Tried a manual and was set on getting one but couldn't find one in the color I wanted (Frost). So I tried an automatic -- never owned one! --and was pleasantly surprised with the responsiveness (like the Sport mode) and "shiftability". So I bought it after lots of research including a review that focused on the genius of the automatic design and operation.
Sold my manual '14 CX5. Before buying the iA, went on travel and rented a '15 Mazda3. Really liked it and noted that the iA had same infotainment system as well as a similar interior. The iA platform and cockpit are very very similar to the Mazda Cx3. This is a fantastic car.
. I say this with ownership experiences with several Mazdas (3's and CX5).
Sold my manual '14 CX5. Before buying the iA, went on travel and rented a '15 Mazda3. Really liked it and noted that the iA had same infotainment system as well as a similar interior. The iA platform and cockpit are very very similar to the Mazda Cx3. This is a fantastic car.