The standard manual transmission has easy, direct, but slightly clunky shift action, while the clutch pedal action is light. The steering is pleasantly firm, not heavy, and the brake pedal offers good modulation. Outward visibility to the front and sides is very good, but the high rear decklid obscures rear vision somewhat. Fortunately, the standard rear spoiler doesn't make things worse because it's raised and you can see under it. When shifting into reverse, it's important to release the handbrake before shifting.
Reverse gear is over to the right and back, about where the handbrake lever is.
I scraped my fingers a couple of times before I learned to release the brake before shifting into reverse. The only options available are leather seats, tilt-slide sunroof, cruise control, and side airbags. The side airbags are offered as part of an option package with the leather seats.