An automatic transmission saves fuel, effort and space - When does a manual still make sense?

Owners of new Škoda cars have fallen under the spell of automatic transmissions. With the exception of the smallest model, the Fabia, most buyers now opt for cars equipped with an automatic gearbox. This not only increases driving comfort on long journeys or when bouncing around town but, in practice, also helps reduce fuel consumption.​​

Automatic transmissions simplify vehicle control and minimize driver errors and bad habits. As a result, the share of automatic gearboxes in new car purchases continues to rise.

For example, in 2018, only 13% of Fabia buyers chose an automatic transmission, whereas by 2024, this figure had increased to 31%. For larger and more expensive models, the rise is even more dramatic and only a minority of owners want a manual gearbox. In the case of the Octavia, 72% of customers previously preferred manual shifting, but by 2024, 80% of all Octavias sold had been equipped with a DSG automatic transmission. The latest generations of the Superb and Kodiaq are now available exclusively with an automatic transmission. The demand for manuals had already been low in 2018 (22% and 15%, respectively) and has continued to decline. Electric models, by their very nature, also operate with a form of "automatic" transmission. Electric motors use a fixed gear ratio to drive the wheels, eliminating the need for shifting. The driver simply selects the desired driving mode with the selector.

Transmission distribution in Škoda models with internal combustion engines (2024)

More spacious interior, lower fuel consumption

In addition to effortless driving, modern automatic transmissions offer other benefits, which continue to expand with technological advancements. They not only enhance comfort but also shift gears more quickly and precisely, improve efficiency, and have proven to be highly reliable over the years.An interesting new feature is the relocation of the gear selector from the centre console to the steering column. This change was made possible by digitalization, specifically the introduction of shift-by-wire technology, where a computer controls the transmission, and the driving direction is no longer selected mechanically using a lever. This setup is currently featured in the new Superb and Kodiaq models.

"Removing the gear selector from the centre console allows us to use the space between the seats for storage compartments and other features. It also enables a shift toward a more symmetrical interior design, where the centre section is no longer exclusively intended for the driver but serves the entire crew," said interior designer Dimitrios Darkoudis earlier on this solution.According to cockpit design coordinator Radoslav Horák, automatic transmissions will eventually dominate across all vehicle classes, with a few exceptions. "For internal combustion engine cars, they offer advantages in terms of fuel consumption and emissions," he comments. While the WLTP test cycle data may suggest otherwise, in real-world conditions with ordinary drivers, vehicles with automatic transmissions sometimes achieve lower fuel consumption than their manual counterparts.

Benefits of gearboxes

Manual transmission
+ lower price
+ lighter weight
+ greater sense of control over the car

Automatic transmission
+ more comfortable steering
+ smart shifting benefits fuel consumption
+ enables more advanced assistance features
+ prevents driver errors

While in the WLTP cycle, the measurements are taken by an experienced test driver who shifts exactly as the gearbox and engine ideally need. In everyday driving, however, drivers often do not pay as much attention to shifting, which leads to higher fuel consumption. In contrast, DSG transmissions are programmed to shift as efficiently as possible at all times.

Thanks to smart features, modern automatics can accurately predict various driving situations and avoid unnecessary shifts. Their advantages are particularly evident when paired with advanced assistance systems, which use data from navigation, sensors, and cameras. Automatic transmissions also work seamlessly with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, allowing functions like coasting with the engine off and regenerative braking.

The appeal of manual transmissions is its simplicity

Despite the many advantages of automatics, manual transmissions still have their own strengths. Their benefits often depend on a car’s specific configuration and market preferences. Since automatic transmissions are more expensive to produce, customers must pay extra for them. This makes automatics more popular in larger and pricier models, where the price premium is less noticeable.

A manual gearbox is also associated with a sportier driving style. Although manual shifting is technically slower than a DSG transmission (which can still be controlled manually via paddles or the selector lever), it provides a more direct connection between the driver and the car, offering a greater sense of control. Manual transmissions are also slightly lighter than automatics, which can enhance handling. This is why manuals are still perceived as a "badge of honour" for skilled drivers, even though true sporty driving experiences are rare in today’s heavy traffic conditions.

Different markets, different preferences

Customer preferences vary significantly across Škoda’s key markets. For instance, in the Czech Republic, 56% of Octavia buyers choose an automatic transmission, whereas in neighbouring Germany, this figure jumps to 90%. There are also markets where cars are sold only or almost exclusively with automatic transmissions. These include Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and Turkey. Automatic gearboxes are also highly popular in Nordic and Baltic countries, while manual transmissions still hold a significant share in markets like the Czech Republic and Slovakia