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

Do these renders make you want a Lexus IS Sportwagon?
Wouldn’t it be nice for the IS to get the same long-roof treatment as its German rivals?

Ferrari partners with former Apple iPhone designer’s firm
Partnership with LoveFrom could extend outside the automotive space

Car vs Ute vs SUV: How the vehicle you buy should guide the way you drive
Exactly what are the real-world dynamic drawbacks of choosing an SUV or dual-cab ute over a passenger car?

UK fuel shortage results in increased interest for EVs
Driver crisis has set off a large chain of events

Our first proper look at the 2023 Corvette Z06
The highly anticipated Z06 has been unmasked, with the official reveal on October 26

Lamborghini may offer electric GT model by 2027
A fourth model from Lamborghini is rumoured to be a 2+2 coupe with an all-electric powertrain

Inaugural Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive curtailed by lockdowns
Dressed in their finery, classic car enthusiasts across the globe have united for a worthy cause

Carlos Ghosn calls Nissan a “boring and mediocre car company” in interview
Former Nissan CEO hits out at his previous employer

The performance cars disappearing from sale in Australia this year
Renowned nameplates are on hiatus as the list of affordable, focused offerings shrinks ahead of an electrified return – for some

EU court in Austria advised Volkswagen vehicles using ‘illegal’ emissions software
Advisor says the technology can only be legal if helps prevent ‘dangerous sudden damage to the engine’
BMW won’t cap EV driving range after all despite previous 600km limit claim
Just days after a spokesperson said 600km was the aim, the firm has changed its tune

Volvo introduces new Iron Mark logo
Minimalist design adopted for EV future

Worldwide chip shortage could change the way insurers replace new cars
What happens when your car is written off and you can’t get a replacement?

Daimler takes 33 per cent stake in battery cell manufacturer alongside Stellantis
Daimler and FCA are back together at last

2021 Jaguar XF review: R-Dynamic HSE P300 AWD
Jaguar’s XF executive sedan range now has just one variant. Is it still relevant?

Here’s what MOTOR readers had to say this month
Miura origins, talking torque and an oddball Peugeot purchase: here’s what you guys had to say this month

The car scene on Twitter is the home you didn’t know you needed
Twitter – famous for political bunfights and lots of COVID-19 aggro – also has a kinder, gentler world that is indispensable for the car lover

Dacia one step closer to Australia
Unearthed trademark filings suggest Dacia models could soon be on Australian roads

Pure ETCR is the EV race series you should be excited about
Big power, rear-wheel drive and action-packed battles. Has Pure ETCR finally cracked the code to transform electric racing into a must-watch category?

Mercedes-AMG electric roadster under consideration, says development boss
Markus Schäfer believes the roadster plays an important role in the AMG range

Audi kills off the R8 in Australia, Lamborghini Huracan safe
Low sales and evolving engine tunes are to blame

First drive: 2021 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 S
Now charges even quicker, but at a price

Brabus 900 Rocket Edition claims to be ‘world’s fastest SUV’
High-riding four-door can reach 330km/h

Mercedes-AMG F1 cars to feature in iRacing
The world’s best simulator will soon have racing’s quickest cars
