Coupes under $50k

  1. Home /
  2. 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

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

News

Hennessey Venom F5-M: 1515kW manual hypercar to debut at Goodwood

Hennessey has revealed its new Venom F5-M, which will debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed as the world’s fastest manual hypercar.

News

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series orders open once again after stop sale… but not for all variants

Orders for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series have recommenced after a 12-month stop sale, though not all variants are as yet available again.

News

XPeng Mona L03: New electric and range-extender SUV likely for Australia in 2027

XPeng has switched to factory distribution in Australia and the Mona L03 SUV is likely to be one of the first new launches as part of a product blitz.

2025 Toyota LandCruiser
News

Toyota price rises likely in 2027 as emissions penalties begin

It’s likely that the Toyota Australia range will receive price rises in 2027 as the first round of penalties from the NVES start to be applied.

News

Toyota Australia to boost sales numbers with extra stock after lacklustre first half of 2026

Toyota Australia will boost its sales numbers with extra stock across major model lines after a lacklustre first half of 2026.

News

Omoda Jaecoo celebrates 10,000 Australian sales amid record market results

After a record June for the Australian new car market, Omoda Jaecoo is celebrating its 10,000th locally delivered new vehicle: A J5 EV small SUV.

News

GWM confirms Ora 5 electric hatchback for Australia

A hatchback version of the just-launched Ora 5 SUV is set to arrive in local dealerships later this year.

News

Ferrari unveils ‘manual’ 12Cilindri – but there’s a surprising twist

Ferrari has created a simulated six-speed manual for its V12 flagship, blending traditional driver involvement with modern dual-clutch technology.

Classic Wheels

From the Wheels Archive: The 10 most underrated cars in Australia

They came, we saw… and little conquering occurred. But did this lot deserve to fade into obscurity?

Features

The 10 cheapest plug-in hybrids you can buy in Australia in 2026

For urban buyers, plug-in hybrids can combine the best of both worlds – weekday electric-only commuting and extended-range capabilities. As high fuel prices persist, they start to make more sense than ever.

News

Legendary Dick Johnson Ford Sierra RS500 touring car up for auction

An iconic Ford Sierra RS500 Group A touring car driven by Dick Johnson Racing will go up for auction in the UK later this month expected to fetch around £450,000.

News

Legal experts warn that number plate accessory could cost you more than a fine

Tinted and reflective number plate covers are easily available online, but should you buy them? Legal experts have weighed in on the matter.

News

VFACTS June 2026: New records set as Toyota outsells BYD by just 243 units

According to VFACTS numbers, new records were set with Australia’s new vehicle sales in June 2026, including the total number of vehicles sold.

News

GWM confirms Ora 5 Touring electric station wagon for Australia

A battery-electric station wagon variant of the just launched GWM Ora 5 is set to join the Chinese brand’s Australian line-up with PHEV models likely to follow.

News

EV chargers fall target to copper theft crime wave

Ease of access has made public EV chargers a target for thieves on the lookout for copper to scrap for cash.

News

Updated GWM Tank 300 grows in size to accommodate longer PHEV range

GWM has revealed a mid-life update for the Tank 300 off-roader that goes beyond the superficial, with engineering changes and a revised plug-in hybrid system.

News

Nissan CEO admits Nissan’s volume-driven rental-car focus was a mistake

As Nissan continues its restructuring process, the CEO reveals plans to step away from low-margin fleet deals that harm the company’s reputation.

News

Ford still tops new car searches, despite being the most recalled car brand – report

A study that plots buyer intent against ownership experiences reveals that Ford, despite its high recall rate, remains one of the most-purchased new vehicles.

News

McMurtry Spéirling Pure: Production version of incredible electric track car revealed

It was teased last week, and now, the production version of the McMurtry Spéirling has been revealed still with insane performance stats.

Reviews

Hyundai Staria Lounge review: Luxurious new model adds to people mover’s overall package

In addition to its Load sibling, the Hyundai Staria has also received a new hybrid drivetrain, but also a luxurious new Lounge model. What’s it like?

Reviews

Hyundai Staria Load Hybrid review: Finally, a hybrid van launches in Australia

Hybrids sell very strongly in Australia, so where are the vans? Hyundai agrees and has launched the Staria Load Hybrid. Should you buy it?

News

Newest family SUVs from Mazda, MG, BMW and Cupra awarded five-star ANCAP ratings

Mazda and MG have scored five-star safety ratings from ANCAP for latest models, while BMW gets a backdated rating for models sold from 2024.

News

Ford rehires humans in place of AI

Plans from Ford to use AI-assisted quality control have failed to meet expectations, with the company restoring 350 staffed positions at plants in North America.

News

Overhauled roadworks speed limits now in effect

Changes to laws in New South Wales from July 1, 2026 will see reduced speed limits at roadworks sites raised outside of working hours where safe to do so.