Coolest cars you can drive on your p-plates

Poor P-plate drivers. With the restrictions on what cars provisional license holders can and can’t drive, they are often left in an automotive wasteland of beige and boring cars which do nothing to excite you, or tickle your passion for driving. But never fear, for WhichCar is here. We have formulated a list – in no particular order – of the coolest cars you can own and drive on your P-plates. The regulations on what provisional drivers can steer changes from state-to-state, so make sure to check your jurisdiction’s legislation. While you’re doing that, this list should provide some inspiration on how to get a cool car while rocking those P-plates.

MAZDA MX-5

Cost $31,990

Don’t call it a hairdressers’ car, because the little Mazda MX-5 is seriously cool. It is small, zippy, and an absolute blast to take for a drive through the hills. Oh, and the drop top means top-down cruising in summer is a hoot. Serious cool factor with modern styling, and, as always, bonus points if you get it in red.

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SUBARU LEVORG

Price: $42,990

Yes, it’s a wagon, but wagons are cool (and not in an ironic sense either). The Levorg comes with the engine and spirit of a Subaru WRX, but gives you all the practicality of a full-size wagon. Perfect for getting your mates together for a road-trip or long-weekend camping. 0-100km/h is dealt with in 6.6-seconds, which in a wagon makes the Levorg a full-blooded sleeper. Cool!

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TOYOTA 86

Price: $29,990

You don’t have to have a billion horsepower to have brilliant fun in a car, and the Toyota 86 is proof! The small two-door coupe only pumps out 147kW, but will give a grin from ear-to-ear if you decide to make your way into the twisties. The 86 (and its identical Subaru BRZ sibling) shovels out fun in spades, making it one seriously cool P-plate ride.

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TESLA MODELS S 70/70D

Price: $128,573

Yes, the price of the Tesla Model S does put it outside the realms of your average (and most non-average) P-plater. However, it meets regulation and definitely deserves a place on this list. The Model S is one of the coolest cars available today, and even the base 70 or 70D model would make for a seriously schmick set of wheels.

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FIAT ABARTH 595

Price: $37,000

Nothing says cool like a scorpion on the badge. The Fiat Abarth 595 is a seriously, wickedly, fun little car. Powered by a 1.4-litre turbo engine, the Abarth is perfect for those living in big cities. The small size makes it great for parking, and it packs enough punch to make getting around exciting no matter what.

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