If you want drive comfort in rush, stop-and-go traffic; go for PT (preferably 1.5 PT), otherwise, 1.5 MT is more fun and pleasure to drive.
Don't worry. There are many things in life, which are for the first time!
AT / CVT car is more easy to drive and is not at all difficult!
Irrespective of northern or hilly area, just adjust gears in lower numbers (like D3, D2, S, L, etc.) when going up or down a steep slope, and you are good to go anywhere.