Volvo V40 vs Hyundai I30
What's the difference?

Volvo V40

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2018 price

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Hyundai I30

$23,888 - $62,724

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Volvo V40

2025 Hyundai I30

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Impressive features list
Value for money
Drive incredibly well

Dislikes

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

Dual-clutch transmission gets confused in stop/start traffic
Shorter servicing intervals
Some safety tech is intrusive

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 Hyundai I30 Summary

The Hyundai i30 sees an update for the 2025 model line and the base N Line variant gets the best of the new stuff, including a new mild-hybrid powertrain.

This might mean trouble for its nearest rivals, the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Kia Cerato, because the update makes the N Line one of the better base-model hatches to come out in recent years for its segment.

In this review, we see how it also handles urban life!

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2025 Hyundai I30

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 Hyundai i30 N Line doesn’t look like or perform like a base model.

You really do get bang for your buck here with its features. It’s a good-looking hatch that’s fun to drive in the city or open road and while the multimedia system is basic and occupants will be squished in the rear row, everything else is a big plus.

Volvo V40 vs Hyundai I30 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo V40 vs Hyundai I30
What's the difference?