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Audi A3 Sportback vs Volvo EX40 comparison

Compare performance (400 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 45,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Volvo EX40?

Audi A3 Sportback vs Volvo EX40: Key differences

Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably lighter
details

Volvo EX40

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally more power
  • significantly more electric range
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback vs. Volvo EX40: The Battle of Compact and Efficient Cars

As the automotive industry continues to evolve with a focus on efficiency and innovation, two cars stand out as leaders in their respective categories: the Audi A3 Sportback and the Volvo EX40. Both models offer advanced technology and performance but cater to different preferences. In this article, we dive deep into a comparison of these two impressive vehicles, exploring their technical aspects, innovations, and market offerings for 2024.

EX40

Technical Marvels: Powertrains and Efficiency

At the heart of the Audi A3 Sportback is the flexibility of choice with its range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines. With power outputs ranging from 116 HP up to a thrilling 400 HP, the A3 Sportback ensures there's a variant for every driver. It also provides versatility through manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Fuel consumption varies from 4.8 to 9.3 L/100km, and the plug-in hybrid variant boasts an exceptional electric range of up to 143 km with a battery capacity of 19.7 kWh.

In contrast, the Volvo EX40 emphasizes electric efficiency with its all-electric drive options. Offering power from 238 HP to an impressive 408 HP, the EX40 promises a driving experience that is both robust and smooth due to its electric motor capabilities. With an electric range reaching up to 576 km, this SUV is perfect for long-distance travel. What's more, the EX40 boasts a CO2 efficiency class of 'A', with zero emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

A3 Sportback

Performance and Dynamics

Looking at acceleration, the Audi A3 Sportback does not disappoint with its quickest variant hitting 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Top speeds across the range vary, with the fastest reaching a remarkable 250 km/h. The front-wheel and all-wheel-drive systems ensure adaptable handling for different driving preferences and road conditions.

Meanwhile, the Volvo EX40 delivers quick acceleration with its top variant reaching 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Its maximum speed, however, is governed to 180 km/h. The EX40’s all-wheel-drive option and generous torque of 670 Nm provide excellent traction and a comfortable ride across varied terrains, well-suited for SUV enthusiasts.

EX40

Innovative Features and Practicality

The Audi A3 Sportback is known for its compact yet stylish design with dimensions tailored for city life, featuring a length of 4353 mm and width of 1816 mm. It offers a practical trunk capacity of up to 380 L, making it an ideal choice for those who value space alongside performance. The A3 is equipped with cutting-edge technology, combining luxury with a robust drive.

On the other hand, the Volvo EX40’s SUV body type provides a more commanding road presence, with a slightly longer body at 4440 mm. Its trunk capacity of 410 L ensures ample storage opportunities for an active lifestyle. Built with sustainability in mind, Volvo integrates superior materials and the latest in digital technology, making the EX40 as intuitive as it is innovative.

A3 Sportback

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Vehicle

The Audi A3 Sportback and Volvo EX40 both present compelling options, tapping into different needs and lifestyles. The A3 Sportback offers a versatile range of powertrains suited for varied engagement, while the EX40 leans into electric efficiency and a future-forward design. Ultimately, the choice between these two depends on personal preferences for driving experience, sustainability, and features.

Both Audi and Volvo continue to push the boundaries of automotive advancement, ensuring that each journey is not just about reaching the destination, but enjoying every mile along the way.

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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Audi A3 Sportback is substantially cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 18,248 £.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX40 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 576 km, about 435 km more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

EX40

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo EX40 offers marginally more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 42 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Volvo EX40 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX40 delivers visibly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 170 Nm more.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is considerably lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 2,040 kg. The difference is around 680 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo EX40 offers only slightly more boot space – 410 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

Maximum payload is identical – both can carry up to 480 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £45,200
EX40

Volvo EX40

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 477 - 576 km
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Audi A3 Sportback
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

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Reviews Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate

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Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 wraps Scandinavian calm and clever practicality into a compact electric package that feels both premium and refreshingly uncomplicated. It's the grown-up answer to flashier rivals — a safe, comfy, and city-friendly EV with thoughtful tech that makes everyday driving quietly satisfying.

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Reviews Volvo EX40

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Audi A3 Sportback
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption
Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
Price
45,200 - 58,200 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
477 - 576 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
Curb weight
2,040 - 2,170 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
410 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
430 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Audi
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.