Fiat 500e vs Audi A1

The Fiat 500e starts from $52,500 before on-road costs, while the Audi A1 opens at $51,500. That makes the Audi A1 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

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 $57,750 and $56,650 respectively.

The Fiat 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A1, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

The Audi A1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500e. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Fiat 500e and 95% for the Audi A1.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A1 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in 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 Fiat 500e and 6 in the Audi A1.

The Fiat 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A1 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Fiat 500e stands out with Apple CarPlay and BeatsAudio audio that you will not find on the Audi A1. The Audi A1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Fiat 500e gets leatherette upholstery while the Audi A1 offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Fiat 500e and 2-zone in the Audi A1.

The Fiat 500e uses a Electric producing 87kW and 220Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Audi A1 responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 320Nm, paired to a s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.

The Audi A1 has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 87kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A1 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Fiat 500e measures 3,631mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 398mm shorter than the Audi A1 at 4,029mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A1 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 185L in the Fiat 500e and 335L in the Audi A1, giving the Audi A1 a 150L advantage. The Audi A1 seats 5 vs 4.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A1). The Audi A1 has longer coverage.