Volkswagen Golf vs Hyundai I40
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Golf

$38,690 - $71,990

2026 price

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Hyundai I40

$10,250 - $13,999

2018 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 5D Hatch

Mini Cooper

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Golf

2018 Hyundai I40

By James Cleary

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Diesel Turbo 4, 1.7L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

5.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Practicality

Impressive ride and handling
Diesel engine provides plenty of oomph
Roomy

Dislikes

Value
Ownership costs
Average warranty

Tiny display screen
No AEB
Tyre noise

2026 Volkswagen Golf Summary

Eight generations over more than half a century qualifies the Volkswagen Golf as an automotive icon, standing on the shoulders of its original beetle-shaped ancestor.

It remains one of the world’s favourite cars and this 110TSI Life version is the entry-point to the local model line-up, the latest ‘8.5’ version of which arrived here just over 12 months ago.

It sits in a hotly contested small-car category, appealing to those with a preference for a conventional hatch and pure internal-combustion power.

In an automotive world now dominated by increasingly electrified SUVs, we spent a week behind the wheel to see how it shapes up as an urban specialist with occasional open road ability.

@carsguide.com.au 2026 VW Golf’s practicality perk revealed! The Volkswagen hatchback might not be as popular as rivals like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Mazda3 or Kia K4, but it wins when it comes to useful features like this neat centre console arm rest! #volkswagen #golf #hatchback #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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2018 Hyundai I40 Summary

A wagon and not an SUV, eh? Respect. You see, when most people now think of a new car they think of an SUV, especially when they want something with a bit of cargo space. But not you.

And for thinking outside the box you’ll be rewarded with something that’s better to drive than most SUVs – like the Hyundai i40 Tourer in the Active grade and a diesel engine we’ve road tested here.

So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this Korean wagon, and should you wait or buy it now? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Golf 2018 Hyundai I40

Verdict

Like the generations that preceded it, the current VW Golf 8.5 is a high-quality, comfortable and efficient small car. Add in good looks, space-efficiency, thoughtful practicality as well as class-competitive safety and you have the makings of a compelling package. The potential sticking point is this entry-level 110TSI Life’s value proposition in terms of included features relative to its purchase price and ongoing cost of ownership.

Verdict

The i40 Tourer in the Active grade is great to drive, it’s practical, and should be low-cost to run. But you can bet the new version, due to arrive soon, will be, too. If you can wait, it's a safe bet the new i40 Tourer will have an updated look, improved safety equipment and retain all the good points of the previous model.

Volkswagen Golf vs Hyundai I40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Golf vs Hyundai I40
What's the difference?