Abarth 595 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?

Abarth 595

—

2018 price

View pricing & specs

BMW 1 Series

$44,997 - $89,900

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Abarth 595

2025 BMW 1 Series

By Tim Robson

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

—

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

—

Seating

—

Likes

Good engine/chassis combo
Surprising grip levels
Unusual

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Dislikes

Terrible driving position
Ride not great around town
No reversing camera

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

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.

View full pricing & specs

2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2018 Abarth 595 2025 BMW 1 Series

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

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

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

Abarth 595 vs BMW 1 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Abarth 595 vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?