Volvo V40 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?

Volvo V40

—

2018 price

View pricing & specs

Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Volvo V40

2018 Holden Astra

By Laura Berry

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

5.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Dislikes

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

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

2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2018 Holden Astra

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 Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

Volvo V40 vs Holden Astra What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo V40 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?