Hyundai Ioniq vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?

Hyundai Ioniq

$19,395 - $42,950

2021 price

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Volvo V40

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2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2021 Hyundai Ioniq

2018 Volvo V40

By Tom White

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Turbo 4, 2.0L

Vehicle type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

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5.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

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Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Well-tuned electric drive
Range is about right
Excellent energy consumption

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Dislikes

Feels very heavy
Design won't be for everyone
Still a little too pricey for mass adoption

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Summary

Hyundai's Ioniq range is nothing if not a flex in the face of Toyota.

Sure, Toyota has a dominating position in the Australian market, with its well-received range of hybrid models, but what happens after hybrid? Hyundai takes on the blocky Prius formula with not only a directly competing hybrid model, but a plug-in and a fully electric version, too.

This expansive range is as though Hyundai is trying to demonstrate it's ready for any future, near or far, and guess what, Toyota? Anything you can do; the Korean juggernaut thinks it can do better.

These cars aren't really designed to sell so much as they are offerings for early adopters, but a few years after its launch, with a host of rivals set to take it on, and an entire sub-brand based on the Ioniq just around the corner, is Hyundai's top-spec Ioniq electric worth a look? I took one for a week to find out.

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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

2021 Hyundai Ioniq 2018 Volvo V40

Verdict

Just like the Kona EV, Hyundai's Ioniq is still one of the best EV options on the market today. It strikes an excellent balance by offering significantly more range and better energy consumption than the more affordable Nissan Leaf or MG ZS EV, while providing the familiarity of the Hyundai spec and drive experience at a price only a little higher than a top-spec Prius.

Its relatively high score is a product of these factors, but also the way in which its interactivity offers the early adopters the engagement they will be searching for.

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.

Hyundai Ioniq vs Volvo V40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Ioniq vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?