2019 spin on the age-old manual vs auto debate

Hi everyone, Long time lurker here from Queensland, Australia and another noob just excited to be on the waiting list for the new model. I heard we might start getting some cars in late Jan, but as demand will be high they will only be importing the more exe model (and the cynic in me tells me the more exe colours too, even though white is by far the most popular in our hot climate).

Here's my view of manuals:
Cheaper (buy, maintain, fuel)
Faster (or less slow!) and more engaging on open roads
Engine braking off road descents
More reliable and longer fuel range (remote touring)

and autos are good for:
Start stop traffic
Extreme off roading
Lower revs at motorway speed limit

Let me know if anything blatantly wrong or missing but the main question I'm asking is how you think the new model will swing the argument, if at all?

I have one of each of the outgoing model but if it weren't for the specific requirements of my aging parents both cars would be manual, it just suits the character of the Jimny better. If the auto was a diesel or a 2.0 petrol then it would make sense but on the 1.3 while it tries it's heart out its out of it's depth. Yes it's good for slowly creeping about but the more i drive it the more i like the manual.

Greetings to you Cyberdriver, and welcome to the forums!

I totally agree on an auto in stop-start traffic - driving a friends manual MGB around Los Angeles suburbs became very hard work very quickly!

Certainly with more conventional cars, I always understood that a manual would be both quicker off the mark and slightly more economical than the auto equivelant

I dont think the new model will really change any of these already established perceptions; at the end of the day, its "Horses for courses"

I note that your list of 'plus' points for a manual over the auto is slightly longer - so you may have answered your own question

Although a manual car will be quicker in the hands of a decent driver, most people aren't decent drivers. I've found that auto cars are often better in the traffic light grand prix simply because any idiot can mash the throttle into the carpet and you don't have to contend with bogging down or fluffing a gear change.

A torque converter box will typically be less efficient than a manual, but modern double clutch DSG boxes can be more efficient.

Manual definitely more fun to drive when you're in a sporty mood with no traffic, but a pain in heavy traffic.

thanks everyone so far.
Lambert, I think you nailed it with the manual suiting the character of the Jimny better. I answered my question months ago when I hopped on the waiting list for a white manual, but interested to see if people thought the new model shifted the balance in any way.
Most aussies are buying automatics these days - looking at carsales site, only 11% of new car ads are for manuals. When I placed my order the sales guy said "ah the manual - good choice. Is that because of the built-in anti-theft device?" Me: "No, but good point. My wife definitely won't be driving it for a start"