Fiat 500 vs Skoda Scala
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 4 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Fiat 500 starts from $28,900 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Scala opens at $30,900. That makes the Fiat 500 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $33,990 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
Fiat 500
- REC-003875 · published 30 May 2019On affected vehicles the drive axle may break due to a nonconformity in the production process.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003732 · published 26 Jul 2016Possible non-conformity of the right front seat guide tracks.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003693 · published 18 Apr 2016There is a potential deviation in the buckle heat treatment process.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
Skoda Scala
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.
Feature Showdown
The Fiat 500 features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Scala gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Fiat 500 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Skoda Scala. The Skoda Scala counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Fiat 500 gets fabric upholstery while the Skoda Scala offers cloth.
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 Scala responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
The Skoda Scala has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 51kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Skoda Scala is 2.8s 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, 791mm shorter than the Skoda Scala at 4,362mm (2,649mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Scala generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Fiat 500 and 467L in the Skoda Scala, giving the Skoda Scala a 282L advantage. The Skoda Scala seats 5 vs 4.
Turning 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
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 $1,368/year for the Fiat 500 and $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Scala if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Skoda Scala: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 51, but the Fiat 500 is $2,000 cheaper
The Skoda Scala comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 51), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Skoda Scala ahead by 23), reliability (Skoda Scala ahead by 22), practicality (Skoda Scala ahead by 17). The Fiat 500 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Scala has a clear edge. The Skoda Scala adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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, Fiat 500 and Skoda Scala?
The Fiat 500 is the cheapest at $28,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Scala by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Fiat 500 uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Fiat 500 and Skoda Scala carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Scala has the largest boot at 467L with the seats up (1,410L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Scala has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Scala has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Skoda Scala makes the most power at 85kW. The Skoda Scala is quickest to 100km/h in 10.1s.
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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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