I can't see how they would feel the need to make it a manual they have never had an issue shifting GPs. So they know there is still an enthusiast market. If you are in the market for a fast auto hatch I'd be very surprised if mini was anyones go to for that. Much more likely you are looking into a merc or vag product especially if its around the 40k mark. Someone shopping for an S3, golf R, a35 is not going to be the same person looking for a seat mini with reduced sound deadening. Ford have proven with the Rs people will buy a fast manual