It is because the auto variants of this car were not very much compatible with the CNG so ppl used to label it as a "fail car". But, the cars who have survived that period and have remained "CNG free" have suddenly became became market's car. Further, due to huge influx of JDMs, the auto transmission vehicles have also created its fair share of customer base. Otherwise, the times you are talking about, ppl used to say "auto .... nahi yaar , fail gaddi hai kal nu kamm kon karaye ga gear da". Times have changed, rather evolved