Volvo V40 vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?

Volvo V40

—

2018 price

View pricing & specs

Citroen C3

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Volvo V40

2023 Citroen C3

By Laura Berry

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

5.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Equipment
Design
Space efficiency

Dislikes

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

Price
Sub-par refinement
Ownership costs

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

2023 Citroen C3 Summary

You’re a city dweller on the hunt for a small hatch, but the usual suspects just don’t do it for you. Time for a trip down the urban road less travelled.

The Citroen C3 fits the bill in terms of scale, but brings something extra when it comes to personality. A fun-sized European with the ability to surprise and delight.

It comes at a price, though. So, is the promise of some extra excitement in your motoring life worth it? Read on to find out.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2023 Citroen C3

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 Citroen C3’s plus column contains some big ticket items like a solid standard equipment list, design flair, generous interior space, an eager engine, good safety and a comfy suspension. However, the minus side of the ledger isn’t exactly empty, with entries like steep price, marginal perceived quality, poor cabin storage, sub-par refinement, okay economy, and high ownership costs.

But there’s no doubt this car delivers a different, adventurous take on the city-sized hatch, and for you, that alone may count for more than any of those things.

Volvo V40 vs Citroen C3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo V40 vs Citroen C3
What's the difference?