Sorry to hear about the prod cut off before the new model...I've had an auto for a couple of months now and it's great. I've driven the manual as well but I'm so over having to change gears with a clutch, it's so 20th century and if you hit traffic it's even worse. The auto box does the job, the shift on it is great when shifting down into third and second when you need to take a fast corner. One more thing, if they do locate a model in oz that you're happy with see if you can get one with roof, the moon roof is great.