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

Best hybrid models still to come in 2026
Looking for a new hybrid vehicle? There are plenty to choose from, but it might be worth waiting as these 10 new models are set to launch with a bang in what remains of 2026.

Mercedes-Benz expands CLA range with hybrid and EV options for Australia
New-generation compact sedan arrives with five-model line-up, updated software platform and prices starting from $66,500.

New ANCAP five-star safety ratings revealed for BYD, MG, Tesla and Skoda
The latest ANCAP crash test results are five stars across the board, including new models from BYD, Tesla and MG, and re-testing a Skoda.

Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid review: More efficient and powerful… and still great value for the tech
The Chery Tiggo 4 has been a sales star so far in its Australian career, so how does the newer hybrid drivetrain compare to rivals?

Chinese brands go Euro with a push towards more export-specific models seeking a ‘Yaris moment’
In a bid to further increase overseas sales, Chinese brands are increasingly developing a range of models designed specifically for high-margin Western markets.

Geely to launch seven-seat hybrid Kluger rival in Australia in 2027
Geely is still a relatively new brand to Australia, but it’s already pushing on with plans to launch more product, including a new hybrid seven-seat SUV.

What’s in a name? Chery ute moniker shortlist revealed after 20,000 entries
Public vote to decide final name for hybrid diesel dual-cab ahead of Australian launch later this year.

McLaren reveals hypercar for Le Mans return
New MCL-HY signals factory comeback to endurance racing in 2027, alongside exclusive customer track car programme.

Toyota prices LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid for Australia, on sale mid-2026
From mid-2026, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will offer something unprecedented for the model – a hybrid drivetrain, which also makes up to 790Nm of torque.

VFACTS April 2026: EVs hit record 16.4 per cent market share in new car sales charts
Strong supply, fuel prices and government incentives drive surge as Chinese brands including BYD gain ground in Australia.

GM to keep its famous ‘small block’ V8 running, as FI confirms return to V8 power
V8 revival gathers pace as GM doubles down on its iconic small-block and Formula One eyes a return to louder, simpler combustion power by 2031.

EV tax break to be scaled back under new FBT changes
The Albanese government will phase down the popular electric car discount as costs blow out, with industry backing gradual shift but warning momentum must be maintained.

Geely launches 2026 EOFY finance offer
Low-rate finance and a free home charger headline Geely’s EOFY push as it targets EV and hybrid SUV buyers in Australia.

Toyota leads global sales race as BYD cracks top five in 2025
Japanese giant stays well ahead globally, but surging Chinese brands and shifting demand signal a changing automotive landscape.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N: The brand’s fastest production car ever lands in Australia
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N electric sedan lands in Australia bringing clever track-focussed performance tech to the EV segment.

EV sales double in April 2026 with Tesla Model Y leading the way
Strong growth from Tesla and Polestar signals rising demand, with insurance data also pointing to a surge in EV interest.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Popular Black Edition returns to range
The popular Black Edition model grade has returned to the lineup of the Mitsubishi Outlander, adding black-themed styling and available from June.

P-platers are banned from driving certain EVs in Australia – but the rules are a national hodge-podge that must be fixed
Outdated power-to-weight rules struggle to keep pace with EV acceleration, leaving gaps in P-plate restrictions as instant torque reshapes what defines high-performance vehicles today, writes Paul Gover.

Wheels May 2026 issue now on sale!
Toyota’s all-new RAV4 headlines a packed May 2026 issue, alongside a candid Jeremy Clarkson interview and the latest comparisons, drives and insights shaping Australia’s car landscape.

Ingenious Aussie turns his $2K Corolla into a mobile coffee cart to fund his travels
Young traveller Jonny Charles turned his beat-up 2002 Toyota Corolla wagon into a mobile coffee stop to fund his lap of Australia.

BYD’s next-gen Yuan Plus to be sold in NZ as BYD Atto 5, unconfirmed for Australia
Third-gen BYD Yuan Plus grows in size, tech and ambition as it eyes a 2027 New Zealand launch.

Lepas L8 review: Early look at the medium SUV hybrid soon to arrive in Australia
Plug-in hybrid SUV delivers space, comfort and tech, but needs refinement of its mixed dynamics.

Volkswagen ID.Era 9X hints at a future Touareg
The large three-row concept showcased in Beijing potentially previews the German brand’s future ambitions.

Hyundai’s EV sales surge on back of Middle East conflict
Hyundai Australia’s 2026 EV sales has already overhauled its total from last year.
