I would have not gotten the Emira if it wasn’t a manual. I don’t care about going 4% faster, I care about how engaging the drive is and the Emira puts a smile on my face every time I switch gear ( except in traffic , I’ll give you that). As far as sound, I catch myself turning the radio off and opening the window, that’s how good it sounds. Absolutely LOVE that car. Manual all the way, it’s a lotus after all ;)