i would imagine the 4AT would likely neuter the vehicle...it is more than fine with the 5MT though...i find it "peppier" than our Focus we gave back and also gets better fuel economy...my driving is about 95% city driving, and i am doing about 8L/100km with it...my only "beef" is it has short gearing, so at about 110 km/hr, it is revving about 3000 RPM...i don't drive on the highway often, so it isn't a big deal, and really, you get used to it (as would any Honda driver, as their small cars often rev high at speed)...as well, it has continuously variable valve timing, which most modern engines offer, so that likely helps maximize power and fuel economy...i don't think our Focus had that, and used about 2L/100km MORE fuel.
