Subaru WRX Sportswagon vs BMW 1 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon starts from $52,290 before on-road costs, while the BMW 1 Series opens at $57,600. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $5,310.
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 $57,519 and $63,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 1 Series by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The BMW 1 Series holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 1 Series packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 6 in the BMW 1 Series.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 1 Series gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the BMW 1 Series. The BMW 1 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon uses a Petrol producing 202kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds.
The BMW 1 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon measures 4,670mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 301mm longer than the BMW 1 Series at 4,369mm (2,670mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 380L in the BMW 1 Series, giving the Subaru WRX Sportswagon a 61L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 1 Series leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and $1,796/year for the BMW 1 Series. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the BMW 1 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs $1,796 (BMW 1 Series). The BMW 1 Series saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 1 Series will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru WRX Sportswagon and BMW 1 Series?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $5,310.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 1 Series uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BMW 1 Series has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the largest boot at 441L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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