Gen4 2020. Does anyone have experience of the auto version?

I'm about to buy a Jimny Gen4 2020 with auto gearbox as wife doesn't like existing manual gearbox. Any observations about auto version? Is it a good box? Is performance and fuel economy much different? Any reason not to buy an auto version?

I've had a gen4 auto since January 2019, currently on 23k miles. I've been very happy with it, but it depends on what expectations you have for it. Zero problems to date and that includes a week in the Alps screaming up and down miles of steep switchbacks.

It's a basic 4 speed (3 + 1:1 lockup overdrive) torque convertor box, which feels the same to drive as a Renault 5 auto I had back in the 90s. Normal slurring gear shifts and kick down on hard acceleration.

You'll see similar rpm to a manual car - for example 60mph equates to about 2800rpm. I find it pretty relaxing to drive.

Economy does suffer over a manual. I average about 35mpg, with the best I've seen over a full tank being about 39mpg, whereas in the manual people see low 40s. My figures are with larger 215/75/15 AT tyres which are significantly heavier than stock.

I live in an area with heavy traffic and rarely regret the choice, although when I do find a nice fast country lane I do miss having a manual box.

Only other things to be aware of are that by design it won't lockup into the top ratio until the box has warmed up, so on a cold morning if you're straight onto an A road, you'll be revving high for a couple of minutes until it will shift up.

Although generally smooth and relaxing, when using cruise control if you encounter an incline, the box can kick down a gear in order to maintain your set speed, so everything gets very noisy until you hit the level again. Happens far less now than when the car was new, which I put down to the engine loosening up and being a bit more flexible.

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I'm about to buy a Jimny Gen4 2020 with auto gearbox as wife doesn't like existing manual gearbox. Any observations about auto version? Is it a good box? Is performance and fuel economy much different? Any reason not to buy an auto version?

I don't think there is a reason not too.

Although in 2022 only 4 gears does sort of feel at least 2 gears to few.

Most autos of this ilk will be a bit less fun to drive, bit worse mpg and a bit worse performance compared to the manuals.

But they have other rewards and are arguably superior off road.

I test drove an automatic, and in comparison to my manual, it is sluuugggiiiish. There's no way I would/could be happy with one as a daily drive. They are, however, a heck of a lot quieter than the manual versions, which have a surprising amount of gear whine.

No reason why you should not to purchase Auto. 
Slightly less mpg and a massive debate as to which is best off road are the two main factors. 
However, if you can drive both or at least the Auto and decide if you like it. 
If you do great, go for it. 
I drove both (G3) and the Auto performance on the road was not for me, which I did not expect. Very personal experience, hence why you need to test if you can. 
Just a friendly suggestion, not invoking the which is best debate, they are all good in different ways. 
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lf your wife doesn't like the manual, then the auto is the best transmission for you.

Regardless of whether the manual transmission might be a bit faster/quieter/better MPG it's no good to you because your wife doesn't like it.

For you and your wife, the auto will be perfect.