the 2.4L k24 engine pretty solid....some folks even add turbocharger to it....that engine a lot of mod potentials and after market parts to replace....i believe your workshop friend can attest to that....just get the regular 5 speed torque converter gearbox version, avoid the cvt (probably most of the grey imports here are the 5 speeder but do verify just in case)

the size of the car is much more comfy compared to freed and rcz, the 3rd row pretty roomy yet without that high ish/bulky feeling of MPV and even the power also pretty decent....