Two cars, one duel: Audi A3 Sportback meets Volvo XC40.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!
In the world of compact cars, few can match the flair and innovation of the Audi A3 Sportback and the Volvo XC40. Both vehicles, crafted by renowned European automakers, bring distinct qualities to the table. We dive into a detailed comparison, examining their technical prowess and innovative features.
The Audi A3 Sportback embodies the quintessential hatchback profile with a length of up to 4381 mm, a width of 1851 mm, and a height that peaks at 1470 mm. It's a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that easily stands out in urban environments.
Contrastingly, the Volvo XC40 offers a more robust and commanding presence in the form of an SUV. Measuring 4425 mm in length, 1863 mm in width, and 1652 mm in height, the XC40 is designed to be as intimidating as it is stylish.
The Audi A3 Sportback presents a diverse array of powertrains, ranging from a 150 HP petrol engine to a whopping 400 HP engine, with hybrid options enhancing its lineup. This variety allows for a mix of performance and efficiency, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration ranging from 3.8 to 10.1 seconds.
On the other hand, the Volvo XC40 simplifies the choice with two petrol MHEV engines producing 163 and 197 HP. With its automatic, front-wheel drive system, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a respectable 7.6 to 8.6 seconds. The XC40 focuses on a balanced performance, with a maximum speed capped at 180 km/h, reflecting Volvo's commitment to safety.
The Audi A3 Sportback displays impressive fuel efficiency, consuming as low as 4.8 L/100km and offering plugin hybrid variants that can run up to 143 km purely on electric power. It stands as a great choice for environmentally conscious drivers, with CO2 emissions as low as 6 g/km.
Volvo's XC40, while slightly less efficient with a consumption of 6.5 L/100km, commits to reducing emissions across its lineup. Its CO2 emissions range from 147 to 148 g/km, classifying it under the E efficiency label.
The Audi A3 Sportback and Volvo XC40 both seat five passengers, ensuring comfort and ample space within their sophisticated interiors. Audi offers trunk capacity options ranging from 280 to 380 liters, adapting its space to suit varying needs.
Volvo's XC40 tops its competitor with a 452-liter trunk capacity, coupled with an impressive payload capacity of 532 kg, making it ideal for families and long trips.
Both the Audi A3 Sportback and Volvo XC40 are magnificent examples of European automotive ingenuity, each appealing to different facets of the driving experience. The Audi A3 Sportback dazzles with its variety and efficiency, while the Volvo XC40 offers robust safety and space in a compact SUV package.
Ultimately, the choice between these two comes down to personal preference: Opt for the A3 Sportback if you crave diversity and innovation, or settle with the XC40 for its robust design and safety-first approach.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Audi A3 Sportback has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26800 £, while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £. That’s a price difference of around 9934 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 5.40 L per 100 km.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback has a significantly edge – offering 400 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 203 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 3.80 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback performs noticeable better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: Audi A3 Sportback pulls clearly perceptible stronger with 500 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm difference.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is noticeable lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 328 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Volvo XC40 offers a bit more room – 452 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 72 L.
In maximum load capacity, the Volvo XC40 performs barely noticeable better – up to 1328 L, which is about 128 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.
When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 barely noticeable takes the win – 532 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 52 kg.
The Audi A3 Sportback proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Audi A3 Sportback is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
@ Audi AG
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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@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
@ Audi AG
The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.
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@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
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@ Audi AG
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@ Volvo Cars
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Costs and Consumption |
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|---|---|
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Price
26800 - 56600 £
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Price
36800 - 47200 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
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Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
134 - 141 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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co2
147 - 148 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Fuel tank capacity
54 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
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Curb weight
1688 kg
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
452 L
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Length
4352 - 4381 mm
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Length
4425 mm
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Width
1816 - 1851 mm
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Width
1863 mm
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Height
1415 - 1470 mm
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Height
1652 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 L
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Max trunk capacity
1328 L
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Payload
410 - 480 kg
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Payload
532 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 400 HP
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Power HP
163 - 197 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
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Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Torque
220 - 500 Nm
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Torque
265 - 300 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 294 kW
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Power kW
120 - 145 kW
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Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
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Engine capacity
1969 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
Volvo
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The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.
The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.
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