Once a must-have in every car, the manual handbrake is quickly disappearing. A recent study reveals that out of 42 new cars launched in the past year, only one includes this old-school feature. Today, fewer than 1 in 10 cars in showrooms still have it.
The rise of electronic parking brakes is largely to blame. These sleek, button-operated systems are now the norm, offering convenience and space-saving benefits.
But if you're a fan of the traditional lever, your options are slim. Out of 587 passenger cars currently available in the UK, only 49 feature a manual handbrake — that's just 8% of the market.
Dacia, known for its budget-friendly models, is bucking the trend. Its £14,995 Dacia Spring EV, the UK’s most affordable electric car, is the only 2024 release with a manual handbrake.
This makes the Spring a standout, as most electric cars, designed with single-speed transmissions, rely exclusively on electronic systems. Interestingly, 4 out of 5 Dacia models still include the lever, making it a rarity among modern brands.
Several once-popular models with manual handbrakes have been discontinued over the past year, including the VW Up!., Vauxhall Crossland, and Fiat Tipo Cross
Their replacements — like the Vauxhall Frontera and Fiat 600 Hybrid — have switched to electronic systems. Major brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo no longer offer manual handbrakes in any of their vehicles.
In fact, the availability of manual handbrakes has dropped by 73% since 2019, with only 19 of 38 mainstream manufacturers still including them in 2024.
Why are manual handbrakes fading away?
Electronic parking brakes offer some undeniable perks:
- Less physical effort to use
- Built-in hill-hold assist for easy uphill starts
- Compact design that frees up interior space
However, traditionalists argue that manual handbrakes are cheaper to repair and give drivers more control. Repairing a manual handbrake costs around £250 on average, compared to £820 for an electronic one.
If you’re on the hunt for a car with a manual handbrake, here are some options still available in the UK:
- Ford Puma (the UK’s best-selling car in 2023)
- Mazda MX-5
- Toyota GR Yaris
- Volkswagen T-Cross
Brands like Dacia, Suzuki, and Hyundai also offer a handful of models with the lever.
As electronic parking brakes dominate the market, manual handbrakes are becoming a nostalgic relic. For drivers who value simplicity, affordability, and that satisfying lever pull, the options are dwindling fast.
Would you still choose a car with a manual handbrake, or are you team-electronic? Let us know!
