I have a manual 1.4, the latest research I read was that accelerating briskly to 2,000RPM got the best economy but I can't remember where I read this. As for downshift vs neutral, you should always stay in gear to drive in coastdown where the ECU cuts fuel but I've recently been experimenting with downshifting when coming to a stop or turn. The Scanguage e I'm using does show how the engine is in coastdown throughout downshifting so no fuel is being used and I guess it's saving the brake pads.