Hello all,
I have test driven both the manual and auto and had a really good go at both.
The auto is suprisingly responsive and I love the fact that the computer blips the throttle on down shift (equivalent to heel and toe in manual). It is a very fast and responsive auto. Paddle shift is a gem. I flicked my finger rapidly twice whilst the car was in 4th gear and within a sec (or less) 2nd gear was engaged (bypassing 3rd) and the the blip of the thorttle made it so smooth and all you notice is the engine revving at a higher rpm.
It works even better if you are downshifting from 2nd to 1st if you want to take a slow corner and come out fast. I tried very hard heel and toe to do the same thing in manual and I just couldn't do it.
The manual box throw is long and firm and has a strange rubbery feel to it unlike the ex model (which I gather is the same box in STI WRX) I have a 07 3.0RB manual and the box is much more snappy.
The figures from Subaru claims that 0-100km/hr is 6.2secs in auto and 6.3secs in manual.
I previously owned a S2000 and the box was sweet. 3.0RB box is good comparatively but the latest manual box just doesn't do me.
As for the question which one you should go for, it really comes down with what you need from the car. I drive the car to work and run around a fair bit and often in peak hour traffic and hardly go onto a track so the auto makes a whole lot more sense.
If you plan to modify the car, upgrade turbo, regular track use etc.. then manual is a reasonable choice. However, if that is the case I would rather get a second hand WRX STI and strip it down and keep it as a second car for track use.
I used to be a hardcore manual driver but this auto has changed my view. As a matter of fact, my While Premium GT sedan Auto should be delivered next week just before X'mas.
I hope this has helped anyone who can't decide on which box to go for.
Have a great X'mas and New year!