Audi A3 vs Fiat 500e
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 Audi A3 starts from $54,800 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500e opens at $52,500. That makes the Fiat 500e the more affordable entry point by $2,300.
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 $60,280 and $57,750 respectively.
The Fiat 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Audi A3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500e. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Audi A3 and 78% for the Fiat 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A3 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Fiat 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi A3 and 6 in the Fiat 500e.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Fiat 500e gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A3 stands out with heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Fiat 500e. The Fiat 500e counters with BeatsAudio audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A3 gets leather upholstery while the Fiat 500e offers leatherette. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A3 and 1-zone in the Fiat 500e.
Drivetrain
The Audi A3 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds.
The Fiat 500e responds with a Electric making 87kW and 220Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Audi A3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 87kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A3 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A3 measures 4,352mm long on a 2,635mm wheelbase, 721mm longer than the Fiat 500e at 3,631mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 325L in the Audi A3 and 185L in the Fiat 500e, giving the Audi A3 a 140L advantage. The Audi A3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3) vs 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e). The Audi A3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A3 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Audi A3 has a clear edge. The Audi A3 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, Audi A3 and Fiat 500e?
The Fiat 500e is the cheapest at $52,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A3 by $2,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A3 uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Audi A3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A3 has the largest boot at 325L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi A3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi A3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Audi A3 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.1s.
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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