Abarth 500e vs Audi A3
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 A3 opens at $54,800. That makes the Audi A3 the more affordable entry point by $5,700.
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 $60,280 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 A3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Audi A3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A3 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Abarth 500e and 6 in the Audi A3.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Audi A3 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and JBL audio that you will not find on the Audi A3. The Audi A3 counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Abarth 500e gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi A3 offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Abarth 500e and 2-zone in the Audi A3.
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 A3 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The Abarth 500e has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 1.1s 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, 679mm shorter than the Audi A3 at 4,352mm (2,635mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 325L in the Audi A3, giving the Audi A3 a 140L advantage. The Audi A3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.6m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 A3). The Audi A3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A3 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Audi A3 has a clear edge. The Audi A3 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 A3?
The Audi A3 is the cheapest at $54,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $5,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A3 uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Audi A3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A3 has the largest boot at 325L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi A3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Abarth 500e makes the most power at 113kW. The Abarth 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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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