Audi A3 8Y vs Volvo V40 MK1

Audi A3

8Y · 2020 – 2026

The fourth-generation A3 (8Y), on the MQB Evo 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 8Y for the MIB3 cockpit and the 48V 1.5 TFSI — ideally a 35 TFSI.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (1.5, 150 hp, 48V) or 35 TDI (2.0, 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 evo 35 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	8,4 s	7,6 s Winner
Top speed	224 km/h Winner	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	116,3 hp/t	126,7 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	126 g/km	118 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km	4,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A3	Volvo V40
Boot	380 L Winner	335 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L Winner	1.032 L
Wheelbase	2,64 m	2,65 m Winner
Length	4,34 m	4,37 m
Ground clearance	14,0 cm	13,3 cm
Turning circle	11,0 m	10,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.600 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A3	Volvo V40
Platform	MQB Evo (transverse)	P1 (shared with the Ford Focus)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI 48V · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI · 40 TFSI e PHEV	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 6d	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

MIB3 infotainment: software bugs and reboots on early 8Y cars
1.5 TFSI (EA211 evo, 48V): cold-start “kangarooing” on early units
48V mild-hybrid (BSG): belt-starter-generator needs checking on early cars

Volvo V40

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

Pros

Audi A3

MIB3 cockpit with large touchscreen
1.5 TFSI has 48V mild-hybrid and cylinder-on-demand
MQB Evo body is stiffer and lighter than the 8V

Volvo V40

Stylish design and quality interior
High safety
Strong D4 diesel

Cons

Audi A3

Touchscreen-heavy MIB3 controls take getting used to
Manual gearbox only on lower-output versions

Volvo V40

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

Driving experience

Audi A3

Precise, polished and genuinely premium for a compact hatch. Steering is quick and accurate, body control taut, and the A3 feels agile and planted through bends. Front-drive keeps it light and easy, while quattro adds tenacious grip and a more sure-footed feel on the faster versions. The ride is firm but composed, and the cabin stays impressively quiet for the class. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and eager, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 40 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and slick, the manual precise. Overall a refined, tech-rich compact that drives with real poise.

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.