Coupes under $50k
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- 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
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Jaguar XF
A welcome return to form but let down by sub-standard petrol V6 powerplant.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Peugeot 308
Premium European pricing, but lacking the requisite je ne sais quoi.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mazda CX-9
A roomy, refined and surprisingly dynamic large SUV, but mould remains unbroken.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Fabulous tech and undoubted bang for buck, but too hardcore for COTY greatness.
COTY 2008 – Mitsu Lancer Ralliart Sportback
‘Evo lite’ not without virtue, but lacks the depth to run with COTY heavyweights.
COTY 2008 – Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Uncompromising performance proves both a strength and a weakness.
COTY 2008 – Subaru Forester
Once-sharp SUV loses its edge, despite being safer and more spacious.
COTY 2008 – Honda Accord
Big on value; useful V6 tech, but dull dynamics blunt Accord’s challenge.
COTY 2008 – Ford Falcon
Falcon was expected to fly in 2008; instead, it made a shock exit after Stage Two.
COTY 2008 – Mazda 6
Dynamic mid-sizer met with judges’ acclaim, but aural assault saw it fall at the last hurdle.
COTY 2008 – Volkswagen Tiguan
Dynamically gifted compact SUV felt the squeeze of family practicalities.
COTY 2008 – Honda Jazz
If ESP was fitted, this supermini may have had something to really trumpet.
Honda Accord Euro: 2008 Car of the Year Winner
In the magazine: After an absence of 14 years, Honda returns to the winner’s podium with a classy sedan.
Ping!
You wrote to us about a problem with our 2008 Car of the Year, and we have responded …
COTY 2008 – Audi A4
Law of diminishing returns sees Ingolstadt’s COTY challenge end at final four.
World Car of the Year 2009
There were no surprises at this year’s WCOTY announcement in Detroit for awards judge Samantha Stevens …
Volkswagen Golf: 2010 Car of the Year Winner
Six generations and 33 years later, the Volkswagen Golf has again claimed Australia’s WHEELS Car Of The Year
Only one Aussie in COTY 2011
After a week of extensive testing, and rigorous culling, a final top six will be selected, one of which will win the Australian automotive industry’s most coveted prize.
Volkswagen Polo: 2010 Car of the Year Winner
Volkswagen has taken out the Wheels Magazine Car of the Year award for a second year running.
In pictures: Wheels Car of the Year Covers
Wheels Car of the Year – the world’s longest running continuous car of the year award – is entering its 48th year. We look at past magazine covers that show the compelling history.
Honda CR-Z: 2011 Car of the Year Winner
It’s a hybrid with spirit, and the 2011 Wheels Car of the Year.
WHEELS MAGAZINE: HONDA CR-Z
The WHEELS MAGAZINE Car of the Year 2011 pictures
WCOTY 2011: Guest judge Eric Bana
Sadly Jay Leno wasn’t available, so we let Eric Bana tag along. Here’s what he thought of the final six…
Wheels Car of the Year 2012: Finalists
There are more shocks than you’d get from licking a police Taser in the list of this year’s finalists for the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award.
