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Honda Leading The Push For Manuals In America, Is Honda Also Leading In Malaysia?

Considering we have the Honda Civic Type R in Malaysia, why not other manual models?

Honda has proven to be a major player in the manual transmission market in the United States, leading the charge into 2025. With the resurgence of manuals, Honda stands out, particularly with the Civic and Acura Integra, which combined to make up more manual car sales than any other manufacturer in 2024. 

In total, Honda sold 17,424 manual Civics and 4,831 manual Integras, bringing their total to 22,255 units sold, a remarkable feat in an era dominated by automatic transmissions. While Honda’s success in the United States is clear, the question remains, is Honda as influential in the Malaysian market when it comes to manual cars? 

Moreover, in Malaysia, the only manual vehicle Honda currently offers is the high-performance Civic Type R, which is priced at almost RM400,000. This hefty price tag puts the Civic Type R out of reach for the vast majority of Malaysian buyers, making it a niche offering rather than a mainstream option. 

This situation begs the question: why can’t Honda introduce a more affordable manual option, like a regular Civic with a manual transmission, to cater to the Malaysian market? The Civic has long been known for its reliability and affordability and introducing a manual version at a lower price could capture the interest of local car enthusiasts. 

A more accessible manual Civic could appeal to a broader demographic in Malaysia, from young drivers looking for their first car to car aficionados who appreciate the hands-on driving experience. In the U.S., Honda’s success in the manual market is being challenged by strong competitors. 

On top of that, Toyota, with 4 manual models, namely the GR Supra, GR Corolla, GR86 and Tacoma pickup truck, sold 18,954 units, coming close to Honda’s total.  Subaru follows closely behind with 18,717 units sold, with the WRX and BRZ models. As the manual transmission market evolves, Honda’s commitment to keeping this driving experience alive is commendable. 

However, the brand must also consider how it can expand its manual offerings to markets like Malaysia, where the demand for affordable, manual options is palpable. Bringing a more accessible manual model to Malaysia could help Honda strengthen its presence in the region and cater to a growing demand for more driver-focused vehicles.

So what do you think? Should Honda lead the way for the return of the manual transmission in Malaysia too?

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