Does the Corolla have a manual transmission?
4 Answers
Corolla does not have a manual transmission, all models are equipped with automatic transmissions. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. A manual transmission is a type of gearbox that changes the speed and torque transmitted from the engine to the drive wheels. The Corolla is a Toyota A-segment sedan with a body length of 4635 mm, width of 1780 mm, height of 1455 mm, and a wheelbase of 2700 mm. The Corolla is developed based on Toyota's TNGA architecture, featuring a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear double-wishbone independent suspension.
I previously drove an old Corolla with a manual transmission, which had a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and the shifting feel was exceptionally crisp. The new Corolla still retains manual transmissions in some markets, such as the diesel versions in Europe and Southeast Asia, where a 6-speed manual is available. However, it's basically unavailable domestically. But if you're really keen on finding one, dealerships might be able to order a base model with a manual transmission, or you could simply look for one in the used car market. For example, pre-2019 models with the 1.2T manual transmission are quite common and priced about 20,000 to 30,000 RMB cheaper than their automatic counterparts. However, it's worth noting that buying a manual transmission now means dealing with the hassle of pressing the clutch in daily traffic, and most used manual transmission cars available are relatively older models.
There's a neighbor in our community who drives a manual transmission Corolla, specifically the 2017 1.2T model. He mentioned that he chose the manual version primarily for its affordability—the base price was over 10,000 RMB cheaper than the automatic version, and the fuel efficiency is indeed impressive, averaging around 6 liters per 100 km for his daily commute. However, manual transmission Corollas are becoming increasingly rare these days. Last year, when helping his cousin shop for a car, he inquired at a dealership and was told that all currently available models in China come with CVT transmissions. The only way to get a manual would be to find leftover stock or place a special order. Truth be told, driving a manual Corolla is quite engaging—the clutch has just the right weight, and the gear shifts are crisp. The only downside is that in today's city traffic, it's not as hassle-free as an automatic.
I remember a few years ago, the manual transmission Corolla was the main sales model, especially the classic 1.6L with 5MT, which could be seen everywhere on the streets. Recently, while helping a friend look for cars on a used car platform, I noticed that there are particularly many manual transmission Corollas from 2015 to 2019, with prices generally ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 yuan. A well-maintained one can easily run over 300,000 kilometers. As for the new models, the manual transmission option is no longer listed on the domestic official website's configuration sheet. It might only be available in versions exported to the Middle East or Europe. If you're determined to buy a new manual transmission, I suggest calling Toyota's customer service directly to inquire about the possibility of a special order, or consider switching to the manual version of the Leiling, which shares the same platform.
