2013 MT or AT for highway use?

Just been up the local "A" road and getting 1800 rpm @ 40mph. Fuel costs were never a consideration for me when I decided to buy a Jimny. It's unique place in the market, its no nonsense, no pretentions, honest approach is what convinced me. In a market overcrowded with "samey" grot-boxes it is refreshing to be different - and fun!
How many small cars can you say that about, and say it no matter what the weather.

Absolutely agree. This is what has attracted me for the last few years as well. Plus I enjoy good engineering. I love the solid axles design, the deliberate part-time 4x4 as opposed to some viscous coupling or Haldex unit and the low gearing. It makes it a real 4x4. Somewhat in the same book at the Mercedes G with its 3 locking diffs... just something I can't afford to buy / maintain! Similar no nonsense, free from marketing talk, approach.

But I need to take fuel efficiency and highway handling into account as well, since this is a second car for a couple where both of us work, and have a long commute (my wife drives a Peugeot now which is on its last legs). If it was as a third car, then it would be a no-brainer. Just trying to figure out if a Jimny will perform adequately on the highway while keeping cost under control as a daily commuter. And if I need to opt for a particular model (AT vs MT).

I have no doubt about mine for the future. My other car is at the total opposite of the spectrum regards performance, so I can see the issue of long commuting from both perspectives. Yes the Jimny is no racer and takes some time to get up to speed but if driven sensibly should be fairly economical at around 50-60. Any more for long periods would I am sure then become a bit juicy. But at least you would be able to get to work whatever the weather.