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The Volvo V40 sold between 2012 and 2019 wasn’t the first time the Swedish brand had used the nameplate - it was also found on estate versions of the curvy Volvo S40 launched in the 1990s. The car we’re covering here though was a regular hatchback sitting at the bottom of Volvo’s range, but contained many of the qualities that make larger Volvos appealing.
It’s a left-field alternative to more familiar models like the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series, trading some of their sporty handling for a more laid-back approach. The V40’s nothing if not comfortable and relaxed to drive, regardless of which model you go for, and while there are more practical cars in this class, the V40, which went off sale in 2019, now feels like a quality car for not a lot of money.
The Volvo V40 has been off sale for a few years now which means even the latest models look like great value given Volvo’s premium image and the car’s distinctive look and feel. It’s a good pick for anyone looking for a Focus or 1-Series sized family car but want something you aren’t as likely to see on every street corner - the V40 was by no means a poor seller, but it was certainly a left-field choice even when new.
The V40’s strengths include distinctive styling, a comfortable interior with a chunky, well-built feel, and a ride/handling balance biased towards the former, making the V40 one of the more comfortable cars of this type. It’s not a car for drivers who like to enjoy a B-road now and then as a result, but it’s one that could lower your heart rate on the commute.
A rising window line can leave the back seats feeling a little gloomy, but actual space is perfectly decent and Volvo’s seats are some of the comfiest around. The engine lineup shouldn’t ruffle your feathers either - Volvo did offer a potent 250PS five-cylinder T5 for a time, but most have modest power and settle for smoothness and economy instead.
If this sounds just a little too subdued for you then the more dynamic handling and thrusting image of the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-Class might be more your thing, while the vast range of model variants of the Volkswagen Golf makes the Volvo V40 range look a little small. If you still like the left-field approach but want to prioritise economy and quality, the Lexus CT 200h could also be worth a look.
If you’ve got the budget for either the T3 petrol or D3 diesel, then you’ll find these models perform better than the entry-level T2 and D2 but lose very little at all in terms of economy. The extra performance isn’t essential (the T2 and D2 are both brisk enough for the needs of most buyers) but it’s nice to have, which makes them our choice. As far as trim levels go, we’d recommend SE trim among earlier V40s, as it was suitably well-equipped, while Inscription is our pick among later cars - unless you can stretch to the chunky Cross Country.
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Volvo shook up the V40’s trim level lineup a few times during its production run between 2012 and 2019, so we’ve focused on the trims available in later cars below, to keep things simple. All were well-equipped, so even the ‘basic’ Momentum comes with plenty of kit, while Inscription had more of a luxury feel, R-Design a more sporting angle, and the Cross Country an off-road inspired look.
The Volvo V40’s dimensions are:
The Volvo V40’s boot size is:
Since April 2017, all models have been subject to a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, which for the 2024/2025 tax year stands at £190 per year for petrol and diesel engines. Some higher-spec variants might cost more though, as the government lays a surcharge on cars that cost more than £40,000 brand new, raising the bill to £600 per year, until the car is seven years old. Pre-April 2017 V40s are taxed on CO2 emissions, meaning the diesels can cost just £20 per year to tax.
You can expect V40 insurance to be closer to other premium cars like the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series than more mainstream hatchbacks like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. The V40 range starts in group 18 and rises to group 25, the latter for a D3 in R-Design trim.
£11,500
£9,745
£16,883
What is the most popular colour for Volvo V40 ?
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What is the average mileage for Volvo V40 ?
43844
How many Volvo V40 cars are available for sale?
32
