Here automatic cars are few and far between and unpopular.
Everyone just drives manuals as they have been since they 1st learned to drive and no one evr complains about a manual car being a terrible experience.
So it's...interesting to see them considered a "dreadful commuting experiences"
BYD
Seems to be doing all the things people do or wish for here:
Serial Plug-In Hybrid with direct to ICE top gear.
12 volt battery is lithium.
auto grill shutter.
etc
ICE is 46.6% efficient too.
They probably don't sell any of them in the USA due to import duties and the love of humongous vehicles with 45 liter engines, but worth a look none the less.