Coupes under $50k
- Home /
- Best coupes under $50k
Whether you’re just starting to drive or heading into a mid-life crisis, coupes appeal to all of us. Luckily, these days you don’t need to spend big money to enjoy the thrills of the swept-back driving experience.
While you are able to buy a Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86 for less than $40,000, choices start to expand once you’re shopping under the $50,000 so let’s start there.
Toyota 86
It is getting a little long in the tooth, but the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ combo still offers sports car thrills for an affordable price. Available in manual or automatic with a choice of specification levels, the Toyota 86 has stood the test of time despite external pressure to fill it with extra power.
Mazda MX-5
With the nameplate just celebrating its 30th birthday, there’s small wonder why so many flock to the Mazda MX-5 for an engaging top-down drive. Even if you’re more of a hard-top fan, Mazda now offers the RF version which includes a folding metal roof.
Hyundai i30 Fastback N
A relatively new player to the coupe game, Hyundai’s i30 N was transformed into a four-door coupe following the success of the hatchback. Sleeker styling marries with everything that made Hyundai’s first true hot hatch great
Kia Picanto GT-Line review: A timely reminder that cheap cars still exist
The Kia Picanto is still the cheapest new car in Australia… and for that we should be thankful. So what’s it like behind the wheel?
ASIO warns politicians and public servants against discussing secrets inside connected cars
Intelligence agency says internet-enabled cars may expose sensitive conversations as Australia embraces increasingly connected transport technology.
Denza B5 and B8 towing and off-road abilities to be tweaked via OTA updates
The first over-the-air software update includes improvements to towing and off-road driving functionality, and a safety upgrade for folding seats.
2026 Ford Ranger first drive: Versatility and V6 power to the fore as rivals circle
With a revised range, the setting of the sun on the bi-turbo four-cylinder engine, and the V6 engine more broadly available, Ford’s sales heavy hitter looks to continue its appeal to Australian new car buyers.
2026 Ford Everest first drive: Updated city SUV you can still take for a bush bash
You won’t pick it from the outside, but the top-selling Ford Everest has been tweaked for its mid-life upgrade, with the headline changes seen under the skin.
Are Ferrari Luce haters missing the point about the brand’s first electric car?
If you dislike the styling of Ferrari’s first electric car, that’s a side effect of a strategic decision Ferrari made to go after customers the company had not courted before.
Volkswagen Tayron eHybrid review: Large SUV joins Tiguan sibling with hybrid drivetrain
It’s the larger brother to the Tiguan eHybrid, though it does without the extra seats of other Tayron variants. Does the Tayron eHybrid make sense?
Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid review: Medium SUV contender is finally electrified
Hybrid power has finally arrived in the Volkswagen Tiguan range. Should you consider it over another hybrid medium SUV like a RAV4, Tucson, CR-V, etc?
Tesla’s sunroofs are often derided for letting in too much Aussie sun – but now they may have a solution
From pass-through perforations to hot-air extraction, Tesla keeps trying to make its glass roof work like an opaque one.
Ferrari has a manual 12Cilindri and an F80 Roadster on the way to please enthusiasts
Trademark filings for a range of future Ferraris have been leaked, and for Prancing Horse fans not enamoured by the electric Luce, the news is positive.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake confirmed for Australia
Hybrid and electric station wagons set to join the Mercedes-Benz CLA range in Australia.
Second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLB confirmed for Australia; due in showrooms this year
Mercedes-Benz’s new GLB to arrive in Australia later this year with both petrol-hybrid and electric drivetrains.
Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid review: New-gen Baby Benz hits the right notes
New hybrid powertrain and tech-laden cabin underpin third-generation compact sedan.
Honda Prelude review: Can the return of a legend win a new generation of fans?
After 25 long years, Honda’s segment-shaping Prelude is back as part of Honda’s recent resurgence. Can an otherwise modest Civic eHEV powertrain match the Prelude’s grand touring tease? A fast blast on some of Victoria’s best roads answers the question.
Australians cutting corners on car maintenance as motoring costs surge, report finds
New study shows more drivers postponing servicing, tyre replacement and oil changes as household financial pressures intensify.
BMW M3 production set to end in 2027 – report
The last current G80-generation BMW M3 is set to roll down the production line in February 2027, with an 18-month gap before the next one arrives
BYD Dolphin G plug-in hybrid hatch revealed ahead of launch
The first Europe-specific model from China’s BYD has been leaked ahead of its official reveal.
Ferrari Luce reaction: Share price tumbles as first EV revealed, former CEO labels it ‘destruction of a legend’
Ferrari’s legacy for producing high-powered sports cars came into question yesterday, with the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle sending stock prices into retreat and its former chairman criticising the new vehicle.
Ford Australia: ‘We offer something our rivals don’t’
Ford says its century-long Australian presence and local investment will help defend Ranger and Everest sales against growing competition from Chinese automotive brands.
Lotus Emira 420 Sport: Lower, lighter, more powerful sports car revealed for more ‘traditional’ customers
Lotus has given its only current combustion engine model the authentic Lotus treatment, with a new addition to the Emira range that boosts power, reduces weight, and fine-tunes handling.
LDV eDeliver 5: Fully electric van lands in Australia
The electric van segment gets another entrant with order books open for the new LDV eDeliver 5, available in three models – SWB low roof, LWB low roof and LWB high roof. It features vehicle-to-load capability and has a payload between 1200kg and 1265kg.
BYD Shark 6 review: Two new variants bring more power and capability
BYD’s Shark 6 has been a sales phenomenon in the Australian new car market. Less than two short years since launch, the manufacturer’s first dual-cab has sold more than 24,000 units in this dual-cab hungry market.
Lexus Australia welcomes competition from China but won’t engage in a ‘race to the bottom’
Lexus Australia’s boss welcomes Chinese challenger brands that are increasingly flexing their luxury car muscle.
Lexus targets modest EV growth with two new models
Lexus expects updated RZ pricing and new ES EV sedan to boost modest electric vehicle growth as hybrids continue dominating the brand’s Australian sales mix.
