Fiat 500E vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?

Fiat 500E

—

2024 price

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Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2024 Fiat 500E

2018 Holden Astra

By Andrew Chesterton

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

320 km

5.8L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Stylish, classic looks
Thoroughly modern cabin
Electric motor improves drive experience

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Dislikes

Limited range on offer
Expensive for a small EV
Warranty massively underwhelming

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

2024 Fiat 500E Summary

You wouldn’t know it to look at it, but this is a brand-new — as in really and truly all-new — Fiat 500.

That has got to be a big deal for fans of Fiat’s pint-sized city car, with a genuinely all-new 500 about rare as spotting Halley’s Comet soaring over Turin. The last time was way back in 2007, by the way, and that car will remain on sale alongside this new one for the foreseeable.

But that’s not the only surprise. This 500 is also entirely electric, properly modern inside, and it has actual technology in its cabin and on its safety list.

Fiat reckons this is a big reset for the 500. And that there will never be another all-new petrol model again.

So, how does this new 500e stack up against the recent flood of small EVs, predominantly from China?

Let’s go find out.

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2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Fiat 500E 2018 Holden Astra

Verdict

A fun, funky EV which will no doubt appeal to lovers of Italian style, but also one which struggles a little on the range and price front.

Still, there’s no doubt that electrification has improved the Fiat 500 formula.

Verdict

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

Fiat 500E vs Holden Astra What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Fiat 500E vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?