Audi A3 8V vs Volvo V40 MK1

Audi A3

8V · 2012 – 2020

The third-generation A3 (8V), on the MQB platform.

Volvo V40

MK1 · 2012 – 2019

The V40 (MK1), Volvo’s compact hatchback on the P1 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A3

Pick the 8V for the proven 1.5 TFSI and optional quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with the newer MMI.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo V40

Pick the MK1 for a stylish, safe premium hatchback with a strong D4 diesel.

Best engine: The D4 diesel — or the T3 petrol for an affordable entry point.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 1.5 TFSI · Petrol vs D4 2.0 190 · Diesel

	Audi A3	Volvo V40
Power	150 hp	190 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	400 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,2 s	7,6 s Winner
Top speed	220 km/h	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,7 hp/t	126,7 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	116 g/km Winner	118 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,1 L/100km	4,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Volvo V40
Boot	380 L Winner	335 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.220 L Winner	1.032 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,65 m Winner
Length	4,31 m	4,37 m
Ground clearance	13,5 cm	13,3 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m	10,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.600 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Volvo V40
Platform	MQB (transverse)	P1 (shared with the Ford Focus)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.2/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI	1.5 T2/T3 · 2.0 T4/T5 petrol · 1.6/2.0 D2/D3/D4 diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A3

DQ200 DSG service (1.4 TFSI / 1.6 TDI)
Timing-chain tensioner on early EA888 1.8/2.0
Water pump/Haldex (quattro) needs checking

Volvo V40

Early petrols: oil consumption
Diesels: DPF/EGR and timing belt
Electrical gremlins

Pros

Audi A3

Optional quattro drive
1.5 TFSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TDI (150 hp) are the proven picks
Interior materials that wear well

Volvo V40

Stylish design and quality interior
High safety
Strong D4 diesel

Cons

Audi A3

S line suspension rides firmly
Pre-facelift cars lack Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Volvo V40

Smaller boot than rivals (335 litres)
Tight rear bench
Not focused on sharp dynamics

Driving experience

Audi A3

Quiet, precise and easy to drive quickly. The A3 steers accurately with a light, consistent weighting, rides well on its standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. Front-drive versions are neat and predictable; quattro adds strong traction out of corners and on poor surfaces, particularly on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is the pick — smooth, economical and quick enough; the 2.0 TFSI adds real pace; the 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage choice. The S tronic is sharp; the manual is light and precise. Body control is good, though the A3 is tuned more for comfort than for entertainment.

Volvo V40

Composed and secure for a premium hatchback of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.