I went for the manual for driver engagement. Yes, I get the auto thing, my other 3 vehicles are all autos & they virtually drive themselves. they're super easy but boring. I tried the auto & didn't like the set up, changing down by 1,2 or 3 gears when you squeeze the throttle. in the manual I'll let the torque do the work or decide which gear & I feel i've got more control. (paddle shift? .. can't be bothered). yes the ratios are weird, i've just got used to it over time.(done 16k in 1 ¾ years). clutch feels heavy but i've found it perfect .. never stalled it. 1st gear is great in slow, stop start traffic - leave it in 1st never jerky. very torquey engine & very flexible but not much happens over 4 ½ k revs. 6th is for 60mph plus. I do give it some stick, the quicker times of the auto don't bother me but the extra torque the auto gives would be nice. my car is a march 22 & pre traction control, I just didn't like the auto deciding gears for me in damp conditions. id say, if you like to push on, on the twisty stuff go manual. if you like to potter about .. auto. as a side note my other car is a BMW 128Ti, same engine & power but auto. (Aisin not ZF) & the gearbox works really well .. never constantly swapping gears. ....... long test drives on both country lanes & tea time traffic. Enjoy.
