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
2009 Holden Calais review
Holden’s new Active Fuel Management system quashes the notion that a big V8 equals big fuel bills. Our run from Sydney to Melbourne on one tank provides the proof.
2009 Mazda MX-5 review
The MX-5 still represents enormous bang for buck in a tight little package.
2009 Mini Cabrio review
Like its pricey stablemate, the BMW M3 Convertible, the latest Mini Cooper S drop-top can put a smile on your dial while you get a 200km/h tan.
2009 VW Golf 103TDI Comfortline review
Four blokes pile into a Mk Vl Golf for a weekend getaway. Good thing the diesel derivative is punchy, swift and, errr, macho.
2009 Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman review
Not just a pretty facelift.
2009 Honda Civic hatch review
UK-built five-door has lots to offer Oz buyers … for a price.
2009 Kia Cerato review
Korean Corolla rival benefits from German influence
This week’s Wheels – Ford Fiesta LX
Prized progeny of the blue oval proves good drives can come in small packages.
Fiesta’s worth easy to gauge
Priorities in the Blue Oval’s new world car – safety, performance, fuel efficiency and road holding. How come the gauge needles don’t rate?
LAUNCHED: Lambo Murcielago LP670-4 SV
Lean beef that leaves you very full.
Positive spin – Toyota Prius
Geeks and greenies will love it unconditionally, but can Prius III also woo drivers?
Trued grit – Mazda 3 MPS
The second-gen of Mazda’s wild-child hot hatch is as wickedly potent as the first, but chassis changes have reined in the manic torque steer, and helped deliver handling that’s no longer a handful.
Indecent exposure – Audi TTS v BMW Z4 v Merc SLK 350 v Porsche Boxster S
Who needs sunshine when you have four of Germany’s hottest convertibles ready to unleash in the Aussie Alps?
LAUNCHED: Mini Cooper D
Outstanding efficiency in cute-as-a-button packaging.
The king and I – Porsche 911 Carrera S
Robbo lets rip in the latest iteration of a model that’s both infatuated and infuriated him over the last 40 years. So does the second-gen 997 retain its crown?
LAUNCHED: Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Turbo four definitely not on the nose.
LAUNCHED: Volkswagen Polo
New-gen small car ponies up tiny turbo tech.
Bloom times – Lotus Evora
It’s the Lotus built for touring, not just track days. But is the Evora enough to see the British sports-car maker blossom into a mainstream contender?
LAUNCHED: Audi TT RS
Reborn turbo five kicks RS, but chassis misses the sweet spot.
LAUNCHED: Audi S4
Supercharged V6 replaces atmo V8, but no sympathy cards required.
LAUNCHED: Skoda Octavia
Price-leader 1.6 joins value-packed range.
LAUNCHED: Kia Cerato Koup
Good looks and, umm, looks good.
LAUNCHED: Mazda 3 MPS
Second-gen hot hatch tames the torque, but still walks the walk.
LAUNCHED: Lexus IS 250 Convertible
Heavy metal strikes a serene chord.
