For that latter statement only my own driving and my wife's but taking my Fusion Hybrid for example I can apply that light throttle touch on flat straight road and my instant fuel economy will basically peg off scale(60+ mpg) I can replicate this in my wife's Focus as well. It's part of the reason my long term MPG on my Fusion is 48.4mpg. And in my wife's case her first fill up using this method with 50% city/50% highway driving she managed 38.1mpg. I'd post more but I'm posting from a cell phone I'll post more later tonight on our driving experiences and fuel saving techniques.
I agree, plus most of the hybrids are also setup with better aerodynamics, LRR tires, less drag in the power train, etc. So it is easier to maintain a reasonable speed and get great efficiency. I use these principles on a daily basis and just hit 700 miles on the current tank with an average mpg of 83. The last two weeks the average has been higher at over 90 mpg.
Driver attitude would be my biggest suggestion. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time, if possible plan your trip with routes that are 55 mph friendly. That alone with boost efficiency on most cars.
Use either pulse and glide techniques, or practice a light foot at all times giving only enough pressure to maintain your desired speed. I use the latter as pulse and glide takes too much attention and can be fatiguing.