I did a cursory search but now realize it's a bit dated (2018), nevertheless here is the original source that prompted my comment: https://drivemag.com/news/these-are-the-5-best-cheap-new-car...
A part of it may be due to the fact that those entry levels (I mean the setups with the least of accessories) are not anymore manufactured (and possibly never really existed or sold as they were too basic) in the sense that the new bare minimum has raised a bit.