You have spoken the truth but I read in a blog that new gen. Civic will be equipped with CVTi tech., if its true, then fuel mileage of Altis 1.8 and Civic would definitely be neck to neck. There are two pivotal things, which Altis 1.8 lacks, but which Civic offers, 1. SRS Airbag for front passenger, 2. Immobilizer.
Even Current gen. Civic surpasses Altis 1.8 in both these basic features.