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Photo of a Volvo V40

Volvo V40

2012: the V40 gives pedestrians an airbag of their own—a world first.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • Mini-MeA road-test nickname for the 2000 wagon, comparing it to a V70 that had shrunk in the dryer.2

At a glance

Engine
Wagon: 1.6–2.0 L I4; hatch: 1.5–2.5 L, EcoBoost/PSA/Drive-E I4 and Volvo I534
Layout
Front-engine, FWD; P1 hatch, Cross Country T5 AWD available3413
Gearbox
Wagon: 5MT, 4/5AT; hatch: 6-speed manual, Powershift or 6/8-speed auto34
Built at
Wagon: NedCar, Born, Netherlands; hatch: Ghent, Belgium; Shah Alam, Malaysia34
Units built
Original 1995–2004 wagon: 423,4913

The story

The 1995–2004 wagon gave way to the V50. The 2012–2019 premium hatch chased BMW and Audi driving dynamics under CEO Stefan Jacoby and introduced the world's first pedestrian airbag.1345

1995: A compact wagon from the NedCar pact19951997: T4 brings 197 hp to the wagon19972000: Phase II: longer, wider, 2.0 L T420002004: 423,491 wagons, then the V5020042012: Geneva comeback, British B-road tuning20122013: Global NCAP rewards pedestrian safety20132015: All Drive-E; 343 Carbon Editions20152016: Thor's Hammer and a new trim hierarchy20162019: Hatchback production ends2019 Volvo 440/460: 1988–1996Volvo 440/460Volvo S40, first generation: 1995–2004Volvo V40 wagon: 1995–2004Volvo V40 wagonVolvo S40, second generation: 2003–2012Volvo V50: 2004–2012Volvo V50Volvo C30: 2006–2013Volvo C30Volvo V40 hatchback (Mk2): 2012–2019Mk2 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones34791221222324
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1988–1996Volvo 440/460
1995–2004Volvo S40, first generation
1995–2004Volvo V40 wagon
2003–2012Volvo S40, second generation
2004–2012Volvo V50
2006–2013Volvo C30
2012–2019Volvo V40 hatchback (Mk2)
1995A compact wagon from the NedCar pact
1997T4 brings 197 hp to the wagon
2000Phase II: longer, wider, 2.0 L T4
2004423,491 wagons, then the V50
2012Geneva comeback, British B-road tuning
2013Global NCAP rewards pedestrian safety
2015All Drive-E; 343 Carbon Editions
2016Thor's Hammer and a new trim hierarchy
2019Hatchback production ends
  1. 1995

    A compact wagon from the NedCar pact

    Unveiled as a compact premium wagon, the V40 was co-developed with Mitsubishi's Carisma and built at NedCar in Born, Netherlands.67

  2. 1997

    T4 brings 197 hp to the wagon

    The 1.9 L turbo T4 made 300 Nm; Australian launch versions paired its 197 hp with a manual gearbox.78

  3. 2000

    Phase II: longer, wider, 2.0 L T4

    Phase II lengthened the wheelbase by 12 mm and widened the front track by 16 mm. The T4 grew from 1.9 to 2.0 L while retaining 197 hp.68

  4. 2004

    423,491 wagons, then the V50

    The original V40 ended its run after 423,491 wagons; the V50 took over in spring 2004.37

  5. 2012

    Geneva comeback, British B-road tuning

    The V40 returned at Geneva as a hatchback. Its dampers were calibrated mainly on British B-roads, chosen as a demanding real-world test.49

  6. 2013

    Global NCAP rewards pedestrian safety

    After a record overall Euro NCAP result and an 88% pedestrian score in 2012, Volvo's pedestrian-protection work won the 2013 Global NCAP Innovation Award.1

  7. 2015

    All Drive-E; 343 Carbon Editions

    MY2016 made Drive-E universal. A 343-car Carbon Edition added a carbon-fiber roof and mirror caps, with T5 gasoline or D4 diesel power.1011

  8. 2016

    Thor's Hammer and a new trim hierarchy

    The hatch adopted Thor's Hammer headlights; the facelift also brought a new nose and Momentum and Inscription trims.412

  9. 2019

    Hatchback production ends

    Production of the second V40 era ended, closing the hatchback's 2012–2019 run.4

Every generation

  • Volvo 440/460
    Volvo 440/4601988–1996
  • Volvo S40, first generation
    Volvo S40, first generation1995–2004
  • Volvo V40 wagon
    Volvo V40 wagon1995–2004
  • Volvo S40, second generation
    Volvo S40, second generation2003–2012
  • Volvo V50
    Volvo V502004–2012
  • Volvo C30
    Volvo C302006–2013
  • Volvo V40 hatchback
    Mk22012–2019

Power over the years

From 89 hp to 254 hp in 16 years.

0100200300 19952000200520102015 hp 1996 · 89 hp · 1.9D wagon1996 · 104 hp · 1.6 wagon1997 · 197 hp · 1.9 L T4 wagon2000 · 197 hp · Phase II 2.0 L T4 wagon2003 · 200 hp · MY2003 T4 wagon2012 · 254 hp · Launch T5 2.5 L hatch2015 · 190 hp · MY2015 D4 Drive-E, 3.3 L/100 km2015 · 245 hp · MY2015 T5 Drive-E2016 · 120 hp · MY2016 D2 Drive-E, 3.2 L/100 km2016 · 152 hp · MY2016 T3 Drive-E2016 · 190 hp · MY2016 T4 Drive-E2016 · 250 hp · T5 Polestar Performance Parts 254 hp Launch T5 2.5 L hatch 89 hp 1.9D wagon
346789101415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1996891.9D wagon
19961041.6 wagon
19971971.9 L T4 wagon
2000197Phase II 2.0 L T4 wagon
2003200MY2003 T4 wagon
2012254Launch T5 2.5 L hatch
2015190MY2015 D4 Drive-E, 3.3 L/100 km
2015245MY2015 T5 Drive-E
2016120MY2016 D2 Drive-E, 3.2 L/100 km
2016152MY2016 T3 Drive-E
2016190MY2016 T4 Drive-E
2016250T5 Polestar Performance Parts

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Wagon S / SE / Sport / Sport Lux / Classic Edition

  • Standard

    Early 1.8i GDI wagon

    1998–2001

    123 hp

  • Standard

    1.8 Bi-Fuel wagon

    120 hp
  • ES / SE / SE Lux hatchback

    Standard

    ES / SE / SE Lux hatchback

    From 2012

  • Kinetic / Momentum / Inscription hatchback

    Standard

    Kinetic / Momentum / Inscription hatchback

    2016

  • Cross Country hatchback

    Special

    Cross Country hatchback

    2013–2019

  • Performance

    T4 wagon

    1997–2004

    197 hp

  • Special

    Signature Edition / Cross Country Signature Edition

    From 2018

  • Performance

    T5 with Polestar Performance Parts

    2016

    250 hp

  • Limited

    Carbon Edition hatchback

    2015

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original wagon: soft curves, a sloping rear hatch and Volvo's V-shaped hood.6
  • Hatchback: a shoulder-line hook curls upward at the back of each rear door.18
  • Early hatchback: a low, wide grille with blade-shaped running lights in the lower front corners.9

Year by year

  1. 2000 wagon Phase II

    Rounder bumpers, clear-glass headlights, clear rear turn signals and flared front fenders distinguish the update.78

  2. 2000 wagon cabin

    The Phase II dashboard is redesigned, with switchgear echoing the V70.6

  3. 2003 wagon exterior

    A black egg-crate grille arrives; SE and Sport Lux gain body-color side moldings and 16-inch alloy wheels.6

  4. 2003 wagon cabin

    A three-spoke steering wheel and a four-dial instrument panel identify the late update.36

  5. 2016 hatchback facelift

    A sharper nose brings Thor's Hammer lights and a black-and-chrome Volvo badge in place of the blue-accent emblem.41920

  6. 2017 R-Design hatchback

    D2 R-Design adds an R-Design logo next to its D2 tailgate badge.20

Don’t confuse it with

  • Volvo C30

    The C30 has 3 doors and a frameless glass hatch; the V40 hatchback has 5 doors.921

  • Volvo S40 (original)

    The original S40 has a sedan trunk; the contemporary V40 has a long wagon roof and a rear hatch.36

  • Volvo V50

    The V50 has a wagon body; the V40 hatchback has 5 doors and a coupe-like roof.91822

Against its rivals

Prices

Value today $7.8K–$12.7K30

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $7,800–$12,740 2000 · $24,475 · US base wagon2000 · $29,825 · US wagon, as tested 2000 · $24,475 · US base price, 2000 model year 2024 · $5,793 · 2014 T5 R-Design, 30,239 km, SellCa2026 · $2,507 · 2019 D4 Inscription, 107,677 km, SellCa2026 · $2,907 · 2019 Cross Country T5 AWD Classic, 67,195 km, SellCa $5.8K SellCa, 2024
2313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2000Launch price$24,475US base price, 2000 model year
2000Price when new$24,475US base wagon
2000Price when new$29,825US wagon, as tested
2024Auction sale$5,7932014 T5 R-Design, 30,239 km, SellCa
2026Auction sale$2,5072019 D4 Inscription, 107,677 km, SellCa
2026Auction sale$2,9072019 Cross Country T5 AWD Classic, 67,195 km, SellCa
2026Value today$7,800–$12,740

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “88% for pedestrians, a Euro NCAP record”
    • “Biodiesel victory after an intercooler change”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Volvo Cars' pioneering work on pedestrian protection wins Global NCAP Innovation Award - Volvo Cars Global news.cision.com
  2. Archive Road Test: 2000 Volvo V40 Wagon caranddriver.com
  3. Volvo S40 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Volvo V40 (2012–2019) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. 2012 Volvo V40 European Spec First Drive - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  6. Volvo V40 Model Year 2003 volvoclub.org.uk
  7. Volvo S40/V40 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  8. Buying a used Volvo S40/V40 (1997-2004) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  9. The All-New Volvo V40 - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  10. Volvo V40 - model year 2016 - Volvo Cars Global news.cision.com
  11. Unieke Volvo V40 Carbon Edition - Volvo Car Nederland news.cision.com
  12. Used Volvo V40 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  13. All-New Volvo V40 R-Design and Cross Country Pricing Announced - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  14. Volvo V40 - model year 2015 - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  15. Volvo V40 T5 with Polestar Performance Parts review - a Swedish hot hatch? | evo evo.co.uk
  16. Prix Volvo V40 restylée (2016) : à partir de 24 340 € - L'argus largus.fr
  17. Volvo propose une nouvelle V40 ultra-équipée avec la V40 Signature Edition - Volvo Car France news.cision.com
  18. The all-new Volvo V40 – Design: Truly Scandinavian luxury look and feel - Volvo Cars Global news.cision.com
  19. Audi A3 Sportback vs Volvo V40 vs Volkswagen Golf | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. Long-term test review: Volvo V40 | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. Volvo C30 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Volvo V50 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Volvo 440/460 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Gran Turismo 7 update 1.48 features 5 new cars, Café Menu, and World Circuit Events – PlayStation.Blog blog.playstation.com
  25. Victory At The Six Hour Race At The Nürburgring | Heico Sportiv heicosportiv.de
  26. Introducing the 'Gran Turismo 7' May Update: Adding 5 New Cars and 'Volvo' Brand! - NEWS - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  27. Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.48 Now Available: Volvo Returns, Five New Cars, New Extra Menu, & New Engine Swaps – GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  28. Used Volvo V40 review - ReDriven redriven.com
  29. Used Volvo V40 Review and Buying Guide (UK) caradvertcheck.co.uk
  30. 915 used Volvo V40 for sale | AskCar askcar.co.uk
  31. [A416988]Ｖ４０ Ｄ４ インスクリプション[10.8万km/2019年式]のオークション実績（2026年7月に成約）[総合評価 : 3.5][内装評価 : B][外装評価 : B] | 中古車を高く売るならセルカ(SellCa) sellca-sellcar.com
  32. [A343749]Ｖ４０ クロスカントリー Ｔ５ ＡＷＤクラシックエディション[6.7万km/2019年式]のオークション実績（2026年4月に成約）[総合評価 : 3.5][内装評価 : B][外装評価 : B] | 中古車を高く売るならセルカ(SellCa) sellca-sellcar.com
  33. [A234293]Ｖ４０ Ｔ５ Ｒデザイン[3.0万km/2014年式]のオークション実績（2024年6月に成約）[総合評価 : 4.5][内装評価 : B][外装評価 : B] | 中古車を高く売るならセルカ(SellCa) sellca-sellcar.com
  • news.cision.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • volvoclub.org.uk
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • carsales.com.au
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • largus.fr
  • blog.playstation.com
  • heicosportiv.de
  • gran-turismo.com
  • gtplanet.net

Photo credits

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