Abarth 595 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
What's the difference?

Abarth 595

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2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

$34,994 - $89,999

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Abarth 595

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

By Tim Robson

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good engine/chassis combo
Surprising grip levels
Unusual

Powerful engine despite small size
Responsive handling
Stylish and sporty interior

Dislikes

Terrible driving position
Ride not great around town
No reversing camera

Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
Ride feels unresolved
Big price jump over old model

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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2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Abarth 595 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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 new AMG C 43 may lack the drama and excitement we’ve come to expect from the German performance brand, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. Yes, it could be more extroverted and the ride could be improved, but this is still a sharp-looking sports sedan with loads of punch.

This is a car that speaks to its times, with ever-stricter emissions regulations making it harder and harder for car companies to produce loud, wild and charismatic cars. So Mercedes-AMG has worked within those boundaries and come up with a car that retains at least some of those core elements that has made the brand so desirable over the years.

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

Abarth 595 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Abarth 595 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
What's the difference?