Fiat 500e vs Volkswagen Golf
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Fiat 500e starts from $52,500 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Golf opens at $38,690. That makes the Volkswagen Golf the more affordable entry point by $13,810.
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 $42,559 respectively.
The Fiat 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Golf, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Golf holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500e. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Fiat 500e and 88% for the Volkswagen Golf.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Fiat 500e, against 4 on the Volkswagen Golf.
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 9 in the Volkswagen Golf.
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 Fiat 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Golf gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Fiat 500e stands out with Apple CarPlay, BeatsAudio audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen Golf. The Volkswagen Golf counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Fiat 500e gets leatherette upholstery while the Volkswagen Golf offers cloth.
Drivetrain
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 Volkswagen Golf responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Golf has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 87kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Fiat 500e measures 3,631mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 651mm shorter than the Volkswagen Golf at 4,282mm (2,631mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Golf generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Fiat 500e and 374L in the Volkswagen Golf, giving the Volkswagen Golf a 189L advantage. The Volkswagen Golf seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 11.1m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Golf). The Volkswagen Golf has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Golf if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Golf takes 6 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Golf has a clear edge. The Volkswagen Golf 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, Fiat 500e and Volkswagen Golf?
The Volkswagen Golf is the cheapest at $38,690 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Fiat 500e by $13,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Golf uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Golf has the largest boot at 374L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volkswagen Golf has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Golf makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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