Fiat 500 vs Skoda Fabia
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 Fiat 500 starts from $28,900 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Fabia opens at $27,990. That makes the Skoda Fabia the more affordable entry point by $910.
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 $31,790 and $30,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Skoda Fabia holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Fiat 500 and 85% for the Skoda Fabia.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Fabia packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Fiat 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Fiat 500 and 6 in the Skoda Fabia.
Feature Showdown
The Fiat 500 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Fabia gets a 9.2-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Fiat 500 uses a MultiAir Petrol producing 51kW and 102Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed dualogic automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.9 seconds.
The Skoda Fabia responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Skoda Fabia has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 51kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Fabia is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Fiat 500 measures 3,571mm long on a 2,300mm wheelbase, 537mm shorter than the Skoda Fabia at 4,108mm (2,564mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Fabia generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Fiat 500 and 380L in the Skoda Fabia, giving the Skoda Fabia a 195L advantage. The Skoda Fabia seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.2m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m 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 $1,368/year for the Fiat 500 and $1,511/year for the Skoda Fabia. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Fiat 500) vs $1,511 (Skoda Fabia). The Fiat 500 saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Skoda Fabia). The Skoda Fabia has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Fabia if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Fabia takes 7 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Fiat 500 will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Fabia has a clear edge. The Skoda Fabia 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
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