I've got an ek3 1.5. Yeah they are pretty good on petrol, as they have longer gearing and if you keep it below 3000rpm then the Eco light comes on and only opens 12 valves! Plus they go alright aswell!
I had a 1.5 for 2 years and there really nice cars, and very good on fuel on the "eco mode" and quick when over 4000rpm, due to the 3 stage vtec! cheap tax too
Im pretty sure when i looked up a Honda fuel consumtion manual it said a 1.5 does 56MPG combined and a 1.4 does 47MPG combined!
Ive got a 1.4 and cant fault it at all for the consumption, pretty sure its got a 1.5vtec intake manifold on it aswell that the previous owner fitted but i get around 300miles per tank