Volvo V40 vs Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: which one is the best value for money?

Although new cars come with the latest technology features, styling and that new-car smell, sometimes you can find used models that ticks all the right boxes for less money. One such vehicle is the Volvo V40, which even though is no longer for sale as a new car, comes with a host of standard equipment and relatively modern styling.

But how does the Scandinavian match up with the likes of the contemporary Audi A3 Sportback or Mercedes-Benz A-Class models in terms of value? We compare the Volvo V40 D4 Momentum Geartronic launched in 2017 with the 2018 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI S-Tronic and the 2017 Mercedes A 200 d Style Line to find out.

Exterior

Upfront on the Audi A3 you will find Xenon headlamps which is an optional item on the Volvo and were not available for the Mercedes-Benz. All three models, however, come with daytime running lights as standard equipment with the Volvo offering the attractive Thor's Hammer design. Down the sides of the Mercedes-Benz and the V40 customers will get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard while the Audi A3 comes standard with 17-inch items.

At the rear, the Audi feature a single chrome exhaust tip while the Mercedes-Benz incorporated a design in the rear bumper to emulate dual exhaust tips. The V40 is the only model to come with aggressive-looking dual exhaust outlets also finished in chrome, and likewise the only to offer a gloss lower-bumper trim piece. 

Interior

All three models come with leather-clad interiors with soft-touch surfaces. Mercedes-Benz customers also had the option of different textured dashboard surfaces, one of the options mimicking carbon fibre. For the driver, the Volvo V40, as well as the Audi A3, incorporates a digital instrument cluster whereas the A-Class retains analogue round dials. 

While both the A-Class and A3 both have 7.0-inch infotainment floating screens, the V40 incorporates its 7.0-inch infotainment screen into the facia design. The A-Class, A3 and V40 offer owners two USB inputs as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Telephony can also be controlled via multifunctional steering wheels. Notable on the A3 is the inductive charging pad for smartphones.

All three come standard with tinted electrically control windows while front heated seats remained optional on all three models. The V40, A3 and the A-Class come with split-folding rear seats, however, the Volvo offer 335-litres of boot space with the seats up. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class offer owners 341-litres while the Audi A3 trumps both with 380-litres.

Powertrain

While the exterior and interior design and trim might have you convinced already on a particular model, let's see how they compare under the bonnet.

	Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI S-Tronic	Mercedes A 200 d Style Line	Volvo V40 D4 Momentum Geartronic
Engine	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel	2.1-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel
Transmission	6-speed, dual-clutch automatic	6-speed manual	8-speed automatic
Power	105 kW	100 kW	140 kW
Torque	320 Nm	300 Nm	400 Nm
0-100 km/h	8.3s	9.3	7.2s
Top speed	218 km/h	210 km/h	230 km/h
Fuel consumption	5.2 L / 100 km	4.1 L / 100 km	4.2 L / 100 km
CO2 emission	114 g/km	99 g/km	104 g/km

*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.diskdrive.co.za

Safety

All three contenders come fitted with ABS brakes with brake assist, however, the Audi and Volvo offer electronic brakeforce distribution as standard equipment. All three models also come fitted with stability control and traction control systems from the respective manufacturers. Even if you still manage to be involved in a collision, all three models offer seven airbags to the vehicle occupants as well as ISOFIX mounting points for child seats.

Conclusion

All three models in this comparison rates highly in terms of standard equipment and style. However, provided that you would be purchasing a used model, some might offer additional extras fitted during the initial specification that might offer even more value for money. However, we are comparing them in their respective standard grades.

In terms of styling, both the Volvo and Audi is closer to the latest renditions of those models whereas the A-Class appears dated when compared to the newest model. However, the Volvo V40 comes finished with more glossy trim and dual exhaust tips as well as 18-inch wheels. While the interior of the Volvo is well-specified, the Audi stand out with a more modern design and features such as the wireless charging pad. 

It is in terms of performance where the Volvo proves dominant over its competitors with more power and torque while retaining low fuel consumption figures. With all three cars rating so closely in all other aspects, this was the deciding factor that makes the Volvo the best value for money offering in this comparison.