The best sports cars you can buy new in Australia in 2026 at every budget, from the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GR86 to the BMW M2 and Porsche 911, with current pricing and which ones still offer a manual.
By Varun Punyamurtula ·
Sports cars are getting rarer in Australia. New emissions rules, rising prices and the shift to SUVs have already taken out the Toyota GR Supra, and several hot hatches are living on borrowed time. The good news is that 2026 still offers some brilliant driver's cars, from a $48,000 roadster to a 911.
We have picked the best sports car at every budget, using current Australian pricing, specs and what each car offers for the money.
Quick answer: The best sports car for most Australians is the Mazda MX-5, from $48,881 drive away in Sydney. For a fixed roof coupe, the Toyota GR86 from $43,940 plus on road costs is the value pick. Want all wheel drive and rally car grip? The Toyota GR Yaris. The best all rounder with a straight six is the BMW M2, and the dream buy is the Porsche 911 Carrera.
Our verdict in one line: the MX-5 and GR86 still deliver more fun per dollar than anything else on sale, so spend the difference on tyres and track days.
The MX-5 does one thing brilliantly. It is light, it has rear wheel drive, a six speed manual is available, and you can drop the roof in seconds. It is not fast in a straight line, but it makes a 60km/h country road feel like an event.
Winner for pure fun per dollar.
The GR86 gives you a proper fixed roof coupe with rear wheel drive, a 2.4 litre boxer engine and a choice of manual or automatic. It has small rear seats that work for bags or very short trips, and a bigger boot than the MX-5.
The GR Yaris is a homologation special you can drive every day. It has a 1.6 litre turbo three cylinder, all wheel drive with an adjustable torque split, and a choice of six speed manual or eight speed automatic in the updated car.
Also consider: Hyundai i30 N, from $52,000 plus on road costs. It is roomier, more practical as a family hatch and has a 2.0 litre turbo with front wheel drive. The regular i30 hatch has been dropped in Australia, so the N may not be around forever.
The Type R is one of the fastest front wheel drive cars ever made. It has a 2.0 litre turbo making 235kW and 420Nm, and it comes only with a six speed manual.
The Mustang is the last affordable V8 sports car in Australia, and it is still the country's best selling sports car. The 5.0 litre V8 GT is the one to have.
The Z gives you a 3.0 litre twin turbo V6, rear wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic, with retro styling that turns heads. The updated 2026 car arrived in September.
The M2 is the most complete car here. It has a 3.0 litre twin turbo straight six, rear wheel drive, a manual or automatic, and four seats. It is quick enough to embarrass far more expensive cars, yet comfortable enough to commute in.
Winner for the best all round sports car.
There is a reason the 911 is the benchmark. The latest Carrera has a 3.0 litre twin turbo flat six, a beautifully built cabin and a chassis that is sublime on the road and the track.
Go for it if: you have a second car for family duties, or you want a car that makes every drive feel special.
Skip it if: you need room for a family of four every day. A hot hatch like the GR Yaris or i30 N is the smarter compromise.
Want one of these? Sports cars often sell out or come in limited allocations. Tell us which one you want and we will find the best deal anywhere in Australia on a new, demo, near new or used example. Get the best deal.
Our pick overall is the Mazda MX-5, from $48,881 drive away in Sydney. The best all rounder is the BMW M2 from $128,100 plus on road costs.
The Toyota GR86 GT starts at $43,940 plus on road costs, making it one of the cheapest new rear wheel drive sports cars on sale.
No. The GR Supra has been discontinued in Australia. Look at the Nissan Z or BMW M2 instead, or ask us to find a used Supra.
The Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86, Toyota GR Yaris, Hyundai i30 N, Honda Civic Type R, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z and BMW M2 can all be had with a manual gearbox.
The Ford Mustang GT, from $84,990 plus on road costs, is the most affordable V8 sports car you can buy new.
Trading in your current car for something more fun? We can help you sell your car, and you can check what it is worth with our car value tool.
Prices checked on 28 October 2026 against published Australian pricing. Mazda MX-5 price is Mazda Australia's recommended delivered price for Sydney; Honda Civic Type R is Honda Australia's drive away price. All other prices are manufacturer list prices plus on road costs. Images: Toyota, Hyundai Australia, Nissan Australia and Wikimedia Commons contributors as credited.
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Sell your carTags: Sports, Performance
Sources
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