What would it take to make small cars desirable?

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

An obstacle to more efficient automatics is consumer perceptions of what an auto should feel like. An auto for maximum efficiency and longevity should shift firmly, not spend two seconds grinding clutches and bands together as it slushes out of one gear into another. Wastes energy and grinds off friction material. Lost count of the number of aquaintances that come boasting of a great deal they got on a car, "shifts like butter" they say, then a couple of months later they're getting it towed to the wreckers or getting a $$$ tranny job, as I'm giving them a ride somewhere, due to their brokenass car, they'll politely comment that maybe they could get Fred their favorite transmission guy (who makes $$$ off them like as not) to take a look at mine for me, since they can...SHOCK...HORROR...feel it shifting... at which point I laugh somewhat hysterically and inform them I did severe duty shift kit modifications to my transmission and filled it up with Universal Tractor Fluid that has a superior package of friction modifiers... they kind of go silent at this point and look at me like I'm mad.... Honestly I've tried to help them... they mention they might have detected a faint slip, and I haul them down to a parts store, buy new fluid and filter, help 'em change it, and add a bottle of Lucas transmission fix for good measure... and they are mortified to find out that it now seems to shift somewhat firmly OMG nooooooo!!!!!! So they think I've messed up their car and drive it around for the next 2 years (which is usually some sort of record for them keeping a working car) expecting it to explode at any second....