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Nothing gets the car enthusiast’s tongue wagging like a simple, sexy sports car.
The recipe is simple – two doors, pulsating performance and dramatic design, without unnecessary concessions to practicality.
Sports cars are rarely big sellers for the manufacturers who dare to build them, but they are “halo” models for their manufacturers and vehicles that turn heads and start conversations among enthusiasts. No one needs a sports car – what matters is that they want one.
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However, many sports cars exist outside the realm of affordability, making it difficult for many new car buyers to get behind the wheel of their dream machine. However, there are still a few high-value options for those who are determined to make their dreams a reality.
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So here are the 10 cheapest new sports cars you can buy in Australia right now.
The cars on this list are selected from the sports car categories of the VFACTS sales charts published by the Federal Chamber of the Automotive Industry (FCAI).
Click on a vehicle name above to go directly to its information on this page, or keep scrolling for the full list.
Mazda MX-5
Mazda’s lightweight convertible is the best-selling roadster of all time and currently the cheapest sports car you can buy new in Australia.
Updated earlier this year, the fourth-generation MX-5 keeps things simple with a naturally aspirated engine, an optional manual transmission and a sleek cabin.
While all variants in the MX-5 range are budget-friendly by modern sports car standards, the base DIY softtop manual takes the value cake with a starting price of $41,520 before on-road costs.
Regardless of the variant, the ND MX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that propels it from 0-100 km/h in about 7.0 seconds, plus or minus a few tenths.
Interested in buying a Mazda MX-5? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda MX-5
Subaru BRZ
If you’re after a sub-$50,000 sports car but don’t like exposing yourself to the elements, then the options narrow down to the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 twins.
The BRZ is the cheaper of the two Japanese sports cars in base specification, priced at $43,790 before on-road costs.
Like its sibling, the BRZ is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer producing 174kW and 250Nm. Based on CarExpert track testing in 2022. the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds.
Track rats can choose to upgrade to the range-topping BRZ tS, which gets STI-tuned front and rear suspension shocks, along with high-performance Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, as well as larger pads and rotors.
Interested in buying a Subaru BRZ? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Subaru BRZ
Toyota GR86
Despite carrying a lower sticker price in Victoria, the Toyota GR86 is actually slightly more expensive than its Subaru twin after road legal costs are factored in.
The range starts from $43,240 before on-road costs for the base GT, which shares its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with the BRZ.
For 2025 the new limited edition will top the range at $49,600 plus on-roads. It adds Forest Shadow green paint, bronze 18-inch alloy wheels and light brown interior accents to the fully loaded GTS.
Other updates include revised throttle mapping to give the GR86 better response and more linear power delivery.
Interested in buying a Toyota GR86? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: All Toyota GR86
Mini Cooper convertible
Also on the list of models to expect in 2025 is the heavily updated Mini Cooper Convertible.
The new hooded range should arrive here in the second quarter of 2025, and prices will start from $51,990 before on-roads for the base Cooper C Classic.
All versions feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with outputs ranging from 120kW/250Nm in the base Cooper C to 170kW/380Nm in the performance-focused John Cooper Works.
One downside for enthusiasts is that the Cooper Convertible is no longer available with a manual transmission.
Interested in buying a Mini Cooper? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mini Cooper
Ford Mustang
Many appreciate the Ford Mustang for its iconic growling V8 powertrain, so the base EcoBoost four-cylinder flies under the radar as a result.
Priced from $12,000 in the cheapest eight-cylinder variant, the EcoBoost is no slouch, producing 232kW and 475Nm from its 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Like the Mini, you can’t opt for a DIY manual gearbox, although you do get 10 gears to play with via in-car paddle shifters.
Ford Australia doesn’t quote an official 0-100km/h time for the EcoBoost, although independent testing has yielded sprints around the 5.5-second mark.
Interested in buying a Ford Mustang? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Ford Mustang
Nissan Z
The Z is Nissan’s latest take on a sports car formula and dates back to the 1960s.
It all started with the Fairlady Z in 1969, which spawned JDM performance icons like the 240Z and 350Z.
Although Nissan has ditched the numbers for its new Z car, the sporty features remain. The latest Z packs a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with 298kW and 475Nm, making it good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.
If that’s not enough, there’s always the flagship Z Nismo with an extra 11kW/45Nm and a generous serving of visual drama. You’ll pay for the privilege though – the Nismo costs $94,000 before on-road costs.
Interested in buying a Nissan Z? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Nissan Z
BMW 2 Series Coupe
At the more practical end of the sports car spectrum is the BMW 2 Series, especially the entry-level 230i.
It has four seats and a decent boot, and a range of luxury features including heated seats, plus BMW’s 8.5 operating system, a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and semi-autonomous parking.
From a driving perspective, the 230i handles the four-cylinder thrills with a 2.0-litre unit that produces 190kW and 400Nm. Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 230i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Even further up the 2 Series ladder, the M240i xDrive and M2 up the performance (and price) to include turbocharged versions of BMW’s trademark straight-six engine.
Interested in buying a BMW 2 Series? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: All BMW 2 series
Toyota Supra
Since launching its Gazoo Racing sub-brand, Toyota has set about building a new range of sports cars to match its heroes of yesteryear. At the top of the GR tree is the Supra – a low, beefy coupe with plenty of attitude.
Created in collaboration with BMW, the Supra features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine made by the German manufacturer, mated to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
Manual variants are capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds, while the automatic is 0.3 seconds quicker.
What’s more, the Supra will join the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro on the Supercars grid in 2026, underscoring its sporting credentials Down Under.
Interested in buying a Toyota Supra? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: All Toyota Supra
Audi A5 Coupe
It might be pretentious to call the Audi A5 a sports car, as it’s more of a luxury grand tourer, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun on a twisty stretch of road.
The current A5 Coupe is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 183kW and 370Nm, making it good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.0 seconds.
You also benefit from Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive, which contributes to constant handling in a variety of road conditions.
The A5 has two rows of seats, so the whole family can come along for the ride, and 375 liters of boot space for all their stuff.
Interested in buying an Audi A5? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Audi A5
BMW Z4
Completing this list is the BMW Z4 with sDrive 20i, with a starting price of $99,200 before on-road costs.
A close relative of the aforementioned Toyota Supra coupe, the Z4 roadster combines open-top freedom of movement with the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine in top spec. The base model, however, makes do with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 145kW and 320Nm.
Both models have rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
From the get-go, the sDrive 20i is claimed to hit 100km/h in 6.6 seconds, and once you’re up to cruising speed, there’s plenty of premium cabin features to enjoy, such as heated seats, a 10-speaker sound system and leather upholstery.
Interested in buying a BMW Z4? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything BMW Z4
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