Average cost of new car

1980 the average cost of new car was $7,210.00 and by 1989 was $15,400.00 today it sits around $29,217 mark.  Inflation plays a part in that but our buying habits have changed over time with what was innovative new technology in the past has now becoming part of the standard equipment packages on most products. Try to find a vehicle with out Air Conditioning or just one air bag today most have two to six plus key changes with engine performance and transmission technology most new vehicles are four or five speed Automatics or are CVT driven, four wheel disk brakes ABS and EBC along with comfort with convenes features like Blue Tooth CD MP-3 power points heated seats all this is reflect in the pricing. The size of our cars have changed as well what was a compact back in the day (Civic) is now a mid size and what was a full size (Impala) has move down to what would be a compact in the 70's.  Is there a market for lower price points in North America yes maybe no, I can not see many consumers lining up for Tata Motors cheapest new car in the world sold in India at a suggested retail price of $6-5000 ball park in Canada. The Nano would be a micro size like the Honda Civic of the 70's and is what built Honda's customer base but time were different with high gas cost, inflation and a recession in place.  I think most looking at the ultra-cheap price tag, lack of options/features will look at the pre-owned market that is always flooded with 3-4 year old lease returns and at 1-2 years old ex-rentals would opt out of Tata offerings. Keeping pricing in mind how we buy has changed over time with the balk of new buyers going with financing where as in the 80's it was common place to pay cash rates were at 20 points. So yes today cars cost more than back in the 80's but are offering more in standard features but there is no really ultra low budget car under 10g's in the market.