Five stick-shift Volkswagens you can still buy

With the recent news that Volkswagen will end production of cars with a manual gearbox by 2030, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the brand’s best stick-shift options.

Although the axing of three-pedal models by the end of this decade is yet to be officially confirmed by Volkswagen, the timing co-incides with the deadline the German car-maker has set itself to outsell US EV giant Tesla to become the world’s largest pure-electric vehicle manufacturer.

By 2030, Volkswagen says EVs will account for half of its global sales – none of which will be manual models – and the company has already begun phasing out manuals in many markets.

Here in Oz, we haven’t seen a manual gearbox option for the brand’s sporty Golf GTI or fiery Golf R hot hatch since 2018 due to low demand for three-pedal versions.

Today, the only new manual Volkswagen models Aussies can get their hands on are the Polo 70TSI Trendline and 85TSI Comfortline, and the entry-level Mk8 Golf 110TSI.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Whether it’s for enjoyment or investment – or both – there are plenty of cool manual Volkswagen models you can still get your hands on today.

Volkswagen Golf R

For many VW Golf fans, the flagship Golf R is the pinnacle of hot hatches. To everyone else, it’s simply a whole lot of fun.

Bringing all-paw grip and an upgraded version of the popular Golf GTI’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, the Golf R is made all the more appealing thanks to the option of a six-speed manual gearbox.

Click here to see the stick-shift Golf Rs for sale at carsales.com.au now.

Volkswagen Beetle

Although it’s morphed significantly over the years, the Beetle is an iconic model that dates back to the 1930s and holds the record for being both the longest-running and most manufactured nameplate based on the same platform.

The new-generation version of the original folk’s wagon – aka People’s Car – was officially killed off in 2019, but today there are still plenty of stick-shift Bugs for sale at carsales even a couple dating back to the ’50s.

Volkswagen Scirocco R

The Volkswagen Scirocco R first hit Aussie roads in 2012 as a successor to the three-door Golf R.

Powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the hot hatch produced an impressive 188kW of power and 330Nm of torque, and was offered with a six-speed dual-clutch auto and, of course, a six-speed manual.

Despite the fact it was a sleek, sexy model that was new to Aussies, it failed to sell in huge numbers here, with Volkswagen eventually killing it off at the same time as the Beetle by releasing a final Wolfsburg Edition.

Today, there are still some good used examples of the VW Scirocco manual for sale at carsales.com.au – click here to check them out.

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Moving into rarer territory, there are still plenty of sleek Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupes kicking around Oz, and a few available at carsales.com.au too.

First launched in the 1950s before hitting Aussie shores the following decade, the two-door sports car was offered in both coupe and convertible body styles and with several powertrain options. 

The Karmann Ghia was built on the same underpinnings as the original Beetle, which also donated its 1.2-litre air-cooled boxer engine, but all of the examples currently listed at carsales are newer models powered by 1.5- and 1.6-litre engines driving the rear wheels – naturally, via a four-speed manual.

Volkswagen Kombi

Last but not least is the iconic Volkswagen Kombi van.

Synonymous with peace, love and adventure, the Volkswagen Kombi Transporter – or Type 2 as it was originally known – isn’t particularly zippy, safe or practical in today’s terms, but it’s sure to bring a smile to the dials of both passengers and passersby.

Click here to see the array of Kombi vans currently available across Australia, almost all of which are fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox.

And, for those with a considerable budget and a penchant for nostalgia, there’s even a fully restored 23-window 1961 Volkswagen Kombi Samba 23 being offered for a whopping $285K.

Related: Volkswagen sounds death knell for manual gearbox