Skoda Scala vs Fiat 500
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.
Skoda Scala
From $30,900
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
85kW
5.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
467L
Fiat 500
From $28,900
Hatchback
Petrol
MultiAir Petrol
51kW
4.8 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
185L
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Price Breakdown
The Skoda Scala starts from $30,900 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500 opens at $28,900. 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 $33,990 and $31,790 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 Skoda Scala features a 8.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Fiat 500 gets a 7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Skoda Scala stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Fiat 500. The Fiat 500 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Skoda Scala gets cloth upholstery while the Fiat 500 offers fabric.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Scala uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.1 seconds.
The Fiat 500 responds with a MultiAir Petrol making 51kW and 102Nm, paired to a 5-speed dualogic automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.9 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 Skoda Scala measures 4,362mm long on a 2,649mm wheelbase, 791mm longer than the Fiat 500 at 3,571mm (2,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Scala generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 467L in the Skoda Scala and 185L in the Fiat 500, 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 10.2m 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 $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala and $1,368/year for the Fiat 500. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Skoda Scala) vs $1,368 (Fiat 500). 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Scala) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500). The Skoda Scala has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
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.
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, Skoda Scala and Fiat 500?
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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