Volvo V40 (2012 – 2019)

Volvo V40 (2012 – 2019) | Expert Rating

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 an Expert Rating of 57% based on 46 reviews published by the British media.

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 hatchbackEngines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £18,995 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2012Last updated: Summer 2016
Replaced: Summer 2019

Image gallery

autos, cars, volvo, volvo v40, volvo v40 (2012 – 2019)

Volvo V40 Cross Country (2013 – 2019)

Volvo V40 (2012 – 2019)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons 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.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2012“It’s easy to see why the V40 is Volvo’s best-selling model in the UK.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2012Score: 6 / 10“The Volvo V40 is a classy and economical alternative to the Audi A3 Sportback.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2016Score: 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2012Score: 7 / 10“The Volvo V40 is stylish, strong on interior quality and really well equipped, especially when it comes to safety.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: Score: 4 / 10“Apart from a ride height that’s been raised by 40mm, basically all that’s changed from the standard Volvo V40 hatchback is the addition of some shiny roof rails and a dash of black plastic on the lower bumpers and sills.”
Read review

Model reviewed: T3 R-Design (2016)Score: 7 / 10“If you were thinking of buying a V40, there’s now even more reason to do so.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2012Score: 7 / 10“Stylish, practical, economical, refined, even classy… so much of the job with the Volvo V40 is done.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Cross Country D2Score: 6 / 10“The 2.0-litre engine is a big improvement in the D2, but the Volvo V40 Cross Country remains unexceptional in most ways.”
Read review

Business Car

Model reviewed: V40 D2 R-Design Nav PlusScore: 9 / 10“The Volvo V40 D2 is a mature and refined choice with a premium cabin and impressive running costs.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: T5 R-Design Pro PolestarScore: 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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: D4 Geartronic SE Lux NavScore: 6 / 10“There are so many safety devices fitted to this car that it could virtually drive itself.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: D2 R-Design Nav PlusScore: 8 / 10“The Volvo V40 Cross Country has luxury, practicality and efficiency in spades.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Volvo V40 performs very strongly in terms of efficiency, running costs, equipment and cabin quality.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: D2Score: 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.”
Read review

Heycar

Model reviewed: Cross CountryScore: 7 / 10“The smoother ride and attractive styling only add to the appeal of an already accomplished Volvo V40.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: 2012Score: 6 / 10“There’s still plenty to like about the V40 and it’s a more affordable option that its main rivals.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“The Volvo V40 has a stylish design, premium interior and lots of standard safety kit.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.4 / 10“Comfortable old stager that’s still a sound all-rounder”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: “The Volvo V40 feels reassuringly safe. It breeds confidence in you and your car.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Volvo V40 is a premium alternative to the usual German offerings, and better to drive.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design Lux (2013)Score: 6 / 10“Volvo V40 T5 R-Design Lux is simply uncrashable.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10“The Volvo V40 is safe and stylish, but quite small.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: 2016“Volvo’s 2012-vintage family hatchback has only sustained the merest flick of a stylist’s marker.”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10“Volvo hits the premium hatch format on the head: the V40 is an impressive model that’s a genuine Golf rival.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: D4“The firm ride and narrow cabin will put off some buyers – but if you only need a compact hatch for the commute to and from work then this Volvo is as fast and frugal as they come.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2012Score: 6 / 10“This V40 remains one of the Vauxhall’s most popular models.”
Read review

Score: 6 / 10“Smart interior and strong engines, but ride is too firm.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: 2012“The Volvo V40 offers a stylish alternative to mainstream rivals and, while it may not be the best family hatch you can buy, it is one of the safest.”
Read review

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.

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

Buy a used Volvo V40

If you’re looking to buy a used V40, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car

Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Finance a Volvo V40

If you’re looking to finance a used V40, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance.

Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance.

Keyword: Volvo V40 (2012 – 2019)