Audi A3 vs Abarth 695
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 Audi A3 starts from $54,800 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 695 opens at $48,369. That makes the Abarth 695 the more affordable entry point by $6,431.
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 $60,280 and $53,206 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi A3 and Abarth 695 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 2 in the Abarth 695.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi A3 and 7 in the Abarth 695.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Abarth 695 gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A3 stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Abarth 695. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A3 gets leather upholstery while the Abarth 695 offers fabric. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A3 and 1-zone in the Abarth 695.
Drivetrain
The Audi A3 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds.
The Abarth 695 responds with a Turbo T-Jet making 132kW and 250Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Abarth 695 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 695 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A3 measures 4,343mm long on a 2,636mm wheelbase, 686mm longer than the Abarth 695 at 3,657mm (2,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 325L in the Audi A3 and 185L in the Abarth 695, 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.
9.3m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Audi A3 and $1,710/year for the Abarth 695. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Audi A3.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Audi A3) vs $1,710 (Abarth 695). The Audi A3 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 695). The Audi A3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A3 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Abarth 695 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A3 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Audi A3 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
