mazda 3 skyactive (opinions)

I'm looking at buying a new car and want some opinions of the new mazda 3 skyactive 4-door (sedan), and 5-door(hatch). I like the fact that they are still kinda sporty (155HP), and get 28-40 MPG. my girlfrined drives the 2007 mazda 6i 2.5l w/ sportshift I bought her, and I like how that one drives, and has been fairly trouble free as far as repairs go. would you go for 6spd auto, or manual? I can drive either, and kind of prefer manual, how are the new 6speed manuals?