Automatic is good for todays driving conditions. There are so many cars on the road these days that you better have more time concentrating on the road than to switch gears.
HOWEVER, Automatics are no fun for anything less than a 2.4L engine. We have a 2001 Civic Prosmatec, and it can barely beat a mehran in pick. It gives us around 8.5 km/L in Islamabad's traffic (with AC on). On Highway, it gives around 11-12 km/L.
Also I think Hondas automatic design is flawed. They give you D and D3. I'd rather have D and have an overdrive switch. I don't have time to explain why D and D3 sucks compared to an overdrive switch. Toyota and Nissan give you overdrives buttons.
To all: Does Altis have an overdrive switch?