Coupes under $80k
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- Best coupes under $80k
If you’re lucky enough to in the market for a new luxury coupe, you’ll be able to net a bunch of powerful and stylish cars for your sub-$80k budget. Despite being limited to only two doors, coupes in this price range double down on the cool, as well as technology, design, speed and quality.
What’s more, the sheer volume of in this price range is high, so you’ll be well catered for in terms of options.
BMW 2 Series
The smallest offering of BMW’s coupe range, the 2 Series blends a small body with BMW’s famous driving characteristics. A number of engine options are available and the car comes in a convertible body style too.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a bit of a weird one, in that it has four-doors but still retains coupe bodylines and is classed as such. Even still, the CLA is a pint-sized package that definitely punches above its weight grade.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Stepping up from the CLA, Mercedes offers the C-Class coupe. It’s larger, more powerful and costs a little more, but you’ll be rewarded with its sizeable interior and nicer materials in the interior.
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Much improved, but needs a broader skill set to make sense in Oz.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Jaguar XF
A welcome return to form but let down by sub-standard petrol V6 powerplant.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Peugeot 308
Premium European pricing, but lacking the requisite je ne sais quoi.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mazda CX-9
A roomy, refined and surprisingly dynamic large SUV, but mould remains unbroken.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Fabulous tech and undoubted bang for buck, but too hardcore for COTY greatness.
COTY 2008 – Mitsu Lancer Ralliart Sportback
‘Evo lite’ not without virtue, but lacks the depth to run with COTY heavyweights.
COTY 2008 – Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Uncompromising performance proves both a strength and a weakness.
COTY 2008 – Subaru Forester
Once-sharp SUV loses its edge, despite being safer and more spacious.
COTY 2008 – Honda Accord
Big on value; useful V6 tech, but dull dynamics blunt Accord’s challenge.
COTY 2008 – Ford Falcon
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COTY 2008 – Mazda 6
Dynamic mid-sizer met with judges’ acclaim, but aural assault saw it fall at the last hurdle.
COTY 2008 – Volkswagen Tiguan
Dynamically gifted compact SUV felt the squeeze of family practicalities.
COTY 2008 – Honda Jazz
If ESP was fitted, this supermini may have had something to really trumpet.
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Ping!
You wrote to us about a problem with our 2008 Car of the Year, and we have responded …
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