Summary
The Volvo V40 is a five-door family-sized hatchback that was a leftfield upmarket alternative to the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf. The V40’s production cycle came to an end in 2019, and the Volvo range has not featured a hatchback since (although technically the new all-electric C40 is a replacement).
Available as a diesel or a petrol car, and fitted with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, the Volvo V40 received its mid-life facelift in 2016, which consisted of tech upgrades and interior tweaks. A crossover-style spin-off model called the V40 Cross Country arrived a year after the standard model in 2013, with SUV-style body cladding, bigger wheels and increased ride height.
Throughout its lifespan, the V40 was commended by reviewers for its excellent safety standards and high-quality interior trim, which Auto Express says “lives up to Volvo’s premium brand status”. Although refined, many journalists also label the V40’s interior as dated, particularly the car’s ageing infotainment, and many reviews explain that rivals have more passenger space in the rear.
Parkers adds that rear visibility is poor, but otherwise states that the V40 has “nicely weighted steering”, “good body control in the bends”, and a range of very quiet and efficient engines that makes the hatchback “an excellent all-rounder”.
No longer on sale, the Volvo V40 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 64%.
V40 highlights
- Plenty of safety equipment as standard
- A refined and comfortable interior
- Capable long distance cruiser
- Upmarket exterior styling
V40 lowlights
- Rather harsh suspension
- Cramped rear seating
- Dated infotainment
- Top-spec models get pricey
Key specifications
Body style: Medium hatchback
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £18,995 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2012
Last updated: Summer 2016
Replaced: Summer 2019
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed:
“Volvo has a winner here. The V40 is a car that really should be considered by ‘premium’ buyers.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2012
“It’s easy to see why the V40 is Volvo’s best-selling model in the UK.”
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Model reviewed: 2012
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volvo V40 is a classy and economical alternative to the Audi A3 Sportback.”
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Model reviewed: 2016
Score: 6 / 10
“While the V40 is a match for its class rivals in terms of style and handling, it can’t match the best for practicality.”
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Model reviewed: V40 SE Lux automatic (2015)
Score: 6 / 10
“While this new 1.5-litre T3 petrol auto Volvo V40 model is good, it’s pricey against rivals like the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3 – cars that offer a more premium feel and badge.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The Volvo V40 is stylish, strong on interior quality, and really well equipped, especially when it comes to safety.”
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Model reviewed: 2012
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volvo V40 is stylish, strong on interior quality and really well equipped, especially when it comes to safety.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: V40 D2 R-Design Nav Plus
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volvo V40 D2 is a mature and refined choice with a premium cabin and impressive running costs.”
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Car
Model reviewed: T5 R-Design Pro Polestar
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volvo V40 Polestar’s spikey front end lends itself to a bit of fun if you’re in a playful mood and you can’t deny the V40’s leftfield charm.”
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Model reviewed: D4 Geartronic SE Lux Nav
Score: 6 / 10
“There are so many safety devices fitted to this car that it could virtually drive itself.”
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Model reviewed: Cross Country D2 (2013)
Score: 6 / 10
“You’d have to be sorely tempted by the V40 Cross Country’s butch styling to spend an extra £1000 on one over the commendable standard car.”
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Model reviewed: V40 R-Design (2013)
Score: 8 / 10
“R-Design trim enhances the V40’s styling without ruining the ride: we give the thumbs up to the quarter of UK buyers who’ll opt for it.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volvo V40 Cross Country is comfortable to sit in, has lots of standard kit and the diesel engines are brisk and very efficient.”
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Model reviewed: D2 R-Design Nav Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo V40 Cross Country has luxury, practicality and efficiency in spades.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo V40 performs very strongly in terms of efficiency, running costs, equipment and cabin quality.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The Volvo V40 is a comfortable hatchback, with a version to suit most drivers and impressive safety kit.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Cross Country
“The Volvo V40 Cross Country stands out from other trims in the range thanks to its unique look, with more ground clearance, a front skid plate, silver roof rails and side scuff plates.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed:
“The Volvo V40 offers a mix of Scandinavian design, high-tech safety features and all-round versatility; and comes loaded with goodies buyers now expect as standard in premium-brand cars.”
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Model reviewed:
“The Volvo V40 is a premium hatchback in the same class as the Audi A3 and much of the time is as good to drive.”
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Evo
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Smaller and less engaging than a Volkswagen Golf, the Volvo V40 has style and safety as its key strengths.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: D4
“While the V40 D4 isn’t the most focused driving machine in its class, it ticks a lot more boxes than before.”
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Model reviewed: V40 D2 SE Lux
“The V40 has all the right ingredients to be a great premium hatchback – it drives well, it’s efficient and well-equipped too.”
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Model reviewed: Cross Country
“There’s not really any reason to choose this Cross Country version over a standard V40 if you’re being entirely rational about it, but it’s a good-looking thing, redolent of all those excellent, chunky Volvos that manfully contend with the great outdoors, and it’s efficient too.”
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Model reviewed:
“Low running costs are not enough to set the Volvo V40 apart from its competitors, but its high quality, feel-good interior gives it an appeal missing in its German rivals.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: D2
Score: 9 / 10
“The all-new Volvo V40 is – at last – the company’s contender in the vital C-segment hatchback class, and in the case of the D2 it combines low emissions of just 94g/km CO2 and 78.5mpg with an upmarket feel.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Cross Country
Score: 7 / 10
“The smoother ride and attractive styling only add to the appeal of an already accomplished Volvo V40.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 5 / 10
“The Volvo V40 is very pleasant to drive, refinement is impressive and the engines offer a good balance of performance and economy.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: 2012
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s still plenty to like about the V40 and it’s a more affordable option that its main rivals.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Cross Country T5
“With 245hp on tap and all-wheel drive, the Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 could – at a push – be the thinking man’s Subaru WRX STI.”
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Motors
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volvo V40 has a stylish design, premium interior and lots of standard safety kit.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Comfortable old stager that’s still a sound all-rounder”
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The Sun
Model reviewed:
“The Volvo V40 feels reassuringly safe. It breeds confidence in you and your car.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo V40 is a premium alternative to the usual German offerings, and better to drive.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“This car scored a whopping 98% in independent safety tests for adult occupancy. The highest score of any car in history.”
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Model reviewed: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design Lux (2013)
Score: 6 / 10
“Volvo V40 T5 R-Design Lux is simply uncrashable.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volvo V40 is safe and stylish, but quite small.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: 2016
“Volvo’s 2012-vintage family hatchback has only sustained the merest flick of a stylist’s marker.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“Volvo hits the premium hatch format on the head: the V40 is an impressive model that’s a genuine Golf rival.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The Volvo V40 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2012 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2018 and is no longer valid.
The V40 did win many awards throughout its life cycle for safety, and remains an excellent choice for safety as a used car compared to similar vehicles.
Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Volvo V40 pre-dated Green NCAP by several years, so it was not tested during its life cycle.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 53
Average repair cost: £565.66
Last updated: January 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Volvo V40 has a reliability score that’s better than average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation V40 and the original (pre-2018) version.
Over a third of all reported problems with the V40 relate to its suspension, although the average repair bill is only about £200. Other areas to look out for are the braking and electrical systems, although the average bills for these are again fairly low. Be aware of engine problems, however, – although rare, they are expensive with an average repair bill of more than £1,400.
If you’re looking at a used Volvo V40, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo V40 has received
2018
- Safest Used Car Awards – Safest Used Car
2017
- Safest Used Car Awards – Safest Used Car
2016
- Safest Used Car Awards – Safest Used Car
2013
- Auto Express Awards – Safest Car
- Carsite Awards – Car of the Year + Best Medium Family Car
2012
- Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Executive Hatch
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Volvo V40, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Audi A3 | BMW 1 Series | Infiniti Q30 | Lexus CT | Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Volkswagen Golf
Buy a used Volvo V40
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