Verdict
At RM170,687, the Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift is RM3,201 cheaper than the RM173,888 Volvo V40 Mk1, yet its 245 hp/350 Nm 2.0-litre cuts the 0-100 km/h time from 8.5 to 6.3 seconds. Its eight-speed Geartronic, City Safety pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus 17-inch wheels make it the clear pick. Fuel use and CO2 remain identical at 6.1 L/100 km and 143 g/km, while boot space stays at 335 litres. The trade-off is RM365 annual road tax against RM90, and 68 kg extra weight.
Pick the Volvo V40 Mk1 if lower RM90 annual road tax, 68 kg less kerb weight and front fog lamps matter more than performance and newer safety kit.
Pick the Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift if you want 245 hp, a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and City Safety for less purchase money.
Key differences
- Price: Volvo V40 Mk1 RM173,888; Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift RM170,687.
- Engine output: Volvo V40 Mk1 1,596 cc, 180 hp and 240 Nm; Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift 1,969 cc, 245 hp and 350 Nm.
- Performance: Volvo V40 Mk1 does 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches 225 km/h; Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift manages 6.3 seconds and 240 km/h.
- Transmission: Volvo V40 Mk1 has a six-speed dry dual-clutch Powershift; Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift has an eight-speed conventional automatic Geartronic.
- Active safety: Volvo V40 Mk1 has no autonomous braking or collision warning; Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift gets City Safety with pedestrian and cyclist detection plus…
- Running costs and weight: Volvo V40 Mk1 is 1,453 kg with RM90 annual road tax; Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift is 1,521 kg with RM365 annual road tax.
Mk1
- RM275 lower annual road tax.
- 68 kg lighter at 1,453 kg.
- Front fog lamps are fitted.
- RM3,201 more expensive despite 180 hp and 240 Nm.
- Slower 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.3 seconds.
- No City Safety autonomous braking, collision warning, front parking sensors or automatic parking.
Mk1 Facelift
- RM3,201 cheaper to buy.
- 245 hp and 350 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
- City Safety, collision warning, front parking sensors and automatic parking.
- RM365 annual road tax versus RM90.
- 68 kg heavier at 1,521 kg.
- No front fog lamps.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM173,888 | RM170,687✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM365 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,596 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 245 hp✓ |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10.8 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6 Speed Powershift | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 6.1 L/100 km | 6.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 143 g/km | 143 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,369 mm | 4,369 mm |
| Width | 1,802 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,439 mm | 1,439 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,647 mm | 2,647 mm |
| Weight | 1,453 kg | 1,521 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 335 litres | 335 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/55R16 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/55R16 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Electric for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer rear seats | Available on outer rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | City Safety with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Dynamic Bi-Xenon Projectors | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable 8-Way, Memory for Driver | Power Adjustable 8-Way, Memory for Driver |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with CleanZone |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 5" DVD/MP3 Player with 8 Speakers | 7" DVD/MP3 Player with 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
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Mk1 vs Mk1 Facelift FAQ
Is the Volvo V40 Mk1 or Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift better?
The Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift is the better buy: it is RM3,201 cheaper, produces 245 hp and 350 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, and adds City Safety with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo V40 Mk1 costs RM173,888 and the Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift costs RM170,687, so the facelift is RM3,201 cheaper.
Which Volvo V40 has lower road tax?
The Volvo V40 Mk1 has lower annual road tax at RM90. The Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift costs RM365 annually, a RM275 difference caused by its larger 1,969 cc engine.