Sales of large cars drop 50% in SA as small cars take off in popularity SMALL car sales are growing as large car purchases plummet, according to latest RAA figures. In the past five years, large car sales have dropped by 48 per cent while small car sales have risen by 21 per cent in South Australia, the RAA said. Rising fuel prices and cheaper running costs are driving the downsizing trend among motorists, the RAA said. "There is currently a recognised trend within the motoring world to downsize when purchasing a new car," RAA Senior Manager Mobility and Automotive Policy Mark Borlace said. With increasing petrol prices, consumers are looking for cars that aren't going to cost them as much at the bowser to fill up. Cheaper registration, insurance and maintenance costs, improved safety ratings, less garage/driveway space and being easier to park, are all common reasons why people are downsizing. Mr Borlace said there had been steady growth of Hybrid vehicle sales over the five year period. A lot of mid-size and smaller SUV's now on the market, with reasonably small engines that are a lot more affordable to run than larger cars, without losing too much space, he said.