Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo V40 D3

We hit British roads in the stylish new Golf-rivalling Volvo V40

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volvo V40
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The V40 deserves to be a huge hit. Stunning looks and decent performance combined with safety innovations and low CO2 emissions make it a talented all-rounder. It’s not perfect, and the high pricing and quirky cabin may deter some buyers. But with bags of character and racy R-Design models in the pipeline, it’s set the bar high for new rivals on the way.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's been more than 15 years since Volvo last sold a five-door hatchback in the UK, so the pressure is on for the new V40 to make an impact. It won’t be easy, though, with the new Audi A3, VW Golf and Mercedes A-Class also going on sale later this year.

The V40 would fare well in a beauty contest against its rivals, thanks to its sleek front end and tapered headlights – just like the S60 saloon’s. At the back, the glass section across the boot and curved tail-lamp clusters are inspired by the C30 coupe.

The bold design statements continue inside, most specifically with the floating centre console. The dashboard layout is a little cluttered, but plush materials and sturdy build quality make up for it.

This is a well equipped car: the entry-level ES gets Bluetooth, climate control and Volvo’s City Safety auto braking system as standard. Further eye-catching features include the beautiful frameless rear-view mirror and colourful TFT crystal dials – although the latter cost £350, even on top-spec versions.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

i3

2022 BMW

i3

13,389 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £14,490
View i3
Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

10,904 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £28,497
View Model Y
MG3

2022 MG

MG3

20,872 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £9,610
View MG3
i10

2011 Hyundai

i10

34,000 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £4,200
View i10

There are areas where styling chic compromises practicality, though. A sloping roofline makes rear headroom for six-footers quite tight, and while the boot has a clever £100 optional false floor, the capacity could be more generous – it’s only 335 litres.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our car’s 2.0-litre D3 will be the most popular engine choice after the sub-100g/km D2, and on the road it doesn’t disappoint. On cold starts it’s not as refined as one of VW’s TDIs, but the car quickly settles to a refined cruise.

With 148bhp and 350Nm of torque from a mere 1,500rpm, it feels really responsive in-gear, and quick bursts of acceleration are rewarded with a five-cylinder exhaust warble. The six-speed gearbox has a long yet accurate throw, and although the steering is not as communicative as in some rivals, it’s weighty and direct.

The V40 is the last all-new Volvo that will use Ford underpinnings – but as it shares its chassis with the Focus, it handles very well. Body roll is controlled, and on the demanding Welsh roads of our test route the D3 showed a remarkable resistance to ruts and bumps, shielding the driver from all but the worst imperfections.

Yet the most impressive thing (certainly for fleet buyers) is that, thanks to stop-start and regenerative brakes, even this sporty diesel emits only 114g/km and returns a claimed 65.7mpg.

Such figures make the V40 a hugely attractive alternative to mainstream hatches – and Volvo is rightly expecting strong sales.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,826
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
16 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025