Abarth 595 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?

Abarth 595

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2018 price

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Audi RS3

$104,727 - $107,727

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Abarth 595

2026 Audi RS3

By Tim Robson

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good engine/chassis combo
Surprising grip levels
Unusual

Dynamic and engaging to drive
Iconic five-cylinder soundtrack
Luxuriously equipped

Dislikes

Terrible driving position
Ride not great around town
No reversing camera

Options dollars add up quickly
Tight rear headroom in sedan
Engine note could be louder

2018 Abarth 595 Summary

Since 1949, Abarth has been giving the venerable Italian brand, Fiat, a patina of performance, based largely on giant-killing feats in small modified cars like the Fiat 600 of the 1960s.

More recently, the brand has been revived to boost the fortunes of the smallest Fiat on sale in Australia. Known formally as the Abarth 595, the tiny hatch packs a bit of a surprise under its distinctive snout.

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2026 Audi RS3 Summary

Five-cylinder fury is still kicking!

Audi has just launched the mid-life updated version of its RS3 hatch and sedan in Australia.

With new looks inside and out, the German carmaker has also made a number of subtle tweaks under the skin via software updates. Thankfully, however, the five-cylinder beast lurking under the bonnet remains untouched.

As the viability of pure internal combustion engines in the hot hatch segment dwindles in the age of ever-tightening emissions regulations, will this be the last hurrah for the five-banger RS3?

Read along to see how this latest version stacks up.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Abarth 595 2026 Audi RS3

Verdict

It’s tough to be kind to the Abarth 595. Based on a platform that’s more than a decade old, the car has been left behind by its rivals in many ways, including basic ergonomics and its value equation.

The larger engine does work well in this smaller package, and its road-holding ability belies its size. However, only die-hard fans of the Abarth brand will be able to cope with the uncomfortable seating position and a complete lack of even the most perfunctory features that cars costing $10,000 less are able to offer.

Verdict

The Audi RS3 is a special hot hatch and sedan I’m so glad I experienced before its five-cylinder engine is inevitably retired due to emissions regulations. Full of character and charisma, this car is far from a rational purchase, pitched at boy racers who don’t want to grow up just yet.

From a value perspective, too, while the asking price has crossed the six-figure threshold and the option prices add thousands, it’s still much cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Make of that what you will.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Abarth 595 vs Audi RS3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Abarth 595 vs Audi RS3
What's the difference?