Volvo V40 vs Audi A3

What's the difference?

VS
Volvo V40
Volvo V40

2018 price

Audi A3
Audi A3

$50,600 - $60,200

2025 price

Summary

2018 Volvo V40
2025 Audi A3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.6L/100km (combined)

5.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Small boot
  • Limited rear legroom
  • No Apple CarPlay

  • Ride is a bit stiff
  • Back seat is tight
  • Lacks some modern features
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.

View full pricing & specs
2025 Audi A3 Summary

Can a hatchback still be a fun and fashionable way to get around when the SUV has become such a status trend?

The facelifted Audi A3 certainly makes a case for it.

The refreshed 2025 A3 is, as Audi puts it, more competitive than before when it comes to not only value but also, you might agree, style.

Last year, before the update even arrived, the A3 sold almost as well as its Volkswagen Golf corporate sibling. In fact, it’s Audi’s third most popular model behind the Q3 and Q5 SUVs.

It’s also third in its segment of ‘Small cars under $40,000’, behind only the MG4 electric car and, you guessed it, the VW Golf.

As such, it also outsells its actual closest rivals the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, both of which are close to the A3 on price.

Now that it’s been given a bit more razzle dazzle, let’s see if the A3 can keep that momentum going.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2025 Audi A3

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