As you saw in our Ten Things Your Kids Will Never Experience In A New Car and 25 Most Redundant Technologies posts, even the lowest of low-end cars intended for the North American market usually come standard with features once considered to be luxurious extras. Power windows. Keyless remotes. Air conditioning. If you're a super-cheapskate who doesn't want to pay for those bells and whistles, you're pretty much out of luck. How did it come to this?
Many of our illustrious commenters, most recently Skitter, bring up this brilliant essay penned by Jack Baruth (aka our own ViergangFuchs) over on Speed:Sport:Life. Here's an excerpt:

Why did power windows cost more than roll-up windows in 1973? It's easy to understand; it took a man, or a team of men, earning the aforementioned living wage, longer to build, assemble, and install power window components. In 2009, the whole deal is "subbed out" to a supplier who produces snap-in power window assemblies. It's usually cheaper to get 100,000 power window assemblies than it is to get 50,000 roll-up assemblies and 50,000 power assemblies, plus you don't have to train the $12/hour temps who (don't tell anyone!) actually do a lot of "low-skill" jobs on American assembly lines how to install two different kinds of window assemblies. The door can be made simpler because it doesn't have to accommodate two different kinds of controls, which leads to more volume discounts, and so on.

[Speed:Sport:Life]

Jut in case you aren't too stoked at the idea of hopping into an EV Cube with your enviro-bros and hitting the wheat grass bar to talk about how evil corporations are, Nissan is developing other offerings on the B-platform beside the asymmetrical square prism. The Tiida is the Versa in the US, and rides on the same platform as the Cube, meaning electrification isn't a terribly complex task, this particular image of a test car, though on the low-resolution side, proves the point. So instead of hipster-chic you get bland and goofy geek. Happy EV buying.

Hyundai Accent Retains Crown as America's Least Expensive Car

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov 25, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The country's most dependable sub-compact car is also its most affordable.
The high-mileage 2009 Hyundai Accent has a starting price of $9,970, making it the least expensive new car on the market. But it's also the "Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car" available (as determined by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study(SM)) and one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today — a trifecta that no other car can match.

"Accent is the perfect vehicle for a customer looking for the ideal mix of price, dependability and fuel economy," said Mark Dipko, Small Car product manager. "And as a brand known the world over for its value, we feel it is important to retain our crown as the most affordable new car available."

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai announced even more good news for the Accent, revealing that next year a special high-mileage "Blue" edition will be available that offers even higher levels of fuel economy without adding to the price. Accent "Blue" will feature fuel-efficient modifications to reduce engine friction and rolling resistance, enhance aerodynamics, optimize gearing and revise engine calibrations for maximum efficiency, all adding up to higher fuel mileage and lower emissions than today's model.

The 2009 Accent GS retains the same content as last year's model and has not been reduced to achieve America's best price point. Accent GS offers a 1.6-litre, 110-horsepower engine, power steering, advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, front variable intermittent wipers, 60/40 split fold-down seatback, six-way adjustable driver seat, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions and rear spoiler.

Pricing for all other Accent models remains unchanged, delivering outstanding value throughout the lineup. In addition to the $9,970 Accent GS 3-door with manual transmission, the Accent three-door with automatic transmission starts at $12,070; Accent GLS 4-door with manual transmission starts at $12,920; and the sport-tuned and comprehensively equipped Accent SE 3-door with manual transmission starts at $15,070. Freight charges for Accent are $695.

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
Hyundai Accent received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among sub-compact cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM). Study based on responses from over 52,000 original owners of 2005 model-year vehicles, measuring more than 250 models. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in January to April 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

According to Automotive News, there will be an economy version of the 2009 Nissan Versa that will have an MSRP of $9,990, more than $2,000 off the base price of the lowest level model Versa. The cheapest cars currently are the 2009 Chevy Aveo ($12,625), 2008 Kia Rio ($12,145) and 2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070), putting the Versa well below these competitive models.

UPDATE: Nissan has revealed the details of their new Versa sedan, which explains how it will be the cheapest car in America. The new Versa sedan will be offered with a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine as opposed to the 1.8-liter currently found in the Versa sedan and hatchback. This model will come equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that, combined with the new engine, will help it achieve 34 mpg highway. We assume there will also be some cutbacks inside, though we haven't seen the details of that yet.

Update #2: From Nissan USA, we're hearing that when the new, cheaper Versa comes out on November 18th here you can expect to see some more changes in addition to the new transmission and engine: different seat cloth, 14-inch wheels w/ wheel covers and less chrome accents.

As for the 0% financing, Nissan joins Toyota among Japanese automakers offering nil financing to get people to actually buy a car. The deal applies to the Rogue, Altima, Sentra, Versa and Murano (sorry Maxima buyers). The company will also offer attractive lease deals and extend their $399-a-month lease offer on the new Maxima. We like the Versa and for $9,999 it seems like a nicer choice than a Rio or an Aveo.

Nissan Announces Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.*

- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $,9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).

The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.

"Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It's our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help."

Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.

The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.

"The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car," said Carolin.

* Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP's in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.

Source: Automotive News (subs. req) via eGMCarTech, Nissan]