Abarth 695 vs BMW 1 Series
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Abarth 695 starts from $48,369 before on-road costs, while the BMW 1 Series opens at $57,600. That makes the Abarth 695 the more affordable entry point by $9,231.
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 $53,206 and $63,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Abarth 695 and BMW 1 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 1 Series packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Abarth 695.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Abarth 695 and 6 in the BMW 1 Series.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 695 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 1 Series gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 695 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BMW 1 Series. The BMW 1 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Abarth 695 gets fabric upholstery while the BMW 1 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 695 uses a Turbo T-Jet producing 132kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The BMW 1 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Abarth 695 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 695 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 695 measures 3,657mm long on a 2,300mm wheelbase, 704mm shorter than the BMW 1 Series at 4,361mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 1 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 695 and 380L in the BMW 1 Series, giving the BMW 1 Series a 195L advantage. The BMW 1 Series seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.8m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Abarth 695 and $1,824/year for the BMW 1 Series. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Abarth 695.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Abarth 695) vs $1,824 (BMW 1 Series). The Abarth 695 saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 695) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series). The BMW 1 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 695 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Abarth 695 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Abarth 695 will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 1 Series has a clear edge. The BMW 1 Series 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 695 and BMW 1 Series?
The Abarth 695 is the cheapest at $48,369 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $9,231.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Abarth 695 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Abarth 695 and BMW 1 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 1 Series has the largest boot at 380L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 1 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 1 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Abarth 695 makes the most power at 132kW. The Abarth 695 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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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