These are the only 5 manual-equipped, rear-wheel-drive coupés left on South Africa’s new-vehicle market today. And just one comes in at under the R1-million mark…
It feels like the manual gearbox is becoming rarer by the minute. Rear-wheel-drive sportscars? They’re few and far between these days, too. Then there’s the coupé body style, which itself is a dying breed. What if you want all 3 of these things in one vehicle? Well, there are currently just 5 such models left on South Africa’s new-car market (and one’s about to leave).
Yes, we rummaged through the local new passenger-vehicle space and found that only a handful of manual RWD coupés have survived, with models like the Ford Mustang unfortunately no longer available locally in 3-pedal form. Let’s take a closer look at each (note all prices below are accurate in April 2026).
Toyota GR86 2.4 6MT – from R900 700
The only contender here priced below the R1-million barrier, Toyota’s GR86 is available in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic guise, with the latter commanding a R26 600 premium over the former. In either case, a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre flat-4 engine (sourced from fellow Japanese automaker Subaru) generates peak outputs of 174 kW and 250 Nm.
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 6.3 seconds
- Top speed: 226 kph
- Find a Toyota GR86 on Cars.co.za
Toyota GR Supra 3.0T 6MT – from R1 524 800
Developed alongside the BMW Z4 roadster, Toyota’s GR Supra employs the German brand’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 engine, which here generates 285 kW and 500 Nm. The 6-speed manual derivative serves as the entry point, with the 8-speed auto version priced some R36 800 higher. Note that GR Supra production officially ended in March 2026, so this model will soon exit SA’s new-vehicle market.
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 4.4 seconds
- Top speed: 250 kph
- Find a Toyota GR Supra on Cars.co.za
BMW M2 Coupé 6MT – from R1 608 334
BMW’s M2 can still be ordered in 6-speed manual guise, although the latter interestingly costs R10 346 more than the 8-speed automatic version. In manual form, the Munich-based automaker’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 motor churns out maximum figures of 353 kW and 550 Nm (with peak twisting force increasing to 600 Nm in the case of the auto variant).
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 4.2 seconds
- Top speed: 285 kph
- Find a BMW M2 on Cars.co.za
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 6MT – from R2 233 000
Whether you order the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 in 6-speed manual form or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic guise, Porsche will charge you the same amount. This naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-6 powerplant generates 294 kW, with the 3-pedal version offering maximum torque of 420 Nm and its 2-pedal sibling making slightly more at 430 Nm.
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 293 kph
- Find a Porsche 718 Cayman on Cars.co.za
Porsche 911 6MT – from R3 021 000
Porsche currently offers its quintessential coupé in 2 distinct manual, rear-wheel-drive flavours. The 290 kW Carrera T serves as the entry point (though is hardly “entry level”, starting at over R3-million), while the 375 kW 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 Touring are each priced at R4 722 000 in stick-shift form.
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 4.5 seconds (Carrera T)/3.9 seconds (GT3)
- Top speed: 295 kph (Carrera T)/313 kph (GT3)
- Find a Porsche 911 on Cars.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SA’s Last Manual RWD Coupés
Q: Which model is the most affordable manual, rear-wheel-drive coupé in South Africa?
A: The Toyota GR86 holds the title of the most affordable (and only sub-R1-million) option on this list, starting at R900 700. It is praised for its “back-to-basics” approach, utilising a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer engine and a lightweight chassis designed specifically for driver engagement.
Q: Is it true that the Toyota GR Supra is leaving the market?
A: Yes. Production of the GR Supra officially ended in March 2026. While it is currently still listed on the new-car market starting from R1 524 800 for the 6-speed manual, it will only remain available as long as local dealership stock lasts. If you want a factory-new Supra with a stick shift, the window of opportunity is closing fast.
Q: Why does the manual BMW M2 cost more than the automatic version?
A: In a reversal of traditional pricing, the 6-speed manual BMW M2 carries a premium of R10 346 over the 8-speed automatic. This is largely due to the manual gearbox becoming a “niche” enthusiast choice, despite the automatic actually offering slightly more torque (600 Nm vs 550 Nm).
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