[PaleMelanesian]

The Si also has a bigger engine. The gear ratios in the manual are much shorter, making the engine turn higher rpms at the same speed. So it's a double negative to fuel economy. Given those two choices, I think I'd go with the auto EX despite my love for manuals. It'll give you better mileage with "common sense driving and a little hypermiling". The Si might be able to beat it with all-out-effort hypermiling, but will likely fall short with anything less.