Era of Downsizing.

I think that it is a good idea.

But what is it? Downsizing is merely using smaller engines to haul around the same sized vehicles. An example of this is to be found in the latest CLS 63 AMG. In the past Mercedes had a tradition of creating engines that were point one litre smaller than the names of the cars suggested. When you see six point three on the side of the SLS it actually means the engine is a 6.2. In the case of the new CLS the engine isn't a six point two, it's a five point five. Not measly by any standards. To help this semi skimmed V8 Mercedes has fitted two turbos.

The end result of making a smaller engine and using turbos to make up for the shortfall of power is an engine that produces more power than the old one, and yet squeezes out more economy. The disadvantages are not present because there are none.

Downsizing means that fuel lasts longer and cars will be cheaper to run. It also means cars that are just as powerful and torquey. They are faster too. This is because having smaller engines saves weight.

Until full electric cars take over, in whatever form they take, and Hybrids are still being developed by other manufacturers, downsizing seems to be the way forward. Personally. I have no problems with that.