If you’re planning for a road trip and wondering if you want to go auto or manual, you must know that they are really different driving experiences. If you plan to rent a car in Qatar, this is the guide for you! Whether you are going to be living at the moment with the Dubai traffic or driving future properties into the desert, deciding between Auto and Manual can affect cost, comfort, and maybe even enjoyment.

1. Fuel Economy: Closing the Gap

For years with manuals, fuel economy was superior. Technology has caught up! Today’s automatics are better than ever, and this is particularly so with automatics that employ CVT’s and a Dual Clutch system, which shift gears much better than before. In fact, in bumper to bumper traffic, newer automatics with CVT’s outperform manuals, and as a result the gap has closed significantly.

2. Maintenance and Long-Term Costs

Normally, maintenance manuals are cheaper, you have simpler mechanics and fewer things that can go wrong so servicing is typically cheaper. Automatics are complex and can be cheap but will cost more to service and repair even when operating normally. For drivers who value practicality and affordability over convenience, maintenance and service costs can influence a decision.

3. Ease in City Driving

This is the key area in which automatics perform well. In Doha’s stop and go traffic, the constant clutching and gear shifting of a manual can become tiresome especially if you are driving daily, and you would probably not even remember the vehicle itself! Automatics take off the pressure, and so you can concentrate on enjoying the drive! If you are one who loves an intimate connection to the car, and you thrive on that extra work, then the manual can prove rewarding! However, if what you want is an effortless drive to work, the automatic is overall going to be the more sensible choice!

4. Availability Can be Important

Manual cars are disappearing in much of the world. In the Middle East region, automatic cars dominate the market, likely accounting for more than 90% of overall sales. If you are arranging a car lease in Qatar, you would likely find that virtually all of your options are automatic because this is what is currently available. Once again, while manual cars may still be available, they are likely becoming more niche or specific only to those models and/or base-level fleet specifications.

Manual vs Automatic

So what is the conclusion? The answer is highly dependent on your driving situation and your personal preferences. If saving yourself money is the primary goal, manuals tend to come out on top as they are typically less expensive to buy, cheaper insurance, and cheaper maintenance costs. Manual transmission also has great appeal to individuals who like a high-level engagement with their driving experience, and who plan on taking long road trips out of the city or on the highways.

The use of an automatic is ultimately clear when convenience matters. An automatic is ideal for dealing with congested city traffic, and makes the idea of learning how to handle a clutch look insurmountable. If ease, comfort and availability are what you are after – particularly in the context of getting a car lease in Qatar – you will find more options in the automatic range, and presenting fewer hurdles to overcome.

Choosing Correctly for Your Trip

If you’ll be doing lots of urban driving, traffic jams, or short trips every day, automatic makes sense. You can have all of those starts and stops, and changes all day long without worrying about flicking gears. But, if you will be mostly driving on open highways, scenic routes, or you’re the type of driver that wants to be in control of gears and clutch, you may find a manual car rental to add to the driving experience and maybe save you a few dollars, too.

For longer stays, for example if you’re looking into car rental doha monthly packages, rental deals will be mostly with automatic rentals. Monthly car hire deals are about availability, comfort, and bundled benefits like maintenance, insurance, all of which are suitably aligned with automatic vehicles. 

Final Thoughts

Manual and automatic cars each bring their own set of advantages. Manuals are affordable, engaging to drive, and more fuel efficient than their automatic cousins (in most cases) – especially for drivers who use them responsibly. Automatics are uniquely convenient – particularly in urban areas where using a clutch can become tiresome – and are widely available in rental car fleets. The best option is the one that best reflects your trip: consider where you’ll be driving, how long you’ll be using the car for, and what level of comfort, versus cost, is right for you.Whatever vehicle you decide to rent, knowing the trade-offs will help you make a smart decision at the rental car counter.