[MikeAndAnnie]

Definitely manual. I've gotten out of some pretty tight jams because I could drop to second and get quick acceleration, as well as emergency braking. Besides, it is just TOO much fun!

 

[MikeAndAnnie]

And shifting is just plain fun!!

About the only reason to get a manual. If you find shifting fun.

I like that newer cars are embracing more advanced technologies like CVT (continuously variable transmission), paddle shifters and auto-manuals(like the xB).

I suspect manuals are a lot harder to steal. And they are less expensive, by about 1000 for the xB.
And aren't paddle shifters sequential, meaning you have to go through third to get from fourth to second?
Don't think I would like that for an emergency deacceleration, though I have not used paddle shifters.

 

[MikeAndAnnie]

I suspect manuals are a lot harder to steal.

i do not think that the xB is not at the top of thieves lists and i doubt many are stolen.

Doesn't change the fact that it is an advantage of a manual over an automatic. And I wouldnot
The latest data from the NCIC is that the most stolen car in 2006 was the 1995 Honda civic. I would not have guessed such an older 'meat and potatoes' car would be #1, so I am not so sure the xB2 will not soon be on that list. It has lots of stuff thieves like to chop and sell (e.g., air bags):
https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/nicb/hs.xsl/index.htm#
http://www.statefarm.com/about/media/backgrounder/theft.asp#target