I’d be okay with them using the auto boxes from Merc, they’re decent units. Still not what I’d buy personally, but the market would prefer them so it would have a better chance of succeeding I think.  
	 
 
	A45 isn’t a competitor, but the A35 certainly is along with the Cayman, A110, TT, Golf R etc. It’s a full segment to be sure, and as PH said it would need to be more than just characterful for it to be a reasonable choice for many.