Fierce competition, new technologies, and even new manufacturers entering the equation have combined in a very attractive buying proposition for those with a budget of $80,000, which is what we’ll be unpacking today.
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Request a quoteJoin us as we take a look at the top 10 best cars on sale here in Australia for under $80,000, which includes everything from fast and premium sedans, to comfortable wagons, luxurious and family-friendly SUVs as well as battery-electric vehicles.
Nissan Z
Nissan’s highly-anticipated follow-up to the 370Z has gone down a hit with fans, and represents one of the best performance cars priced under $80,000 here in Australia.
Under the bonnet, the Nissan Z packs a massive punch from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that sends 298kW of power and 475Nm of torque to the rear wheels, with both a six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic transmission on offer.
With the help of launch control, the Nissan Z screams to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and comes fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential for a heap of fun in the corners, making for a great driving experience for under $80,000.
Genesis GV70
Hyundai’s premium arm, Genesis, has been quick to shake-up the premium end of the market, offering by far the most compelling value-for-money proposition across its range of sedans, wagons and SUVs.
The GV70 is proof of this recipe in action, positioned within the midsize SUV segment while undercutting its European rivals by tens of thousands of dollars.
All but the range-topping GV70 3.5T AWD Sport can be purchased for well under our price threshold, which comes packing features like a stunning Nappa leather interior, panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloys and a massive 14.5-inch infotainment system.
Audi A5
A sleek and stylish sedan with more than enough room for a growing family, the Audi A5 is a wonderful option for buyers looking for a premium European car priced under $80,000.
The entry-level A5 40 TFSI Sportback comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 140kW of power and 320Nm of torque and is paired with a slick seven-speed DCT transmission, and feels great on the road.
Standard equipment for the entry-level A5 includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch infotainment system, Matrix LED headlights, leather upholstery, and a set of 19-inch alloys, atop a heap of active safety gear.
BMW 4 Series
BMW is synonymous with premium motoring, and one of its greatest creations, the 4 Series can be obtained for under $80,000.
The entry-level 420i and 420i Gran Coupe come powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 135kW/300Nm which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers a decent amount of power and extremely smooth driving experience for the money.
Standard equipment for the base model 4 Series includes an M Sport styling package, LED headlights, a pair of 8.8-inch displays, adaptive cruise control, sport seats with alcantara and Sensatec upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging.
Volkswagen Arteon
Volkswagen is no stranger to offering buyers premium European motoring at an affordable price, the company’s flagship sedan and wagon, the Arteon, remaining one of the best on the market.
Better yet, all four Arteon variants are priced under $80,000, which means the range-topping 206TSI R-Line remains within reach for Australian buyers - and offers a very sporting 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
Inside, the Arteon’s cabin is incredibly spacious and comfortable, giving larger SUVs a run for their money when put under the family test.
Standard equipment for the range-topping 206TSI R-Line includes 20-inch alloys, massaging sport seats with Nappa leather upholstery, adaptive suspension, IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch infotainment system paired with a Harmon Kardon sound system.
Hyundai Palisade
Don’t be fooled by the badge - the Hyundai Palisade, particularly in higher-spec form, is truly one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world of comfortable, practical and family-friendly seven-seat SUVs.
All members of the Palisade family are priced under $80,000, with the range-topping Highlander giving buyers a heap of features, including 20-inch alloys, Nappa leather upholstery with a suede headliner, heated and ventilated seats, head-up display, LED head & tail lights, a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 12-speaker sound system from Infinity.
Genesis G70
For those looking for a well-equipped, sporty and premium sedan without breaking the budget, the Genesis G70 has been quick to cement itself a reputation as one of the best-value luxury sedans on the market.
All but the range-topping GV70 Sport Luxury can be obtained under the $80,000 mark, which means buyers gain a potent 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 producing a massive 274kW of power and 510Nm of torque, or a more fuel-efficient 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the entry-level variant.
The lift of generous equipment includes 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery with heated & ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system.
Kia EV6
Kia’s battery-electric EV6 has exploded in popularity since its launch, offering buyers a high-tech and premium experience of what’s to come from Kia’s all-electric lineup in the future.
For now, though, two variants of the EV6 can be obtained for under our price threshold, including the mid-spec GT-Line RWD that increases power from 168kW/350Nm to a very healthy 239kW of power and 605Nm of torque.
The EV6 offers a real-world driving range of 528km in the base model, dropping to 504km in the GT-Line, with DC fast charging up to 350kW.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloys, leatherette/suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a pair of 12.3-inch displays, LED head & tail lights, and a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.
Volvo V60
If you’re in the market for one of the most stylish premium wagons on the market priced under $80,000, look no further than the V60 lineup which kicks off from $64,990.
The V60 comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing a healthy 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque, which is thrown to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The V60 offers a heap of space for growing families, with a sleek interior design that is unique to Volvo’s contemporary design language and a generous features list that will leave few buyers needing more.
Standard equipment for the V60 includes a set of 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery with heated seats, LED headlights, four-zone climate control, Driftwood interior accents, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment system.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
For growing families and fans of the SUV bodyshape, Mercedes’ midsize SUV, the GLC, remains within reach for under $80,000.
The entry-level GLC200 is priced just below our threshold, and comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 145kW/320Nm which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that is silky-smooth on the road.
Standard equipment for the GLC200 includes a set of 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, adaptive dampers, leatherette upholstery, and Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system which pairs a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 10.25-inch infotainment system.
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