The two cars are chalk and cheese!
I say that, having owned the previous version, which I had for 3 years, and then bought my current EX model.
I (luckily) , back in May 22, got a deal , which I don’t think is available now. It included a 5 year guarantee, with 5 year servicing, if you took a 5k Honda loan. If you can find a 20/21/22 model that the first owner, had a package on, that would be transferred to you.
As a driver not in a rush to get anywhere ahead of a BMW driver, I am happy at 60 ish on the motorway.
My driving is 70% town.
I don’t know of anyone, who has gone from a “proper” auto car, back to a manual.
Just a snapshot of my thoughts, others may vary.
I always use B for driving in towns and down steepish hills, which is like 3rd gear.
Use D for motorways and dual carriageways.
Forget everything to do with the handbrake; if I am holding the car using the foot brake, on quite a decent ascent, then in the half a second it takes to pivot over to the accelerator, the car will not roll back, and better still, you will be 20 feet ahead of the car behind, who is slowly releasing his clutch!
Some folks on here use B all the time, others D all the time. Move between the two on the move, you choose.
Over 3 years in the MK3 , it averaged 54 mpg....I “suffered” approx £1000 depreciation.
Over 1 year in the MK4, it has averaged 72 mpg, I hope they don’t bugger it up, when it’s in for service!
The only thing that rankles, is that the “boring black” that I bought, is quite soft in the paint department.
But I could not see the value in a more pleasing colour.
Good luck with your choice.....don’t forget to let us know!