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.
Fiat 500
From $28,900
Hatchback
Petrol
MultiAir Petrol
51kW
4.8 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
185L
Skoda Scala
From $30,900
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
85kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
467L
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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.
Feature Showdown
The Fiat 500 features a 7-inch touchscreen, 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 that you will not find on 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 real-world sprint, 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.
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 $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Fiat 500) vs $1,539 (Skoda Scala). The Fiat 500 saves you roughly $171 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 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
The Skoda Scala takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. 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.
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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Fiat 500 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Scala has the largest boot at 467L.
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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