 486hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: RWD
The Ford Mustang GT keeps the classic V8 muscle-car formula alive. Its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 produces up to 486hp and can be paired with a six-speed manual featuring rev-matching. Few modern cars still combine a large V8, rear-wheel drive and three pedals.
Nissan Z
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6
- Power: 400hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: RWD
The Nissan Z combines modern performance with traditional sports-car fundamentals. Its 400hp twin-turbo V6 can be paired with a six-speed manual featuring SynchroRev Control. The manual Performance grade also gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, making it a strong factory-manual option in the UAE.
Caterham Seven 420
- Engine: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder
- Power: 210hp
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain: RWD
The Caterham Seven 420 proves that power is not everything. Its 210hp engine moves a car weighing around 560kg, resulting in roughly 375hp per tonne. Combined with a five-speed manual and lightweight chassis, it can sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds.
Toyota GR Corolla
- Engine: 1.6-litre turbo three-cylinder
- Power: 296hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: AWD
The GR Corolla offers the GR Yaris formula with added practicality. Its 296hp turbocharged engine works with a six-speed manual, and GR-Four all-wheel drive, while five doors make it easier to live with every day. UAE pricing currently starts from AED 182,900.
Porsche 911 Carrera T
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
- Power: 394hp
- Gearbox: Manual
- Drivetrain: RWD
The Porsche 911 Carrera T is aimed directly at drivers who value involvement. Its 394hp flat-six sends power to the rear wheels through a manual gearbox, while weight-saving measures reinforce its enthusiast focus. The 2027 Carrera T is currently configurable in Dubai from AED 581,400.
Lotus Emira V6 SE
- Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6
- Power: 400hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: RWD
The Emira V6 SE combines exotic styling with an increasingly rare drivetrain. Its mid-mounted 400hp supercharged V6 is paired with a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential. Hydraulic steering and a focus on low weight further strengthen its appeal as a traditional driver-focused sports car.
Porsche 911 GT3
- Engine: 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six
- Power: 510hp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual option
- Drivetrain: RWD
The Porsche 911 GT3 sits at the extreme end of the list. Its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six produces 510hp and revs to 9,000rpm. Buyers can choose a six-speed manual at no extra cost. The 2027 GT3 is currently configurable in Dubai from AED 821,700.
Manual Cars Are Rare, But Far From Dead
Manual gearboxes are no longer the default choice. Instead, they have become a feature increasingly reserved for enthusiasts. The UAE still offers an impressive variety, from the affordable Jimny and BRZ to the GR models, the Civic Type R, the BMW M2, and the Mustang GT.
At the other end of the market, the Lotus Emira and Porsche 911 GT3 show that three pedals still have a place among high-end performance cars. The choices may be fewer than before, but some of the most exciting cars available today still let the driver change gears.
Stay tuned to UAE’s most popular auto blog for more information about the latest happenings in all of the Emirates.
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