Volvo V40 vs Audi S3
What's the difference?

Volvo V40

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2018 price

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Audi S3

$73,980 - $98,888

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Volvo V40

2025 Audi S3

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Athletic and sporty in all the right places
Improved engine outputs
Gorgeous cabin space

Dislikes

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

Tiny back seat
Missing some premium features
Lots of road noise

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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2025 Audi S3 Summary

In a world where car upgrades often feel like saying, “Can I upsize that?”, it’s refreshing to hop into the updated Audi S3 Sportback.

The flagship RS 3 may still be the holy grail of hot hatch dreams, but with boosted engine outputs and upgraded tech, the S3 is stepping up.

Is the S3 Sportback the smarter pick over pricier rivals? It delivers serious performance and polish without stretching into RS 3 territory. With fierce competition in the segment, let’s see what this contender brings to the table.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2025 Audi S3

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.

Verdict

The updated Audi S3 Sportback is a fun-sized dynamo with impressive outputs and athletic road manners. It’s missing a few premium features, but its compact size paired with a gutsy engine makes it a compelling option for drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance (just space).

Volvo V40 vs Audi S3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo V40 vs Audi S3
What's the difference?