Is the fact that the Scorpio Classic is not an automatic a big deal?

Only available with a manual transmission, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic is becoming rare in its segment. Automatic options are provided by many competitors and are often preferred for ease of use in city traffic, or by less experienced drivers. Perhaps, Scorpio Classic’s lack of automatic variants could impede its expanded popularity. A manual transmission would suit the Scorpio's rugged, enthusiast image, but some think it's a big oversight in a modern SUV. The gearbox, a 6 speed manual in the Scorpio Classic, has received mixed reactions, some praise the better smoothness over the previous generation, while some had problems with the gear shifts. As automatics become the standard in a market, particularly in urban areas, does Scorpio Classic missing out on this option hold it back, or does it end up harking back to its identity and appealing to its fan base?