Volvo V40 vs Volkswagen Polo
What's the difference?

Volvo V40

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2018 price

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Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Volvo V40

2026 Volkswagen Polo

By Laura Berry

By Byron Mathioudakis

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

The fact it still exists – thank you, VW
Solid, quality German engineering
Safe and dynamic driving experience

Dislikes

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
Some turbo/DCT lag
Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads

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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2026 Volkswagen Polo Summary

The Volkswagen Polo is about to turn 30 in Australia but, by 1996, it was already 21-years and three generations old in Europe.

As the least-expensive jumping-on point for the brand here today (RIP VW Up!), the Polo has deftly juggled affordability with the premium pricing that its German engineering demands.

But, at nine-years old, and in an era of newer, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) and often cheaper alternatives from China and elsewhere, is the ageing Polo as convincing?

We test the mid-spec CityLife to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Volvo V40 2026 Volkswagen Polo

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 VW Polo may be getting old, but it still shines on a number of fronts, including design, interior packaging and presentation, driving sophistication, efficiency and quality.

But, the ride can be too firm and the turbo/DCT lag frustrating, it is also expensive and not fully equipped enough in CityLife grade as tested, undermining the German’s value-for-money equation somewhat.

Haggle hard, though, and you’ll end up with a fine and mature urban hatch.

Volvo V40 vs Volkswagen Polo What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo V40 vs Volkswagen Polo
What's the difference?