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

New Sportage officially previewed – and spied!
We’ve seen the new-generation 2022 Kia Sportage spied in heavy camouflage, and now the Korean carmaker has released a handful of official teaser images.

2015-17 Hyundai Genesis and 2018 Genesis G80 recalled over short circuit risk
1327 vehicles affected with faulty circuit boards

Star cars of the big screen get EV treatment
UK-based firm has electric dreams about four-wheeled film icons

2021 Kia Seltos GT-Line review
As Kia’s Australian line-up continues to grow, Jez Spinks drives the Seltos to see how it stacks up in the small-SUV stakes.

Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage is a future classic in waiting
Modern classic Aston is a V8 brute in a handmade suit

The coolest car products we’ve come across this month
Preparing for a track day? Shopping for a gift – or just yourself? Check out what’s new in Cool Kit

Lexus LC Inspiration Series returns, fewer than five available
Lexus introduces updated LC Inspiration Series models with less than five expected to land in Australia

What happened in MOTOR 15 years ago? We went flat out in 1300kW of fast metal
Throwback to some high-speed hijinks with over $1.4 million of mid-‘00s precious metal

Opinion: Why you shouldn’t keep your first car
An old car may make zero economic sense but, to Dan, it makes perfect emotional sense

Aston Martin Victor 2021 review
Ultra-rare, one-off Aston is an assault on all of the senses

Report finds Aussies’ transport spending has rocketed
Average Aussie family forking out $354 a week to get from A to B

Lamborghini hails Countach as ultimate design muse
Iconic supercar celebrates its 50th anniversary

Luxury Car Tax threshold increased by more than $2000
For the 2021/22 financial year the LCT threshold will sit just below $80,000 for fuel-efficient vehicles

McLaren fits windscreen to Elva
The windscreen-less hypercar loses its USP

François Leboine announced as new design boss of Fiat and Abarth
French designer previously worked for Renault, responsible for the Renault 5 Prototype

We take a closer look at the Bugatti Bolide’s 3D-printed titanium suspension
This isn’t your regular Officeworks order – Bugatti’s high-tech printer is producing ground-breaking new suspension components

Flat out in a trio of AMGs for the ultimate Phillip Island speed comparison
Turns out that getting three cars to cross the line at the same time is harder than it looks

Alfa Romeo Giulia wagon conceptualised in render
Here’s what a shooting brake version of Alfa’s halo car might look like

How does Australia test fuel-consumption and why should it be changed?
Mitsubishi court case could be the catalyst for industry-wide change

Australian first drive: Audi’s updated SQ5
Diesel makes a permanent comeback under the bonnet of Audi’s updated SQ5 performance SUV but can it rise above petrol-powered rivals?

Hydrogen-powered Peugeot e-Expert revealed
Hydrogen-fuelled LCV set for European release in the fourth quarter of 2021

Jeep teases new Commander or… – UPDATE: Name confirmed ahead of Brazil launch
Jeep previews a new SUV for Brazil that could see a familiar old name revived – but which one?

2021 Bentley Bentayga S revealed
Bentley’s newest Bentayga variant will feature highly-anticipated 48-volt system to control 2500kg of British engineering

Exclusive! Mazda CX-50 to spearhead brand’s upmarket future
Rear-drive, inline-6, PHEVs and premium packaging… CX-50 goes for BMW’s jugular with breathtaking ambition
