Very much a personal preference ( I have a manual) but I have yet to hear of any issues with the auto box, unlike the manual boxes.
In a straight line the auto is reckoned to be slighty quicker but for me I found the 7 ratios did not suit our more twisty roads, whereas across the pond (for example) I have no doubt it would be the box of choice. Also, if you regularly have to use the car in traffic the auto will probably be more suitable.