Fiat 500 mileage

I clicked on an ad for the 500 today. I was thinking gas might get stuck up in this high range for awhile. So I went to the Federal site to check the MPG rating. Only 34 highway for an automatic. And, and, (one more for effect) and it requires Premium gas! So much for any savings. A non-hybrid Ford Fusion or GMC Terrain get that much. What is up with the small cars that don't get good, let alone great, gas mileage?