Abarth 695 vs Volkswagen Golf
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.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 20 Aug 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Abarth 695 starts from $37,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Golf opens at $38,690. That makes the Abarth 695 the more affordable entry point by $790.
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 $41,690 and $42,559 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Abarth 695
None open on our record
Volkswagen Golf
- REC-006602 · published 28 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, under certain driving conditions the power steering motor system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006592 · published 23 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the electric power steering system under certain driving conditions may become temporarily inoperable.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005873 · published 24 Jan 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- 16 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 695 features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Golf gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 695 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Golf. The Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf offers cloth.
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 Volkswagen Golf responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Abarth 695 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Abarth 695 is 2.3s 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, 625mm shorter than the Volkswagen Golf at 4,282mm (2,631mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Golf generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 695 and 374L in the Volkswagen Golf, giving the Volkswagen Golf a 189L advantage. The Volkswagen Golf seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 11.1m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,796/year for the Volkswagen Golf. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Abarth 695.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 695) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Golf). The Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen Golf: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 52, but the Abarth 695 is $790 cheaper
The Volkswagen Golf comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 52), taking 3 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Volkswagen Golf ahead by 42), practicality (Volkswagen Golf ahead by 22), reliability (Volkswagen Golf ahead by 15). The Abarth 695 will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Golf has a clear edge. The Volkswagen Golf 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Abarth 695 and Volkswagen Golf?
The Abarth 695 is the cheapest at $37,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Golf by $790.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Abarth 695 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Volkswagen Golf holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Abarth 695, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Golf has the largest boot at 374L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volkswagen Golf 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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