Affordable cars are always trending. There’s something about a good bargain, us Aussies just can’t resist. Now add that affordability angle to cars that are built to put a smile on your face if you love to drive. CARS24 brings to you a curated selection of affordable sports cars in Australia which are sure to give you the thrills.

We have chosen cars priced between $40,000 and $90,000 and offer a mix of speed, power and everyday reliability while also limiting ourselves to one entry per manufacturer.

Let’s dive in!

Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster

Data for 2024 Mazda MX-5 G20 ND Manual

With light, well-calibrated steering and nimble handling, the Mazda MX-5 easily remains the first choice to consider for an affordable sports car. It’s one of the best cars you can buy without breaking the bank. Though officially branded as the MX-5, it’s still affectionately known as the Miata by many car enthusiasts. It still gets a free-breathing 2L which is relatively short on power compared to others on this list, but gets the benefit of being more responsive and easier to use while having fun without getting in trouble.

Mazda’s meticulous engineering is evident both on straights and through corners, allowing the MX-5 to maintain its agility without requiring overly stiff suspension, making it more comfortable on Australia’s rougher roads. On the motorway, it performs reasonably well, and with the roof up, you’ll stay warm and dry. While there is some road noise, it’s not intrusive enough to be bothersome.

The soft-top base model is low on cabin comforts but you can move up the trim levels for a few thousand dollars.

Key Features:

• Advanced driver assists like blind spot monitoring and lane assist
• 8.8" touchscreen display with Mazda Connect infotainment
• Soft-top roof can be put up while driving
  

What’s good about it?

• Wonderful handling
• Peppy, efficient engine
• Great value
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Only a two-seater
• Limited storage capacity
• Not ideal for taller occupants with the roof up

Toyota GR86 GTS

Data for 2024 Toyota GR86 GTS Manual

The GR86 builds on the legacy of the GT86 with updated styling and a tweaked name badge. It is an engaging and playful sports car, eager to slide around when desired. The brakes are strong, providing a well-balanced pedal feel. It has a nicely weighted steering that gives plenty of feedback to the driver for precise control. Despite being a sports car with firm suspension, the ride remains comfortable in urban environments, handling typical road imperfections like bumps and manhole covers with ease. For a similar price, you can even consider the Subaru BRZ, the mechanical twin for the GR86,  in case the Toyota styling and badge isn’t quite to your taste.

Key Features:

• 8-inch Infotainment screen
• 7-inch TFT driver’s display
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Brembo brakes with red callipers
  

What’s good about it?

• Seriously fun to drive
• Looks fantastic
• Exciting engine
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Outdated interior
• Very noisy at cruising speeds

Volkswagen Golf R 8

Data for 2024 Volkswagen Golf R 8 Auto 4MOTION MY24

The Volkswagen Golf is a pretty good choice of a premium hatchback, but you will have to shell out a lot more if you want the fierce and sporty Golf R. It maintains its understated "Q-car" charm, with relatively subtle design elements suggesting its high-performance capabilities. It transitions effortlessly between being a daily driver and a thrilling back-road performer, especially with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control.

Its practicality is complemented by a range of driver assistance features like autonomous emergency braking, surround parking sensors, and rear traffic alerts. However, some road noise slightly detracts from the otherwise smooth driving experience, but you could just drop down a gear or two to create some more fun noise from the exhaust.

Key Features:

• Ambient lighting with 30 colours to choose from
• Air care climatronic 3 Zone automatic climate control
• 12.9-inch infotainment screen
• Dynamic headlight range control
  

What’s good about it?

• Punchy performance and rapid acceleration
• Comfortable when you’re not racing it
• Plenty of cabin space
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Not the best fabrics
• Too many touch-sensitive controls
• Steep price tag, even for a fast hatchback
  

Honda Civic Type R

Data for 2024 Honda Civic Type R Manual MY24

The Civic Type R is far more restrained than the previous generation's wild styling. Rather than having aero parts that seem added on, the bodywork is sleek yet muscular, delivering the sporty appearance you'd expect, with a wider and lower stance than the standard Civic. The only feature that appears somewhat aftermarket is the rear wing, but it's designed to provide maximum downforce.

On the plus side, the Civic Type R replaces the regular Civic’s automatic transmission buttons with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual. The teardrop aluminium gear knob has been carried over from the previous model, and a ‘+R’ button enables full performance mode. Additionally, the dials are now fully digital, adding a modern touch to the driving experience.

Key Features:

• 9.0-inch infotainment screen
• ‘+R’ button makes the magic happen
• Dual climate control air conditioning system
• Gearshift panel trim in patterned aluminium style
• High-level LED brake light
  

What’s good about it?

• Reserved and smart styling
• Fabulous to drive
• Interior is well-fitted and finished
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Four-wheel drive is not offered
• Less practical than the base Civic
  
  
  

Nissan Z Z34

Data for 2024 Nissan Z Z34 Auto MY24

After what seemed like ages, Nissan finally introduced a successor to the highly acclaimed 370Z in 2022. Unofficially known as the 400Z, the new Nissan Z takes a lot of inspiration from its rich lineage. It still has a 3L twin-turbo V6, now packing 400bhp. The design, for instance, draws inspiration from the earliest Z models and has a sharp, retro appeal.

The 2024 Nissan Z includes some standout features, such as the boost gauges on the dashboard, and the round door handles, which pay homage to previous Z generations. However, for its price, certain aspects could be improved, especially some of the touch points inside the cabin which feel like cheap selections from other Nissan models. Also, for a sports car, the new Z is lacking in exhaust note, probably strangled by the tighter emission norms in global markets.

Key Features:

• 9-inch infotainment screen + 12.3-inch customisable digital display
• Tri-gauge analogue display
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Auto-levelling LED headlights
  

What’s good about it?

• Retro design look suave
• Turbo-charged engine makes its presence felt
• Transmission is smooth
  

What’s not so good about it?

• No wireless Apple CarPlay
• Minimal headroom & minimal cabin space
• Doesn’t make a leap of progress over the 370Z
  
  

BMW 2 Series Coupe

Data for 2024 BMW 2 Series 230i M Sport G42 Auto

The BMW 2 Series is perhaps the most affordable sports car you can get from the German big three. Sure, the base variant makes do with a 2-litre four-pot, but it delivers enough power to the rear wheels to have some fun behind the wheel. The automatic gearbox responds quickly when you need extra power, while gear shifts are almost unnoticeable during regular driving. However, the 2 Series lacks extensive sound insulation, and combined with its large alloy wheels, you may notice some road noise on long highway journeys.

It’s clear that the BMW 2 Series is a small car, which is part of its charm, but it does result in limited cabin space. While those in the front enjoy decent headroom and adjustable seats for comfort, overall space remains on the tight side, particularly by small sports car standards. The rear seats are mainly for kids, which still makes it eligible for school runs, and you can fit a fair bit of shopping in the 390L boot.

Key Features;

• 14.9-inch infotainment screen & 12.3-inch digital information screen
• 2-zone automatic air conditioning
• Plush leatherette upholstery, leather steering wheel

What’s good about it?

• Fun to drive
• High-quality interior
• Unique styling
  

What’s not so good about it?

• No space in the second-row
• Lacks a sporty sound in this trim
• Advanced safety system list is short

Ford Mustang GT Fastback

Data for 2024 Ford Mustang GT FO Manual MY24.50

If the number of cylinders is important to your definition of a sports car, your most affordable option is the Ford Mustang GT. Spending an extra $12,000 over the EcoBoost variant gets you a rowdy 5L free-breathing V8 with a three-pedal setup. Owning a Ford Mustang has always been a bit like owning a real horse—challenging to justify due to its impracticality and high running costs, but those memorable drives make it all worthwhile. There is the option of a convertible and an easier-to-drive 10-speed automatic transmission on offer as well for slightly more money, but the tricked-out Dark Horse pony crosses the $100k mark.

It’s also important to note that while the Ford Mustang is approved for use in the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania, it is strictly banned in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia.

Key Features:

• Drift Brake system
• 6-way power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats
• 13.2” touchscreen infotainment unit
• 12" digital LCD instrument cluster
• Dual-zone climate control
  

What’s good about it?

• Everyday practical (as a 2-seater)
• Track mode is thrilling
• Modernised interiors
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Poor fuel economy (even for a V8)
• Lack of cabin storage options
• Standard suspension needs better tuning
  

Conclusion

While performance and a sporty drive often comes at the cost of practicality, it does not necessarily have to come with an eye-watering six-figure price tag. As this list shows, there are a variety of options in the Australian new car market that offer the thrill of driving across price points, some with four-doors as well. Plus, almost every car on this list has the potential for future modifications to further enhance the sporty experience whenever you have the time and budget for it.

Tell us what you thought about the CARS24 list, which cars we missed, and which cars you would like to see for the most affordable sports cars in 2025.