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

Denza Z9 GT claims astounding 1000km-plus EV range – and could be headed for Australia
BYD’s luxury electric grand tourer promises more than 1030km per charge (CLTC) – and could be headed for Australia.

Nissan X-Trail ST-L review: Not flashy but ticks many boxes as a practical family SUV
There are nearly 30 options for buyers to choose between in the hotly contested mid-size SUV segment, so how does the often-overlooked Nissan X-Trail compare?

Next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class set for electric future
Compact hatch expected to return late in the decade on new MMA platform with EV and hybrid options.

Which is the best movie car chase of all time?
A new survey by car insurer Canstar measured the heart rates of 150 volunteers to work out the most thrilling movie car chases in history…

Tesla confirms six-seat Model Y L for Australia
Although pricing and launch date details are still unavailable, Tesla Australia today confirmed it’s larger, six-seat Model Y is set to go on sale in Australia.

From the Wheels archive: Ford Capri – Mini Mustang or a Shetland Pony?
Wheels got an early taste of the European-designed and Built Ford Capri that would soon make its way to Australia.

Repco-Brabham BT19 becomes first car inducted into Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame
Historic Formula 1 machine driven by Sir Jack Brabham to 1966 world titles honoured at Australian Grand Prix.

Mercedes-Benz marks 17 years at Australian Grand Prix with record trackside presence
The luxury brand unveils largest-ever activation at Albert Park as it celebrates 140 years and 30 years of the F1 Safety Car.

Luxury Car Tax threshold set to be lifted under EU free trade agreement
Ongoing free-trade negotiations with the EU could see Australians paying less for some new cars.

Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 arrives in Australia as luxury roadster flagship
V8-powered convertible brings Maybach craftsmanship to the SL range for the first time.

Volkswagen Golf: Ninth generation hatch glimpsed for the first time
It’s only a mysterious silhouette, but the first official image of what will be the new (ninth- generation) Volkswagen Golf has been seen for the first time.

Polestar 3: Updated model with new 800V platform priced for Australia
An upgraded 800V platform, new computer processor and more standard equipment are features of the updated Polestar 3 due to arrive mid-year.

The worrying trend for Japanese car brands in Australia
Sales of cars from Japanese brands in Australia are trending downwards in the face of a new-brand-and-model onslaught from China.

BMW M4 CS first drive review: The ultimate track day warrior?
The BMW M4 CS really showcases its track-focused nature when unleashed on one of the world’s great race tracks – Mount Panorama.

Denza B5 and B8 take on Australia’s famous Beer O’Clock Hill
The Beer O’Clock Hill, one of Australia’s toughest off-road tests, has been completed by the Denza B5 and B8 off-roaders with ease.

Honda HR-V review: Enduring practicality in the small SUV segment
Into its third generation in Australia, Honda’s HR-V may not be the cheapest option in the small SUV segment but it remains one of the most practical and fuel efficient.

It’s official – China now the number one source of new cars in Australia
China has overtaken Japan as the number one source of new cars in Australia, ending a dominance dating back to last century.

Government weighs curbing EV tax breaks as cost of scheme surges
Budget review could restrict fringe benefits exemption to cheaper electric vehicles.

VFACTS February 2026: China becomes Australia’s biggest vehicle source for first time in a single month
February sales data shows Chinese-built vehicles overtake Japan as overall market declines.

Local pricing of F1-inspired AMG GT 63 Pro Motorsport Collectors Edition confirmed
Australia to receive an undisclosed number of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team-inspired AMG GT 63 Pro Motorsport Collectors Edition.

World-first EV battery tech: Results revealed of testing to verify claims of as little as 10 minutes charging
Would you consider an EV more seriously if charging times were significantly reduced? Donut Lab claims its technology requires just 10 minutes charging for a near-600km range… and now independent test results are in.

Next SUVs we’re looking forward to in 2026
From BMW to Nissan, Toyota and Cadillac, the next batch of SUV launches we’re excited to drive in 2026….

Chery marks meteoric rise in Australian sales charts
Chery was one brand to mark a stellar year in 2025, with a record 176 per cent increase in sales compared with 2024.

China’s ban on flush door handles set to disrupt global EV design
With mandatory regulation and design changes come associated manufacturing costs, but analysts say the ban put in place by China could also offer opportunities.
