3 top td's

[robert_e_smart]

Can't disgaree with any of that!

Its all down to personal preference, and what each person deems to be acceptable. I personally can forgoe the 4mpg difference to have all the automatic benefits, and forgoe the manual box inconveniences.

[Dieselman]

I would too, but when driving a diesel auto recently found it just too noisy and intrusive compared to both the manual and my auto in another car.

[robert_e_smart]

Jings, going from a S2 2.1 Auto to a S1 2.1 Manual, the auto is the quieter car for me, probably because its a S2. As for a S2 2.1 Manual, I can't comment.