2013 here, I love the stick a lot better than the cvt and drove both. The cvt I must say was not as terrible power wise as I would have thought however after suffering with a bmw cvt in an 05 mini cooper I swore to never buy an auto or anything with a cvt. I love the impreza stick so much I am on order for another 2013. In terms of the feel its a lot nicer than the 2010 civic we had, I find it much for responsive to my shifts and when I feel like driving for fuel economy it can be reserved. 3rd gear also engages a lot nicer, had to change mtl fluid in civic to avoid honda 3rd gear pop out. All and all the impreza is so simple, and no nonsense that I wanted one for myself the moment I got the first one for my g/f.