Audi A1 vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Volvo V40

—

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2018 Volvo V40

By Matt Campbell

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

5.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

2020 Audi A1 Summary

The Audi A1 2020 range offers something for everyone, and in the case of this particular variant, it’s the one you buy if you want as much grunt and gear as you can get.

It’s the top-of-the-range Audi A1 40 TFSI model, which gets the zestiest engine, the lengthiest equipment list, and offers performance to match some hot-hatches out there. It’s essentially an Audi-ised version of a VW Polo GTI.

This test wasn’t so much about the wow-factor, though. We put it through its paces as an urban runabout to see how it coped as a real-world city car.

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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

2020 Audi A1 2018 Volvo V40

Verdict

If you’re eager for a sporty compact hatchback with premium design and luxury car badges, the Audi A1 40 TFSI is a very, very strong contender. It’s fast, fun, and functional for a little hatchback. It’s just very expensive, and for most people the $10K cheaper 35 TFSI model will tick most of the boxes. I’d recommend you drive it before signing on for the top-spec model.

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.

Audi A1 vs Volvo V40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?