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
Holden – The Wheels Report 2014
Not reaching its potential. With little in the way of new – or at least refreshed – metal that will bring significant volume, and competitors years ahead in their plans and transformations, 2015 is not shaping up to be a great year for Holden.
Hyundai – The Wheels Report 2014
An astute performer that listens, but can’t get complacent. Renewed vigour to Hyundai, unlikely to let up in 2015 with important new models and updates likely to boost brand further. Reputation is also in good stead thanks to now-proven reliability and good after-sales support. But without ute, Hyundai is limited in how far it can go, with number two the best it can hope for in medium term.
Ford – The Wheels Report 2014
Once great at core subject, but staring out the window since. Plenty coming to the road but Ford still struggles to sell anything not built in Australia. HQ and dealers need to shift into top gear and convince shoppers to buy new arrivals, which could be harder than sounds.
Mitsubishi – The Wheels Report 2014
Struggles with some subjects. It’s too little too late for Mitsubishi in 2015. A new Triton will be a welcome sight for dealers, but the rest of the market is pulling away from the brand. New models can’t come soon enough – but most appear to be in 2016 and beyond.
Nissan – The Wheels Report 2014
Has mended naughty ways. On paper 2014 a disappointment for Nissan, but what’s happened behind the scenes positions it well for future growth.
Volkswagen – The Wheels Report 2014
Always good in class and now listening in the playground, too. Renewed focus on keeping owners happy, manageable growth and more engaged dealer network, Volkswagen now in reasonable shape after challenging 18 months. How it responds to competition in premium mainstream market will define growth, but well placed to surpass Mitsubishi in local sales race.
Subaru – The Wheels Report 2014
A good listener that’s capitalising on solid groundwork. Settling in new arrivals key to Subaru’s 2015. Careful management also required to protect existing sales, but history suggests it will be a target easily achieved. Levorg wagon squaring up as welcome addition to slim but powerful range.
Honda – The Wheels Report 2014
Needs to learn to keep its head down. The HR-V should bring some sales upside but it’s difficult to see Honda growing too much without other new arrivals or some tempting offers.
Mercedes-Benz – The Wheels Report 2014
Hard work has paid off, but needs to stay focused. Momentum and longevity count for plenty at this end of market and Mercedes has full dance card for foreseeable future.
Jeep – The Wheels Report 2014
Enjoys challenge, but needs to concentrate in class. Plenty of happy Jeep owners, but challenge will be ensuring they remain happy and buy a Jeep next time around. Brand well positioned for moderate growth but needs to tackle quality issues as assertively as it does rocky trails.
Kia – The Wheels Report 2014
Not reaching its potential … yet. While sales were soft in 2014, expect growth in 2015 as Kia winds up its aspirations of being a major player.
Renault – The Wheels Report 2014
ONE TO WATCH: Temperamental but finally listening in class. Has taken a while but Renault finally seems to be getting hold on Australian market.
PREVIEW: Detroit Motor Show
The first motor show of 2014 is upon us! But what can we expect from Detroit? Read on to find out.
Wheels COTY 2013: The countdown is on
Six days remain before the 2013 Wheels Car Of The Year is unveiled. Which of the 49 eligible new cars compete for the most prestigious motoring title in Australia?
Top 10 2013: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
Merry Christmas! Of the cars that moved us most in 2013, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the loudest, fastest and most expensive.
Top 10 2013: Porsche Cayman
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Porsche Cayman.
Top 10 2013: Ford Fiesta ST
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Ford Fiesta ST.
Top 10 2013: Volkswagen Golf GTI
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Top 10 2013: Holden Calais
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Holden Calais.
Top 10 2013: Renault Clio
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, starting with the Renault Clio.
Atkinson returns to WRC
Australian rally star Chris Atkinson is returning to the World Rally Championship with Hyundai.
Holden: Through the ages
We take a look back at Holden Australian vehicle manufacturing over the years.
2013 Wheels Car of the Year: Lexus IS
Reviewing the Lexus IS for the 2013 Wheels Car of the Year
2013 Wheels Car of the Year: Jaguar F-Type
Reviewing the Jaguar F-Type for the 2013 Wheels Car of the Year
