I find internal gears to be very helpful in stop and go traffic. A Shimano 8 speed IGH has about 300% range, so it is fine for hills. A Shimano 7 speed hub is about 270%, which is still pretty decent for most areas. SRAM's 7 speed is about the same range as the Shimano 8 speed. The stock gearing looks sensible, so you should have a low enough low for even a quite nasty hill.

Flat handlebars can be very uncomfortable. The stock ones list as having some sweep, but it may not be enough. You can't swap to drop bars with an IGH without some modifications and weirdnesses, but there are other bars that would get you a neutral wrist and are compatible with the shifter. The bike's geometry looks fairly aggressive. Felt is *not* the first name that springs to my mind when I think of a sturdy and reliable commuter.

The bike's stock equipment is pretty scant... if it's a US$500 bike, it's okayish, but if it is more, the shop is selling you an overpriced bike. You can get similar bikes equipped with fenders and a rack and lights for $600-$1000.