I've been driving manuals in cars and trucks for some time now. Just traded in my 2005 Dodge 2500 Cummins diesel 6spd. manual for an iA 6spd. manual today!
Of course the two can't be compared but like all manuals, they keep the driver in tuned more with the engine performance via the manual transmission. If you are a "driver", like in zoom-zoom, the manual will satisfy those moments unlike an automatic.
Sure this auto is sweet and responsive and delivers unlike the competitors CVT's. LOL. But this manual is pure Mazda, mated to a Mazda engine and chassis. Toyota and Scion can only dream of having a manual like this that delivers this type of driver connection to engine parameters.
From what I've been reading on these posts about this car, I'm very much looking forward to my drive to and from work! Zoom On!