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

2025-26 Wheels Car of the Year Contender: Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida
Alfa Romeo’s new Junior hybrid SUV trades the brand’s famous flair for economy and practicality – but left our judges unimpressed by its modest performance and lack of emotional spark.

2025-26 Wheels Car of the Year finalists, 3RD: Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota’s GR Corolla hogged both keys and tyres at COTY, blending rally-bred pace with daily-driver polish, proving Gazoo Racing’s magic lives on in 2025.

2025-26 Wheels Car of the Year finalists, 2ND: MG HS Hybrid+ Essence
MG’s new HS Hybrid delivers unexpected polish, combining refined handling, smooth hybrid performance and impressive value to stand out in Australia’s crowded mid-size SUV field.

2025-26 Wheels Car of the Year issue now on sale
From 20 contenders to a surprise top three and a deserving winner, the 62nd edition of the world’s longest running annual car award, Wheels’ Car of the Year, returns in our annual yearbook along with plenty of other highlights.

2025-26 Wheels Car of the Year WINNER: Honda Civic E:HEV L
It’s back to the future for this year’s winner, not just an excellent Honda, but an exceptional car all round.

BMW 3 Series marks 50 years as backbone of a global production network
From a single plant in Munich to factories across four continents, the 3 Series has shaped how BMW builds cars worldwide.

Geely to launch EX2 electric city hatch in Australia from late 2026
Compact EV will serve as brand’s new entry model as it expands its local line-up.

Incredible $13million in fines issued after first month of AI road-safety cameras
More than 31,000 motorists penalised as technology exposes dangerous driving previously going unnoticed.

Jaecoo confirms single-spec J5 EV for Australia in 2026
Jaecoo’s first all-electric product in Australia, the J5 EV small SUV, will launch locally in January 2026.

BYD Sealion 5: Pricing for Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV revealed
The low entry point signals BYD’s broader push for lower-cost hybrid and electrified models in Australia.

2026 Ford Ranger XLT vs Toyota HiLux SR5: Spec Battle
A deeper dive into the pros and cons of Australia’s two most popular vehicles.

Cars we wish were sold here: Toyota Tacoma
The latest-generation HiLux has only just been revealed, but did you know that a more modern equivalent is available elsewhere in the world: the Toyota Tacoma.

2025 IM5 Performance review: Electric sedan takes aim at Tesla’s Model 3… and almost bullseyes
A few months on from its launch, MG’s IM premium brand is starting to gain sales momentum. Is the IM5 sedan a Tesla-killer?

2027 Toyota HiLux GR Sport AI render: Will the more powerful flagship return?
Toyota’s next HiLux GR Sport remains unconfirmed, but clues suggest an evolution-led update with modest hardware gains, tougher visuals and pricing likely just above the new Rogue.

2026 Kia K4 hatchback review: A fresh start in a dwindling segment
A new hatchback bodystyle has been added to the K4 range, with which it replaced the Cerato. Is it the K4 to fend off small SUVs?

2026 Kia Stonic review: Major facelift makes it feel like a new model
A significant update for the Kia Stonic – the brand’s oldest small SUV model – has successfully made it feel like a new car. Is it now the small SUV of choice?

Toyota GR Yaris: Aero Performance Package launched to deliver even more rally inspiration
Toyota’s iconic rally-inspired hot hatch is now even more aggressive thanks to a new Aero Performance Package.

Five-star ANCAP scores for HiLux, Palisade and two Chinese newcomers; Mitsubishi ASX, four stars
Latest round of ANCAP testing sees five star safety scores for HiLux, Palisade, Denza B5 and Aion V while Mitsubishi ASX comes up short.

Lotus For Me: Sneak peek at Eletre SUV plug-in hybrid with 1000km range
Pictures of Lotus’ electric super SUV with a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, dubbed ‘For Me’, have been leaked online.

Toyota bZ4X facelift launches in Australia with new features and a $10k price cut
Toyota’s first all-electric vehicle in Australia has been facelifted with a big price cut, more range, a freshened look and more standard features.

2026 Kia Seltos: Major update revealed for popular small SUV
The important second-generation Kia Seltos has been revealed ahead of a Q4 2026 Aussie release.

Travis Pastrana performs insane stunts in a tricked-up Subaru ute as part of new “Aussie Shred” film
Travis Pastrana has launched his latest Gymkhana video titled “Aussie Shred” set in various Australian locations.

Latest Apple CarPlay update adds customisable features
Next update adds a third widget on big screens and lets drivers turn off pinned message threads, continuing Apple’s slow-but-steady in-car refresh.

Stunning Genesis wagon concept could become a production reality
The stunning Genesis G90 Wingback concept has been designed, according to the brand’s chief, with one eye on the production line.