I guess 1.8 altis (auto) was way better then new one.
1. Switchtonic
2. Better back light
3. More power (not actually sure about the amount of bhp difference)
Anyhow comparing manual, 6 speed transmission Altis, Altis is way better then manual civic.
Compared to civic auto, civic is better except its hard steering, stiff seats and suspension and expensive parts. Corolla EPS rocks.
The thing with corolla is that if u buy a Xli/Gli or Altis the comfort remains the same only the horses change. Why not buy Gli rather then Altis and add altis accessories. No one knows from far that r u driving xli or altis. If buying a corolla always go for xli or gli.
I dont know y people say that the drive of civic is better then corolla, i guess they own honda or r fanboys, and not ready to admit corolla is better. Drive urself to see the difference of dual vvti and EPS. They will forget Onda.