Compare performance (400 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Volvo XC40?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
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 is significantly cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,905 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 5.4 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback offers considerably more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 203 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3.8 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A3 Sportback delivers noticeably more torque with 500 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm more.
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 clearly lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 328 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries barely more – 532 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 52 kg.
The Audi A3 Sportback 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.
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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The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
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Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
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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
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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co2
148 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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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
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
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Curb weight
1,688 kg
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
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Width
1,863 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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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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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
-
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Max Speed
-
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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
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2026
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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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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España