Modern automatics are increasingly capable of better fuel economy than manuals in test conditions, so manufacturers like them. I drive a manual MX5 for fun and when I want to get involved with driving, but most of the time I’m happy for our XC40 to do everything for me, change gear, set the handbrake, switch the light and wipers on, etc etc. Get yourself a test drive, Richjackdan, and tuck your left foot out of the way. You’ll be surprised how soon you’ll adjust to it and how lazy it makes you!