Alfa Romeo Junior vs Abarth 500e
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 Alfa Romeo Junior starts from $45,900 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 500e opens at $60,500. That makes the Alfa Romeo Junior the more affordable entry point by $14,600.
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 $50,490 and $66,550 respectively.
The Abarth 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Alfa Romeo Junior, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Alfa Romeo Junior holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Alfa Romeo Junior packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Alfa Romeo Junior and 6 in the Abarth 500e.
Feature Showdown
The Alfa Romeo Junior features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Abarth 500e gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Alfa Romeo Junior stands out with power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Abarth 500e. The Abarth 500e counters with JBL audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Alfa Romeo Junior gets leather/leatherette upholstery while the Abarth 500e offers leather & alcantara.
Drivetrain
The Alfa Romeo Junior uses a Petrol MHEV producing 107kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a dct to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
The Abarth 500e responds with a Electric making 113kW and 235Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Abarth 500e has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 107kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Alfa Romeo Junior measures 4,170mm long on a 2,560mm wheelbase, 497mm longer than the Abarth 500e at 3,673mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Alfa Romeo Junior generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the Alfa Romeo Junior and 185L in the Abarth 500e, giving the Alfa Romeo Junior a 85L advantage. The Alfa Romeo Junior seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m 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: 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Junior) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e). The Alfa Romeo Junior has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Alfa Romeo Junior if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Alfa Romeo Junior takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Alfa Romeo Junior has a clear edge. The Alfa Romeo Junior 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, Alfa Romeo Junior and Abarth 500e?
The Alfa Romeo Junior is the cheapest at $45,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $14,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Alfa Romeo Junior uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Alfa Romeo Junior has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Alfa Romeo Junior has the largest boot at 270L.
Which can tow the most?
The Alfa Romeo Junior has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Alfa Romeo Junior has the longest warranty at 5 years / 150k 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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