I don't think you can get Manual/AWD in any new small CUVs (Juke, Tucson, Sportage, RVR). Forester is the only CUV choice with that combination.
I too think it's about $2000 too expensive and I hate that the glass roof and upgraded sound system are not sold as a separate package. Maybe the future rebates will correct that.
The US SE AWD trim is perfect IMO and that would make sense for about $25K here (basically a GT without glass roof and upgraded sound).
Being familiar with the recent Mitsu products, I noticed a significant improvement in material grade and build quality on this car; closing the gap even more with the top offerings. There is still room for improvement though especially with the little details.
Few small things I dislike: on the GT model with Start button, the steering wheel columns cover has the hole for the key covered with a plastic cap, no lining on the door grabs (easy fix), the rear door panels are hard plastic versus soft-touch/fabric combination on the front, no bottle holder on the rear doors.
The biggest dislikes: the CVT and the lack of the 2.4L I4 option.