Abarth 500e vs Audi A1
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Abarth 500e starts from $60,500 before on-road costs, while the Audi A1 opens at $51,500. That makes the Audi A1 the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $66,550 and $56,650 respectively.
The Abarth 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A1, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Audi A1 gets a 8.8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with wireless charging and JBL audio that you will not find on the Audi A1. The Audi A1 counters with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e uses a Electric producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Audi A1 responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 320Nm, paired to a s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The Audi A1 has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 113kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A1 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 356mm shorter than the Audi A1 at 4,029mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 335L in the Audi A1, giving the Audi A1 a 150L advantage. The Audi A1 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.7m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A1). The Audi A1 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A1 takes 6 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Audi A1 has a clear edge. The Audi A1 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Abarth 500e and Audi A1?
The Audi A1 is the cheapest at $51,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $9,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A1 uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Abarth 500e all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A1 has the largest boot at 335L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi A1 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi A1 makes the most power at 152kW. The Audi A1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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