We’ve all played this game before, haven’t we?
our chosen Favorite new cars for under $60,000We raised the cap to $100,000 to open the door for some more exotic, luxurious metals.
From super bunkers to full-size SUVs, here’s how auto expert the group will spend (slightly more) their hard earned money.
Scott Collie: Audi RS3 Sportback ($91,400 before circulation)
Recent price increases mean the Audi S4 and BMW M340i are out of reach, but the smaller RS3 hatchback still fits our budget – and it fits all the boxes for me.
It’s a good size for starters living in the suburbs of Melbourne, but still has a usable rear seat and a decent trunk.
While we’re talking Melbourne, the fact that all-wheel drive means you can use all of its turbocharged performance on those miserable, windy winter mornings. And it has a lot of performance.
With a turbocharged five-cylinder engine under the bonnet, this pocket rocket hit 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds on an unprepared surface in our testing. Unlike older Audi RS products, it will also go around corners.
It is an all-round talent. I will have mine in Python Yellow.
Jack Quick: Genesis GV70 ($93,700 pre-sale)
If I have $100,000 to spend on a brand new car, I want it to do it all, which is why I can’t pass up the Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD Sport.
I opted for a fully optional model that included the $7100 Luxury Package, as well as the $2000 Malaku Gray matte paint. For those who play with me at home, I also choose the Sevilla Red Nappa leather seats.
The GV70 3.5T AWD Sport is one of the best combinations of luxury and performance available on the Australian new car market for under $100,000 before it hits the road.
Its 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine produces a whopping 279 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-biased all-wheel drive.
The GV70 also stands out on the road in part thanks to its stacked headlights and taillights, intricate 21-inch alloy wheels, and dramatic circular dual exhausts.
I’ve only seen a few Genesis GV70s on the road and I want to see more!
Jade Credentino: Ford Everest Platinum ($77,530 pre-sale)
This is going to be a little different from the rest of the pack but I would buy a gloss Black Ford Everest Platinum.
The finished Ford Everest was inspired by a long list of childhood road trips through New South Wales.
When I was growing up, we always packed everything but the kitchen into the back of our family’s Hyundai iLoad Crew Van and drove to places across NSW.
The ultimate goal one day is to complete a circuit around Australia, the only segments I have left to do are from Adelaide to Perth and Perth to Darwin.
With $23,000 left, I got to get ready for a road trip in Australia with a GVW upgrade, awning, dual dams and solar system for fridge, sliding stove, range fuel tank range, snorkel, roof rack, off-road tires and tractor.
William Stopford: Genesis G80 2.5T ($85,191 pre-sale)
$100k? Now we talk! Options really open up here and there are plenty of cars that I’d be happy to park in my garage.
Consider how much I love My Own Hyundai GenesisHowever, upgrading to a brand new Genesis G80 makes sense – even if I don’t see that as the last word in driver engagement when I review it.
While the budget will be for the base 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it still makes 224 hp and 422 Nm and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds. dad.
I was still able to add the Luxury Package and slip under the $100,000 cap before hitting the road, while enjoying features that no other competitor can offer at this price like Smart Parking Assist from far, the doors close softly and the front and rear seats are ventilated. Oh, and the Forest Blue interior. Or do I want Havana Brown?
I can get a more powerful twin-turbo V6 in the Genesis G70 and GV70. The former is more interesting but a bit older and cramped inside, while the latter is an SUV and I prefer a man.
Other runners-up included a Mazda CX-90 to transport kids I didn’t have, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq and a BMW M240i xDrive – the latter in Thundernight Metallic, of course.
Tony Crawford: Ford Mustang Dark Horse (TBC, likely under $100k)
I’m sadly torn between my two favorite cars in the world right now, both under $100,000.
Specifically the Ford Mustang Darkhorse in Light Metallic Blue (which I actually ordered) – and an entirely different choice and segment is the Championship White Honda Civic Type R with its signature red upholstery.
Dark Horse will replace my 2018 Mustang Bullitt, which I reluctantly sold last year to a collector in Tasmania, who agreed to give me the right of first refusal should he decide to sell it. Handling was transformed by Herrod Performance before its tires hit public roads. Its colors, sounds and heritage are mesmerizing.
While the Dark Horse doesn’t have the same appeal as the Bullitt, it’s the most powerful factory GT Mustang ever built and potentially the best naturally aspirated V8 pony car ever.
The Honda Civic Type R 2023 is simply the best hot hatch I’ve ever driven, at least on the track, although I did test it too short and loved it even more. I’m a huge fan of the new style, while I believe the handling, ride and driver response are simply unmatched in this category.
If I hadn’t paid for the Ford, I would have switched allegiance to the Type R. Ultimately, I hope to have both.
Paul Maric: Ford Ranger Raptor ($86,790 before circulation)
Easy – Ford Ranger Raptor.
There is no better car on sale that will achieve these four things:
- Run through everything
- Make noise
- carry family
- Transporting small items in a tray
James Wong: Audi S3 ($71,800 before circulation)
While the $100,000 limit will make others immediately look at the Audi RS3, I just feel that it will always be underutilized in everyday life.
So for me, I’d rather buy the less powerful but still powerful Audi S3 Sportback ($71,800) with some options but still keep me fine within that $100,000 budget.
I would pick up an Audi-exclusive personal paint color ($3800), perhaps something like Goodwood Green, and then outfit it with all the luxury options.
The Premium plus ($3590) package adds power front seats with memory, a windshield display and a panoramic sunroof; and I’ll also add atlas carbon trim panels ($1100), power tailgate ($850) and aluminum roof rails ($750).
I’m not sure if Audi Australia will let me do the exclusive Audi interior specs on an S3, but will the brown Nappa leather cabin match all of this? A boy can dream.
And, I have almost $20,000 in change before expenses on the way to buy myself other gifts or go on vacation.
