As C&G's local gas guzzler, I have begun to fill my garage with more efficient vehicles. At one time, I had the Av, the Vette, and a DTS. I am now just down to the Vette, but have ordered an Acadia to replace the now deceased Av. While the Acadia is a sill a very large vehicle with mileage in the high teens real world, most of the time I carry another person as well as three giant dogs that wiegh as much as the average person, so I think of mileage based on the number of occupants I am carrying. With the Av, I average 17-18 mpg. Well, if I am carrying myself and my two kids, then my mileage is 51-54 miles per gallon per occupant. With the Acadia, I expect to get 18-19 mpg, not much better than the Av, but I am hoping on trips to get at least 20 mpg. If I am carrying my daughter, son, his fiancee, and the three dogs, then at 20 mpg that would be 140 mpgpo (miles per gallon per occupant). If I bought a very small vehicle, then two cars would be needed, and at 30 mpg with 3 people in one car and me in the dogs in the other, it would be 90 mpg for one car and 120 for the other, which is still less efficient per vehicle for the trip.
When my daughter turns 16, she wants a Camaro. At first, I told her I'd get her a V-6 Camaro, but now that gas prices are going up I have changed my mind and told her she will be getting an Astra 3-door instead. It would be a better first car for her and will offer her some practicality.
My son is also discovering that filling up a gas guzzling SUV can drain the wallet. His SS Trailblazer costs him about $400 in gas a month. That's a car payment. His Sky (which gets driven about as much as my Vette) gets great mileage, but is not practical for the winter weather we have around here, and that car has much sentimental value to him.
As for having a smaller vehicle, I could do it, as long as its a rear drive platform with all wheel drive optional. I am looking forward to the Alpha architecture. I'd consider it with a small V-6 or a I-4 engine if it is refined enough and if the car is a real handler.