ANTICIPATION, - cruise is good as many people cant keep a constant speed, however if you know
how to drive for good MPG and anticipate you can get better mpg yourself as you can be pro-active rather than re-active which cruise is.
70mph+ is not a great speed for economy. there are some misconseptions regards what drive give better mpg, - motorways are not at great as many would think, an A road is good, if driven correctly.
I get better mpg taking the A1 north than the m1 for example, roundabouts and junctions can increase your mpg if you use them correctly.
Other than this, tips such as slowing IN GEAR, not in neutral, looking ahead, are the lights red amber etc? are they goingn to be red when you get there? then slow down now.. try completing a regular drive without using brakes or stopping.. this will open your eyes to where some gains can be made. (use the brakes if you have too!)
Mechanically, thermostat open or not operating correctly. in appropriate gearing, wheels /tyres such as 18" may not
help, it depends on the weight / quality of the alloys, however if heavier then they can act as a flywheel in the case of coasting in gear.. but for most people it will result in a drop in mpg due to how most people drive.