MINI Cooper 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 MINI Cooper starts from $41,990 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 695 opens at $48,369. That makes the MINI Cooper the more affordable entry point by $6,379.
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 $46,189 and $53,206 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the MINI Cooper and Abarth 695 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MINI Cooper 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 9 in the MINI Cooper and 7 in the Abarth 695.
Feature Showdown
The MINI Cooper features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Abarth 695 gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Cooper stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Abarth 695. The Abarth 695 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MINI Cooper gets synthetic leather / cloth upholstery while the Abarth 695 offers fabric. Climate control is 2-zone in the MINI Cooper and 1-zone in the Abarth 695.
Drivetrain
The MINI Cooper uses a Petrol Turbo producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 695 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MINI Cooper measures 3,876mm long on a 2,495mm wheelbase, 219mm longer than the Abarth 695 at 3,657mm (2,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MINI Cooper generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 210L in the MINI Cooper and 185L in the Abarth 695, giving the MINI Cooper a 25L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.7m
Based on 10.7m 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 $1,767/year for the MINI Cooper and $1,710/year for the Abarth 695. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Abarth 695.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (MINI Cooper) vs $1,710 (Abarth 695). The Abarth 695 saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 695). The MINI Cooper has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Cooper if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Abarth 695 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MINI Cooper takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Abarth 695 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. The MINI Cooper 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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