My Max is auto and I drove an Aero manual
There is so much oooooooooommmmmmmmphhhh with the engine that I never feel short changed with the auto.
Just press the pedal and the box manages the situation. The manual mode is quite good
Honestly, I don t think an Aero either 8 Max or Sport is designed to be driven hard at all time. It is more a very fast GT and the auto suits the car character very well