Volvo C40 vs Mini Cooper

What's the difference?

VS
Volvo C40
Volvo C40

$49,990 - $72,990

2023 price

Mini Cooper
Mini Cooper

$41,990 - $63,990

2025 price

Summary

2023 Volvo C40
2025 Mini Cooper
Safety Rating

Engine Type
0.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

4
Dislikes
  • Single motor not as good value
  • Seats could be more comfortable
  • Rear seat space compromised

  • Expensive
  • Petrol-powered Minis aren't a great leap forward
  • No manual gearbox availability
2023 Volvo C40 Summary

Throughout its history Volvo has been known for a lot of things. Being a safety leader, dorky but endearing station wagons, ‘bloody Volvo drivers’, and more recently, a trailblazer in minimalist premium design.

The C40 is the first step in a next chapter for Volvo, with the brand wanting to be known next for its leadership in the electric space. For the first time for Volvo, it’s a fully electric offering

But in a world of Teslas, Polestars, and Mercedes Benz EQs, where does the C40 sit, and is it worth considering in an increasingly congested premium small SUV space?

We went to its Australian launch to find out.

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2025 Mini Cooper Summary

Can it be possible that, between 1959 and 2023, there have only been four distinct generations of Mini? 

Besides the 1959 British Motor Corporation (BMC) original, it’s just been a trio of hatchback versions under BMW stewardship – the R50 of 2001, 2006’s R56 and the 2014 F56.

Now, in 2024, that number has suddenly jumped to six. 

The F56 has morphed into the lightly restyled and solely petrol-powered F66 Cooper range in F66 three-door (3DR) and coming F65 five-door (5DR) hatchback guises like before.

Meanwhile, the completely new and electric-only J01 Cooper 3DR joins the fold, along with its J05 Aceman 5DR crossover spin-off.

Despite their shared name and similar styling inside and out, the British-built Cooper and electric Cooper from China are two different cars. You can read all about the latter in another review, as this is about the petrol-powered Cooper range.

More of a thorough makeover and less of a total redesign, has it changed enough? Let’s find out. 

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Volvo C40 2025 Mini Cooper

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