Volvo V40 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?

Volvo V40

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2018 price

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Skoda Scala

$24,990 - $39,789

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Volvo V40

2025 Skoda Scala

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.6L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Class-leading interior space
Excellent fuel efficiency
Comfortable and solid on-road

Dislikes

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

Sporadic wireless phone mirroring
Not as fun as its rivals with outputs
Older looking exterior

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 Skoda Scala Summary

The new Skoda Scala brings a trim line-up of just two models and the features list for both have been reshuffled with a little pruning here and a few welcome additions there.

The Select 85TSI on test for this review replaces the former Ambition base variant and offers very competitive pricing considering its European roots.

You would be forgiven, though, if the Skoda Scala was not the first make and model that came to mind in your new hatchback hunt. But with its minor facelift and a boot capacity that rivals medium SUVs, maybe it should be on the list.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2025 Skoda Scala

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 new Skoda Scala Select proves base models can be well-equipped and have a great price tag, which is not always the case at this grade level.

Its driving experience might not be as exciting as some rivals but it’s a great urban dweller nonetheless and it offers really good value overall.

Volvo V40 vs Skoda Scala What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo V40 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?