Coupes under $50k

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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

Classic Wheels

From the Wheels Archive: Ford’s New Hot One – the birth of the Falcon GT legend

Ford’s legendary Australian muscle car heritage started with the 1967 XR Falcon GT… and we put the V8 super sedan through its paces.

News

GWM sets its sights on creating its own V8-powered supercar

GWM, better known in Australia for its dual-cabs and SUVs, is tapping into the smarts of an ex-McLaren engineer to create a Ferrari-rivalling V8-powered supercar.

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Kia Seltos: New-look small SUV revealed ahead of Australia launch

Hybrid-only small SUV due late 2026 with updated design and tech.

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JAC lure end-of-financial year buyers with a $4000 fuel voucher

The end of the financial year usually means two things – sharp drive away deals and bonus incentives, and JAC has announced a $4000 fuel voucher for T9 diesel models.

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Suzuki e Vitara arrives as brand’s first EV, priced under $50K

The brand’s new compact SUV, first introduced to Australia in the 1980s, enters a new, electric era, priced from $46,990 drive-away ahead of July launch.

News

Zeekr 8X and 9X large SUVs confirmed for Australia with fully electric versions also possible

Already making inroads with its 7X, X and 009 electric cars, Zeekr is ramping up its model range in Australia, with the incoming 8X and 9X flagship luxury SUVs.

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2026 Honda ZR-V compact SUV pricing and updates confirmed

More hybrid variants and tech upgrades headline mid-cycle refresh for the compact urban SUV.

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Mercedes-AMG C 43 Edition R+ sports sedan sharpens focus

The new limited-run variant of the C 43 sports sedan adds visual edge and track-focused tech.

Sydney traffic
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Aussie state calls for major licence change to be rolled out nationwide

South Australia’s success in registering drivers has sparked call for nationwide change.

Reviews

GWM Tank 300 plug-in hybrid review: The time is right for this chunky fuel-sipping SUV

GWM’s Tank 300 plug-in hybrid blends rugged off-road capability with improved efficiency, strong performance and generous equipment… now if they can just fix the intrusive safety tech.

Reviews

Zeekr 8X review: Tech-rich plug-in hybrid SUV with massive power

Flagship plug-in hybrid bound for Australia in 2027 blends huge performance with luxury and innovation.

News

Ferrari makes its Purosangue SUV even sportier as Handling Speciale model revealed

Sharper dynamics and enhanced V12 experience are introduced for Ferrari’s four-door.

Reviews

2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid review: High-quality medium SUV readies to take on the RAV4

Thirty years and six generations in, Honda knows exactly what it needs to do with the CR-V. And with revisions to the pricing structure and a competitive hybrid drivetrain, its poised to challenge Toyota’s dominance.

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Ford’s electric Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 becomes fastest EV over a quarter mile

Ford’s latest electric drag racer shatters records with blistering pace, showcasing cutting-edge battery, motor and drivetrain tech in quarter-mile competition

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Chery expands Aussie push by bringing new sub-brands

Lepas, iCaur and Freelander set to broaden local line-up.

Features

Plug-in hybrid dual cabs? Limited choice, for now, but BYD Shark’s success will bring more competitors

Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels rundown on the currently available options if you want to drive a dual-cab ute but use less fuel… with more options in the pipeline.

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Geely unveils AI-driven off-road platform with triple-motor powertrain

New energy architecture debuts in Beijing with focus on torque control, safety and versatility.

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Fast charging might not damage EV batteries as much as previously thought

Testing of an ex-taxi Tesla Model Y almost exclusively fast charged over 180,000km found surprisingly good battery health.

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Chery Tiggo V debuts as SUV that can convert into a ute

The Chinese brand blends family wagon, cargo carrier and pick-up in one unique design, introduced at the Beijing Motor Show.

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Audi axes A1 and Q2 as brand shifts focus to higher-end models

Entry-level hatch and small SUV discontinued after more than a decade on sale.

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MINI teams up with famous UK designer Paul Smith for Cooper models in Australia

The famous British designer’s collaborative collection will start with the Electric Cooper SE, priced from $60,990 before on-road costs.

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Aussie billionaire secures one of 30 of BYD’s Yangwang U9 hypercars, making it the only one in Australia

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has secured one of 30 Yangwang U9 Xtremes, making it the only one of its type in Australia.

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GWM confirms V8 plan for Tank 700 SUV at Beijing Motor Show

Large-capacity engine aimed at export markets including Australia and New Zealand.

News

Jaecoo J8 SHS launching in Q3 2026 with seven seats and plug-in hybrid drivetrain

Both plug-in hybrid power and a seven-seat layout are coming to the Jaecoo J8, two features missing when it was first launched in Australia in 2025.