[MetroMPG]

The problem is gearing.

And the better way is simple: an optional, taller final gear for those of us willing to SHIFT occasionally when needed for acceleration or hill climbing at top gear speeds.

For the masses who apparently aren't willing to ever shift out of top gear once they get there, fine. Stick with the "original" too-short gearing.

EDIT: of course this option puts the onus on the sales people to adequately explain the pros and cons of each choice, and that's where the idea falls on its face.