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Used Car Expert Rating

Volvo V40 (2012 to 2019)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

57
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

60
%
D

Safety Rating:

48
%
D

Eco Rating:

-

Reliability Rating:

76
%
B

Running Costs:

54
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

57
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

60
%
D

Safety Rating:

48
%
D

Eco Rating:

-

Reliability Rating:

76
%
B

Running Costs:

54
%
D

Summary

The Volvo V40 was 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.

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 a 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 said “lives up to Volvo’s premium brand status”. Although refined, many journalists also labelled the V40’s interior as dated, particularly the car’s ageing infotainment, and many reviews explained that rivals had more passenger space in the rear.

Parkers added that rear visibility was poor, but otherwise stated that the V40 had “nicely weighted steering”, “good body control in the bends”, and a range of very quiet and efficient engines that made the hatchback “an excellent all-rounder”.

As of March 2026, the Volvo V40 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%.

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 hatchback
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £18,995

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

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Auto Express

Auto Trader

Business Car

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Carwow

Eurekar

Evo

Fleetworld

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Honest John

Motoring Research

Motors

Parkers

The Sun

The Sunday Times

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: August 2012
Date expired: January 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 75%
Vulnerable road users: 88%
Safety assist: 100%

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Notes on safety rating

The Volvo V40 was originally 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. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually, with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

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.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Volvo V40 has a reliability score that’s better than average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation V40 and the original (pre-2018) version.

If you’re looking at a used Volvo V40, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volvo V40 has received

2018

  • Safest Used Car AwardsSafest 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

Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Audi A3 | BMW 1 SeriesInfiniti Q30 | Lexus CT | Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Volkswagen Golf

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No longer in production, the Volvo V40 is a capable family hatchback commended for its safety, but criticised for its rigid ride comfort.Volvo V40 (2012 to 2019)