Audi A3 vs Fiat 500e
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 30 Aug 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$54,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$52,500RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Audi A3 & Fiat 500e
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Price Breakdown
The Audi A3 starts from $54,800 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500e opens at $52,500. That makes the Fiat 500e the more affordable entry point by $2,300.
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 $57,750 respectively.
The Fiat 500e currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A3 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Audi A3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500e. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Audi A3 and 78% for the Fiat 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi A3, against 6 on the Fiat 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi A3 and 6 in the Fiat 500e.
Recalls on our record
Audi A3
- REC-005771 · published 12 Sep 2023Due to an installation defect, the internal fuse box wiring harness may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- REC-000030 · published 5 Nov 2020Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2012
- REC-000031 · published 6 May 2020Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2007 - 2016
- 6 more on the model page.
Fiat 500e
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 85kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 85kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Fiat 500e gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A3 stands out with heated front seats and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Fiat 500e. The Fiat 500e counters with BeatsAudio audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A3 gets leather upholstery while the Fiat 500e offers leatherette. Climate control is 2-zone in the Audi A3 and 1-zone in the Fiat 500e.
Drivetrain
The Audi A3 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds.
The Fiat 500e responds with a Electric making 87kW and 220Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Audi A3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 87kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi A3 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A3 measures 4,352mm long on a 2,635mm wheelbase, 721mm longer than the Fiat 500e at 3,631mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 380L in the Audi A3 and 185L in the Fiat 500e, giving the Audi A3 a 195L 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
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e). The Audi A3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi A3: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 68, but the Fiat 500e is $2,300 cheaper
The Audi A3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 68), taking 6 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Audi A3 ahead by 20), reliability (Audi A3 ahead by 16), performance (Audi A3 ahead by 12). 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, Audi A3 and Fiat 500e?
The Fiat 500e is the cheapest at $52,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A3 by $2,300.
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 380L with the seats up.
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 / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi A3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Audi A3 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.1s.
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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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