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
GAC Aion V: New brand reveals specs for its first model in Australia
Australian specifications for the new GAC Aion V electric mid-size SUV have been announced ahead of its arrival in November.
Zeekr unveils 9X Super Hybrid flagship ahead of likely 2026 Australian entry
With up to 1,400kW and breakneck charging, the Zeekr 9X signals the brand’s global attack on premium rivals as Australia awaits its arrival in 2026.
Exclusive: Ford boss’ verdict on the future of the Mustang
Ford vice-president Jim Baumbick spoke to Whichcar by Wheels about the future of the Ford Mustang during a flying trip to Australia.
Hyundai debuts ELEXIO electric SUV bound for Australia in 2026
The new ELEXIO family SUV debuts on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform ahead of a 2026 Australian arrival.
ANCAP delivers safety verdicts on MG’s IM5, IM6 and Renault Duster
ANCAP has released some impressive new safety scores as part of its latest round of testing of MG’s premium IM models and the new Renault Duster.
Major change coming for facial recognition system’s use of driver’s licences
The federal government’s Face Verification Service will soon use state licence photos to speed up online identity checks while maintaining voluntary participation.
2025 Japan Mobility Show: Subaru signals new STI Era with Performance-E and Performance-B concepts
Two new prototypes unveiled in Tokyo preview the future of Subaru’s performance arm, blending electric innovation with classic rally heritage.
Honda Super-ONE city EV confirmed for Australia in 2026
Compact urban electric car to arrive after local testing, bringing Japanese Kei-inspired design and new EV technology to Australian streets.
Mazda set for a broad refresh as it admits its current fleet is ageing
Mazda boss tells Australian journalists that its time for a significant product refresh, to reignite a product line that is starting to look and feel a little old.
2025 Japan Mobility Show: Honda reveals 0 α electric SUV prototype ahead of 2027 launch
Debuting at the Japan Mobility Show, the compact SUV previews Honda’s next-generation EV series with minimalist design and a focus on emerging markets like India.
New MINI Paul Smith Edition revealed ahead of 2026 Australian launch
The latest collaboration between MINI and British designer Sir Paul Smith blends electric power with signature style, continuing a creative partnership spanning more than two decades.
2025 Japan Mobility Show: Nissan unveils new Elgrand and Patrol in major line-up overhaul
A new generation of the Elgrand people mover and the return of the rugged Patrol SUV headline Nissan’s latest product strategy under its Re:Nissan plan.
2025 Japan Mobility Show: Mazda hints at next Mazda 2 with reveal of Vision X-Compact hatch
Mazda has used the 2025 Japan Mobility Show to preview the Vision X-Compact hatchback, a possible hint at what the next Mazda 2 will look like.
2025 Japan Mobility Show: Mazda unveils Vision X-Coupe
Mazda goes back to the future with a rotary-powered plug-in hybrid crossover coupe.
2026 Škoda Kodiaq: Plug-in hybrid added to popular large SUV range
The new Kodiaq Select PHEV will slot between the Sportline and RS models, offering more efficiency and an electric range of over 100 kilometres.
2025 Japan Mobility Show: Lexus debuts futuristic luxury vehicle concepts and vision for 360-degree mobility
At the Japan Mobility Show, Lexus unveiled bold new concept vehicles – from six-wheel flagships to single-seat pods – as the brand embraces a broader luxury future.
2025 Japan Mobility Show: Toyota launches global Century brand, blending heritage with ultra-luxury ambition
At the Tokyo Mobility Show, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda says the new Century line will carry Japan’s pride and craftsmanship onto the world stage.
Kia previews EV4 GT: All-wheel-drive hot hatch targets the Golf R
The new Kia EV4 GT – seen in ‘official’ spy shots – promises up to 300kW and everyday usability with a performance edge.
Mercedes-AMG’s new GT Track Sport Concept hits the testing track
The experimental model undergoes its first high-speed trials as AMG pushes development of its most track-focused GT yet.
Nearly half of all Aussies feel ripped off by their last car service: new survey
The latest survey from financial experts money.com.au reveals many Australians feel they are overcharged when servicing their cars.
BYD-backed Denza previews B5 and B8 SUVs ahead of Australian launch
Two new plug-in hybrid SUVs promise strong performance, long touring range, and off-road capability as BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza prepares to enter the Australian market.
Foton returns to Australian market with new Tunland ute range
The Chinese manufacturer re-enters the local light commercial market with its mid-sized Tunland V7 and V9 utes, targeting work and lifestyle buyers alike.
ChatGPT ‘surprisingly accurate’ at giving car repair advice, study finds
A new study by vehicle-recycling experts reveals that AI tools like ChatGPT are offering motorists credible – and sometimes risky – car maintenance guidance.
2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale review: Perhaps the Prancing Horse’s finest road car yet
Ferrari’s most powerful RWD performance car is a force to be reckoned with. Power, precision and performance come together in one glorious, aerodynamically effective package to deliver driving engagement the equal of any roadgoing Ferrari.
