You need to test an auto and a manual and draw your own conclusions. I initially wanted a manual and drove two of them. I concluded that it is tough to get a smooth getaway in first and that the first to second gear change is very jumpy. I guess some would call it snappy and, no doubt once you are familiar with the box, it is fine to drive. The auto (which we got) is great, super smooth, and it is (nearly) always in the right gear. As said by Waylander, you need to take your time and get the right car. We tested 7 or 8 of them and ended up driving a 498 mile round trip to south Wales (twice) for the one that we eventually got – and that was 3 months after we started looking. Decide on your colour, transmission etc and hold out until you find exactly what you are after, if you don’t you will regret it at some later point. Best of luck.