Abarth 595 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Abarth 595

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2018 price

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BMW I3

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Abarth 595

2020 BMW I3

By Tim Robson

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Good engine/chassis combo
Surprising grip levels
Unusual

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

Terrible driving position
Ride not great around town
No reversing camera

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

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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2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Abarth 595 2020 BMW I3

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

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Abarth 595 vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Abarth 595 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?