Used Volvo V40 for sale: everything you need to know
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.
Should you buy a Volvo V40?
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.
What’s the best used Volvo V40 model to buy?
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.
Used Volvo V40 fuel economy and performance
- Volvo V40 T2: There were actually two T2 engines depending on which gearbox you chose. Both made 122PS, but automatics used a 1.5-litre engine, and manuals a 2-litre. Autos went from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and the manual 10.4 seconds, while economy was also better with the auto, at 50.4mpg to 47.9mpg.
- Volvo V40 T3: The 2-litre engine makes another appearance in the T3, but with 152PS. Here the manual got from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and the auto in 8.3, with 47mpg for the manual, 49.6mpg for the auto.
- Volvo V40 D2: With 120PS the V40’s entry-level diesel could get from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds in manual form and a tenth of a second quicker in the auto, while the automatic was once again more efficient, at 62.8mpg to the manual’s 61.4mpg.
- Volvo V40 D3: The more powerful 2-litre diesel developed 150PS. Again the automatic was a tenth quicker to 62mph than the manual, at 8.5 seconds, while economy was identical to the D2 in manual and auto forms.
What used Volvo V40 trim levels are available?
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 Momentum kicks off the V40 range with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, LED headlights, and a 5-inch infotainment screen. Nav Plus adds cruise control and navigation.
- The Volvo V40 Inscription upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital driver display, leather trim, cruise control, navigation, rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
- The Volvo V40 R-Design is the sporty variant of the range, with equipment similar to the Momentum, plus 17-inch alloy wheels and R-Design interior and exterior details. Nav Plus once again adds cruise and navigation, while R-Design Pro trim gets leather trim, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, navigation, and 18-inch alloys.
- The Volvo V40 Cross Country is styled similarly to other Volvo Cross Country models, with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and side scuff plates, twin exhausts, and a silver-finish roof rack. Nav Plus once again adds navigation and cruise control, and Cross Country Pro upgrades to 18-inch wheels, leather trim, navigation, a parking camera, cruise control, and a TFT driver display.
Used Volvo V40 dimensions and boot size
The Volvo V40’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4370mm
- Width: 1783mm (without mirrors), 2041mm (with mirrors)
- Height: 1439mm
- Ground clearance: 121-144mm
The Volvo V40’s boot size is:
- 324-335 litres
- 1021-1032 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)
Used Volvo V40 road tax
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.
How much is it to insure a Volvo V40?
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.
