Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Abarth 695
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 Mercedes-Benz A-Class starts from $48,900 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 695 opens at $48,369. That makes the Abarth 695 the more affordable entry point by $531.
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 $53,790 and $53,206 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Abarth 695 by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Abarth 695 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Abarth 695.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 7 in the Abarth 695.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Abarth 695 gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Abarth 695. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses a Petrol producing 100kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Abarth 695 responds with a Turbo T-Jet making 132kW and 250Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Abarth 695 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 695 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class measures 4,419mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 762mm longer than the Abarth 695 at 3,657mm (2,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and 185L in the Abarth 695, giving the Mercedes-Benz A-Class a 185L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.3m 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 $1,910/year for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and $1,710/year for the Abarth 695. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Abarth 695.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs $1,710 (Abarth 695). The Abarth 695 saves you roughly $200 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 695). The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz A-Class if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Abarth 695 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Abarth 695 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Abarth 695 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class 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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