This is a textbook example of the widespread "juniorization" issue Lego had for a while 15-20 years ago. You'd get a Town car set, and it would have about 17 p

This is a textbook example of the widespread "juniorization" issue Lego had for a while 15-20 years ago. You'd get a Town car set, and it would have about 17 pieces, because the entire chassis would be one piece. You have linked a set explicitly in their Junior product offerings, bridging between Duplo and real Legos. I think things have actually swung too far in the other direction now with their main-line sets. As much as 25% of the part count typically consists of tiny 1x1 or 2x1 plates and tiles, or 1x1 cheese wedges. There are often many cases where they will use more smaller bricks rather than a more structurally-sound brick - 1x3 bricks and the corner L-shaped bricks in particular.