I ve Altis MT SR. I had an option to buy Civic but i preffered it over civic due to price difference, lesser engine CC (lesser registration cost and token tax), almost same fuel average, comparatively better suspension, toyota engine reliability, stability at higher speed (civic much lighter). What i ve lost. 1.8 engine, new shape with much better interior, driving pleasure, good dead arc clearance, much better AC, immobilizer, dvr side airbag.
So in end i would say that it boils down to ur personal choice, how much one has in his kitty. Driving factor for me was brand name ' toyota", difference of 3 lac fm civic oriel MT, reservation abt civic rear shape.
Finally to share with u, altis is my third car. My first car was 2000 VTI, 2nd city 2007. On lighter note my wife is still of the view that it was a bad decision to buy altis.
Regards to all.