Love my 07 Salsa Red NBC! I have the same problem with the shifting (can't hear the engine) so I use the auto or sport mode most of the time.
The 2.5 has plenty of pickup and power for me, and so far, the only problems I have had were a burned out back-up light and a wiring issue with the wipers. Both fixed right away by the dealership. I have 2450 miles on it (it had 15 miles on it when I got it in late June.)
