Volvo V40 vs Honda Civic
What's the difference?

Volvo V40

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2018 price

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Honda Civic

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2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Volvo V40

2025 Honda Civic

By Laura Berry

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

4.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Impressive driving dynamics
Truly frugal powertrain
Svelte exterior styling

Dislikes

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

Engine sounds harsh under heavy acceleration
Cabin tech fiddly and hard to quickly understand
Middle seat in the back mostly ornamental

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 Honda Civic Summary

I’m just going to cut to the chase here. This Honda Civic hybrid is a good car. A great one, even.

But for some reason, nobody is really buying it. And it’s not just because it’s not an SUV – it has been outsold in its segment this year by the the BMW 1 Series, the Mercedes A-Class, the MG4 EV, and the VW Golf. Premium and non-premium alike, they’ve all got the little Honda licked.

So, what’s going on? A CarsGuide investigation is required. Stick around and we’ll try to figure this out together.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2025 Honda Civic

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

Talk about your new-car unsung heroes – I can't believe Honda's not selling more of these. So, if you can get over the price, and you worry it might be too small for you, I encourage you to check the Civic out. The back seat and boot are both bigger than you might expect, and the drive experience leaves most SUVs in the rear view mirror.

Volvo V40 vs Honda Civic What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo V40 vs Honda Civic
What's the difference?