Abarth 595 vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?

Abarth 595

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2018 price

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Volvo V40

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2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Abarth 595

2018 Volvo V40

By Tim Robson

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

5.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good engine/chassis combo
Surprising grip levels
Unusual

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Dislikes

Terrible driving position
Ride not great around town
No reversing camera

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

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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2018 Volvo V40 Summary

I miss my old phone. Sure, my new phone has a bigger screen and it’s smarter and faster, but my previous phone was smaller and easier to use, and now when I go to do a screen shot I accidentally hit the volume button every time.

What I really want in a phone is a new version of the old one – and I have a feeling people may feel the same way about the 2018 Volvo V40.

Some time next year the completely new generation V40 is expected to arrive and there will be some things I’ll miss about the old one. So, this really is your last chance to buy a new ‘old’ Volvo V40.

In a last-hurrah review, I road tested the V40 in the Inscription grade with the T4 petrol engine. What’s so 'missable' about it? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Abarth 595 2018 Volvo V40

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

I’m going to miss this V40 like I do my old phone, and for many people this hatch really could really be close to perfect: excellent safety equipment, enjoyable to drive, cool prestige styling and some lo-fi buttons and dials that are far easier to use than swiping a screen. This is your last chance to own an old, new V40.

Abarth 595 vs Volvo V40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Abarth 595 vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?