That could be the problem, I mixed sugar afterwards and ended up with a mud of suspended grounds that would not settle.

I’m a bit puzzled by “working age” being classed as 16-64. Is that an admission that a very large proportion of those between 64 and the state pension age (66 increasing to 68) are actually unable to continue in employment?

Traditionally automatics were much less efficient, giving a significant power loss and substantially worse MPG. In the UK with smaller cars with smaller engines and expensive petrol this was a much bigger disadvantage than in the USA.

However modern automatic gears have improved so it’s not longer a big disadvantage.