Compare performance (197 HP vs 400 HP), boot space and price (36,800 £ vs 27,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Audi A3 Sportback?
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.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
Audi A3 Sportback is markedly cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 36,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,762 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 5.4 L/100km.
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 offers substantially 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.
Looking at top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback is visibly faster – reaching 237 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 57 km/h.
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.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
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.
Looking at boot space, the Volvo XC40 offers moderately more boot space – 452 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 72 L.
For maximum load capacity, the Volvo XC40 offers moderately more capacity – up to 1,328 L, about 228 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.
When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries only slightly more – 532 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 52 kg.
The Audi A3 Sportback stands well ahead of its rival 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 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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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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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
36,800 - 47,200 £
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Price
27,000 - 56,600 £
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Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
134 - 141 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
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co2
147 - 148 g/km
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
54 L
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Fuel tank capacity
40 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
Hatchback
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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
1,688 kg
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Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
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Trunk capacity
452 L
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Length
4,425 mm
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Length
4,352 - 4,353 mm
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Width
1,863 mm
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Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
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Height
1,652 mm
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Height
1,441 - 1,470 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,328 L
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Max trunk capacity
1,100 L
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Payload
532 kg
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Payload
410 - 480 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
163 - 197 HP
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Power HP
116 - 400 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
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Torque
265 - 300 Nm
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Torque
220 - 500 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
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Power kW
120 - 145 kW
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Power kW
85 - 294 kW
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Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,024
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Model Year
2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
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Brand
Volvo
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Brand
Audi
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España