Verdict
The Facelift is the sharper used buy on paper: it costs RM170,687 against RM173,888, yet brings 245 hp and 350 Nm rather than 180 hp and 240 Nm. That cuts the 0-100 km/h time from 8.5 to 6.3 seconds while retaining the same 6.1 L/100 km rating and 335-litre boot. Malaysian buyers must budget for RM365 annual road tax, however, versus RM90. Its City Safety pedestrian and cyclist detection, collision warning and front parking sensors also make the newer car easier to justify.
Pick the Volvo V40 Mk1 if low annual road tax matters more than outright pace and newer driver-assistance equipment.
Pick the Facelift if you want 65 hp more, a 2.2-second quicker 0-100 km/h time and City Safety technology.
Key differences
- Engine capacity: Volvo V40 Mk1 1,596 cc; Facelift 1,969 cc.
- Output: Volvo V40 Mk1 180 hp and 240 Nm; Facelift 245 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Volvo V40 Mk1 8.5 seconds; Facelift 6.3 seconds.
- Transmission: Volvo V40 Mk1 six-speed dry dual-clutch; Facelift eight-speed conventional automatic.
- Annual road tax: Volvo V40 Mk1 RM90; Facelift RM365.
- Wheels and tyres: Volvo V40 Mk1 16-inch alloys with 205/55R16 tyres; Facelift 17-inch alloys with 225/45R17 tyres.
Mk1
- RM90 annual road tax.
- Lighter 1,453 kg kerb weight.
- Keeps front foglamps.
- 180 hp and 240 Nm trail the Facelift's 245 hp and 350 Nm.
- 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 2.2 seconds slower.
- No City Safety pedestrian/cyclist detection, collision warning, front sensors or auto parking.
Mk1 Facelift
- 245 hp and 350 Nm with a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- City Safety with pedestrian and cyclist detection plus collision warning.
- 17-inch wheels, paddle shifts and front parking sensors.
- RM365 annual road tax versus RM90.
- At 1,521 kg, it is 68 kg heavier.
- Lacks the Volvo V40 Mk1's front foglamps.
What the Mk1 has over the Mk1 Facelift
What the Mk1 Facelift has over the Mk1
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
| 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 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,775/mo | RM1,740/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM4,801 | RM4,751✓ |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM2,945✓ | RM3,303 |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM14.73✓ | RM16.52 |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM39,179✓ | RM42,094 |
| 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 at 5,700 rpm | 245 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 240 Nm at 1,600 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 79 mm × 81.4 mm | 82 mm × 93.2 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 | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
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Mk1 vs Mk1 Facelift FAQ
Is the Volvo V40 Mk1 or Volvo V40 Mk1 Facelift better?
The Facelift is better equipped and substantially quicker, with 245 hp, 350 Nm and a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time. Choose the Volvo V40 Mk1 chiefly for its far lower RM90 annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Facelift costs RM3,201 less than the Volvo V40 Mk1, despite its larger engine, stronger performance and additional safety equipment.
Does the Facelift use more fuel than the Volvo V40 Mk1?
No. Both are rated at 6.1 L/100 km and emit 143 g/km of CO2. The Facelift's annual road tax is higher because it has a 1,969 cc engine rather than a 1,596 cc unit.