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
When old-school driver met new-car tech
For those of us into our fourth or fifth decade of driving – or even more – the prospect of a new vehicle that is part car, part computer can be incredibly daunting. Ellen Hill takes us on the emotional journey of the mature driver as her ‘muscle memory’ deals with an entirely different experience behind the wheel.
Chinese maker that supplies Xi Jinping’s motorcade cars sets its sights on Australia
Hongqi, China’s oldest and most luxurious car brand, is set to establish its presence Down Under.
Forgotten Australian cars that deserve cult status
Looking for a weekend car that’s an under-appreciated, under-the-radar classic? Any one of these overlooked models could be the next cult superstar.
Bugatti goes ultra-radical with outrageous one-of-one Destrier hypercar
The Bugatti Destrier is as much a work of art as a 1175kW tyre-fryer that’s likely to cost tens of millions of dollars.
GWM expands electrified ute line-up with new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid
Mid-size PHEV ute combines 310kW, 750Nm, 115km electric range and 3500kg towing capacity ahead of Australian launch.
Nissan Qashqai sets long-range world record for a hybrid SUV
As Chinese brands rush to secure world records for speed, range and more, Nissan has quietly covered a stunning distance for a hybrid SUV on a single tank of fuel.
GWM melds long-range PHEV-tech with boxy off-road styling in its new Haval H10 SUV flagship
GWM becomes the latest Chinese brand to enter the premium three-row SUV arena, taking a sharp line on specifications to steal a march on its rivals.
Mercedes-Benz reveals entry-level AMG GT53 4-door EV
The second generation of AMG’s flagship four-door coupe has had its most affordable variant revealed, with a performance boost to accompany its switch to all-electric power.
Drivers paying strangers to take demerit points in growing illegal licence-saving scheme
Online listings are offering paid demerit point transfers as authorities warn false nominations carry heavy penalties.
Porsche’s one-off Aussie-themed 911 Turbo S – with ‘See ya later, mate’ on the rear wing
Bespoke Sonderwunsch commission celebrates 75 years of Porsche in Australia with exclusive paint, handcrafted interior and artwork by Sydney artist Werner Bronkhorst.
New car buyers more interested in heated seats than advanced safety, survey finds
Forget adaptive cruise control or driver assist systems. Heated seats are the most desirable new car tech, according to a recent survey.
Mercedes reveals price and mile-long list of specs for significantly overhauled S-Class flagship
Mercedes-Benz has spared no expense to give its uber-luxurious saloon a huge, stylish and tech-driven update that goes far beyond a simple facelift.
Mazda2 Evolve review: Veteran light car still gets the basics right
The Mazda2 may be one of Australia’s oldest cars, but its sharp dynamics, equipment and drivetrain still make it a solid option in 2026…
New survey reveals why almost half of Aussie drivers feel unprepared to make the switch to EVs
New information from Australian motorists reveals that non-EV drivers have serious hesitations about buying an electric car, but the lure of cost savings could motivate them to change.
Toyota GR GT supercar range set to grow with track-honed and targa versions
Targeting a niche within a niche, Toyota has plans to spin off ultra-rare versions of its already low-volume V8 supercar.
Mercedes-Benz CLA electric review: New beginnings
The first electric car from the German brand’s reimagined EV strategy is a winner in more ways than one.
Mercedes claims a very niche Nürburgring lap record with its all-electric CLA 45 AMG
Merc’s three-motor EV gets around the Green Hell faster than a Ferrari 458 Italia.
Compact EVs from BYD and MG top Aussie most-searched list as fuel excise relief ends
Drivers desperate to avoid pain at the pump have made small EVs four of the five most searched-for new cars in Australia.
VFACTs July 2026: Australian new-car market posts record July as EV sales top one in five
July becomes the strongest on record for new-vehicle sales, with battery-electric vehicles maintaining more than 20 per cent market share for a second straight month.
Audi lifts the lid on why the A2 e-tron will be the marque’s most efficient car ever
German giant unveils first look at hyper-frugal EV with aerodynamics playing role in driving down its thirst.
Nissan reveals specs for new V6 Y63 Patrol – and when you can lodge your order
Twin-turbo engine derived from GT-R ups horsepower and torque as it replaces iconic V8.
Mazda boss confirms all-electric MX-5 is on the table
CEO Masahiro Moro reveals ‘major challenge’ with upcoming model.
Hennessey turns its back on hybrid tech for new driver-focused V8 Blackbird hypercar
Far from being dumbed down, this six-speed manual beast uses tech to deliver an incredible drive, not just sky-high power.
Mercedes-Benz marks van milestone with limited-edition Vito anniversary model
Special Vito Crew Cab brings V-Class diesel power, extra equipment and limited production as Mercedes-Benz celebrates 130 years of commercial vehicles.
