i've NEVER heard such a thing but low and behold there is a factory 5-speed V6 vitara for sale down the street from me.  i'll bet that thing flies with a 5-speed anyone ever drove one.
and how rare are the GV Limiteds?
i'm having a heck of a time finding a used limited for sale anywhere.

Actually XL7's also come in manual,as far as being rare,i doubt it.

Mrs. Bobzooki drives her Manual GV every day.  We do not own any auto's.  Living at 9,000 foot elevation, and commuting to 5,000 feet, every day means You need a great mountain driving rig.  Manuals give you much better control.

EDIT:  And yeah, it's a freaking rocket.  But really, performance on mountain roads is as much the driver, as the vehicle.