Coupes under $50k
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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 EcoLine gets the green light
Social, environmental and ethical acceptance at the flash of a badge.

Button down the hatches!
GP Wrap: Brawn, Williams and Toyota bring home a monsoonal Malaysian GP in Sepang.

Brabham wins ALMS race on the streets of St Petersburg
Acura posts its first LMP1 victory with an Aussie behind the wheel …

Keeping up with the Raymonds
ARC Wrap: Brothers Glen and Matt Raymond take their first stage, Heat, and round win in a tough ARC Quit Forest Rally in Western Australia.

Sube kicks on with big March
What downturn? Rex and Forester cut fine figures in latest sales results.

Aussie Brabham drives toward Sebring victory
Sebring reeks of history, but the books may be rewritten this year if David Brabham and Acura continue their current course.

US MAIL: Detroit’s dramas continue …
Days of our Lives – eat your heart out. Wheels US correspondent John Lamm is on the edge of his seat as the drama unfolds in front of a damning global audience.

And now for some good news from Ford…
Ford Australia has improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions on the locally-built Falcon and Territory, while the entire Falcon range is now rated at five stars.

Carbon trading
Tesla expands with the Model S four-door sedan. Wheels US correspondent John Lamm reports.

2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVI review
Will the latest iteration of the iconic Golf GTI live up to its genius genealogy? Dep-Ed Jesse Taylor reports from the international launch in St Tropez.

FIRST DRIVE: 2010 Lambo Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder
Drop-dead gorgeous drop-top draws the birds in the Canary Islands. Wheels’ US correspondent John Lamm drives the latest Lamborghini.

Not good enough: US Government rejects GM and Chrysler viability plans
UPDATED: Wagoner walks away with US$20 million while his company is left with another 60 days of conditional life support; Chrysler told to band with Fiat, or fail.

Benz boss parks the crystal ball
Uncertain year ahead but von Sanden remains positive in the face of the economy.

BUZZ: Wagoner steps down
GM’s Chariman and CEO is the latest victim of the Motown meltdown, as the US President demands his resignation before more money is lent.

Aussie F1 driver powered by FPV
Mark Webber swaps Renault power for Ford during last weekend’s AGP …

F1’s brave new world – a smashing triumph for Brawn
AGP RACE WRAP: Fairytale as Brawn and brains delivers stunning one-two in AGP. Peter McKay reports from Melbourne.

F1’s newest team finishes 1-2 in AGP
In an unlikely turn of events, Button and Barrichello beat the odds and take the AGP win, while last starters Toyota and Lewis Hamilton claw their way into the leaderboard’s pointy end.

Brawn flexes its muscle
QUALIFYING WRAP: Button and Barrichello of new team Brawn GP are on the front row of the Australian Grand Prix grid, while MclAren champ Lewis Hamilton and Toyota are stripped of their positions …

Protests against three F1 teams flung out by FIA
Brawn, Toyota and Williams cleared to race in Australian Grand Prix.

McLaren’s struggles only temporary says Kovalainen
We will be back on top soon, declares Lewis Hamilton’s teammate.

The Glockster tips all-Brawn front row
… and he’s not alone in believing the former Honda team will dominate.

GT-R RETROSPECTIVE: Skyline GT-R: Obakemono!
Road and track versions revealed.

Ford recalls all nat-atmo Territory SUVs
A brake hose problem has led Ford Australia to voluntarily recall all non-turbocharged MkI Territory models …

Green Blue-Will
Hyundai’s new hybrid breaks cover ahead of its hometown show.
