i too have heard anecdotal opinions that the 2.4 auto is the best allround version, for performance and economy. whilst i've not driven one, let alone any diesel, i think a manual diesel would frustrate me because they don't rev very high (though it's probably something to become used to); so the auto would take care of that issue by changing gears accordingly.
what year is the 2.4? the only criticisms i've read about the autos are about the pre-update versions which don't change/hold gears like you might want. 2008+ models have newer firmware for better shift patterns (plus other changes).
my wife insisted on an AWD car, so it had to be a 3.2 V6 for us. *shux*

