I'm always saddened to see
I'm always saddened to see fewer manual gearboxes in North America every year. Even worse the diminishing global market due to manufacturing output/demands/availability. I don't think the Crosstrek even offers a stock in AUS or JP this year. It's even hard to get a decent truck in manual for a fair price nowadays. People have forgotten the joy of driving. Yes, they don't get as much fuel efficiency as the autos do and over time the difference does add up, financially and environmentally but where is the thrill of being one with your machine? My first car was automatic, my dad's old 1985 Hyundai Stellar, but my first stick came in 1998 when I was 19, a new 96' Chevy Beretta. It was then I learned how to actually drive. My wife considers me a danger because my machine and I are one, despite my absolute control of the machine. I know my car and it behaves properly no matter the demand from aggressive or evasive posturing maneuvering to a typical cool day "at the beach". Auto/CVTs don't offer that. They're designed for 100% passive action; you do not control the car, the car controls you. No surprise here, I vote manual. In fact, I've been waiting for 2018 (Suabru) manual specs to come out before I replaced my (now sold) 07' VW Rabbit 5 speed.
I won't buy the Outback or Legacy because they are larger than my needs demand but the Crosstrek fits the bill perfectly. I fully understand why they don't offerstick for the O and I, its because the market in NA has moved towards inner city automatic, and IMHO uninspired drivers. I just wish the XV Limited came in stick like it did last year. I was attracted to the leather and fun, zone climate but for 18' I'm stuck with the sport.