more people catch the bus and trains these days!
you must also remember that auto manufacturers have to meet very stringent CO2 emission standards.
that basically means that for a given size of engine, whether it be big or small, it has parameters to qualify.
the only way they can get around these regs. and keep the motoring public happy, is to increase the compression of a buzzbox, turbocharge it or make it Direct Injection!
it uses a lot less fuel this way, but it must be Premium, which is about 20% more than standard unleaded.
you must also remember that cars these days weigh a lot less, so power to weight ratio increases!
ps- anyway, figures don't lie. fuel volumes are down alarmingly for CTX apart from diesel.
