This is a direct result of the ridiculous bullshit regulations for aerodynamics, and for impact resistance and pedestrian impact safety. Affordable cars used to be small and light weight. With every stupid fucking regulation for more emissions equipment, and every increased safety standard the weight goes up and the size gets larger which means larger aerodynamic profile. Bigger engine for the increased mass means more emissions. There is a serious lack of simple, basic cars available on the market. Because its not even legal for the manufacturers to build a simple model! It wouldnt meet the regs!