The Volvo V40, produced from 2012 to 2019, is a popular premium hatchback known for its safety features and Scandinavian design. This guide provides an overview of the fuel economy across various V40 models, offering insights into real-world performance for UK drivers.
It’s important to note that while the factory numbers may seem promising, the real-world MPG often comes in much lower, due to driving style, conditions, and other factors. We account for this in the table that we have produced. Without further delay, how many MPG does the Volvo V40 get?
Volvo V40 fuel economy guide (all base models)
| Model | Engine (L) | Transmission | Official MPG | CO₂ (g/km) | Real MPG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2 (early) | 1.6L diesel | Manual | 78.5 mpg (NEDC) | 94 | ~60–65 mpg | Highly efficient; great for motorway use. Source |
| D2 (later) | 2.0L diesel | Manual | 56.5 mpg (WLTP) | 94 | ~50 mpg | WLTP figures more realistic than NEDC. Source |
| D3 | 2.0L diesel | Manual/Auto | 65.7 mpg (NEDC) | 113 | ~50 mpg | Good balance of power and economy. Source |
| D4 | 2.0L diesel | Manual | 74.3 mpg (NEDC) | 99 | ~50 mpg | Surprisingly frugal for its performance. Source |
| T2 | 1.5L or 2.0L petrol | Manual | 51.4 mpg (NEDC) | 124 | ~41 mpg | Entry-level petrol option. Source |
| T3 | 1.5L or 2.0L petrol | Manual/Auto | 46.3–53.3 mpg (NEDC) | 124–137 | ~41 mpg | Popular petrol pick. Source |
| T5 | 2.0L petrol | Auto | 47.9 mpg (NEDC) | 137–149 | ~35 mpg | More power, less economy. Source |
Owner’s insight
I currently own a Volvo V40 R-Design 1.6 D2 with a stage 1 remap, which has a fuel economy around 10% higher than the base model’s.
I average around 35 – 45MPG around town (if I’m conservative) and around 60 – 70MPG on the motorway. However, I don’t drive it with fuel efficiency in mind.
Real-world fuel economy: what to expect
Real-world fuel economy often falls short of official figures due to factors like driving style and conditions. On average, drivers can expect:
Diesel models: 45–55 mpg
Petrol models: 35–45 mpg
These figures provide a realistic expectation for daily driving scenarios.
What affects real-world fuel economy?
While the official MPG figures for the Volvo V40 paint a promising picture, it’s important to understand that actual fuel economy varies widely depending on how and where you drive. Urban commuters often see lower returns, especially in T-series petrol models where stop-start traffic and short trips prevent engines from reaching optimal efficiency. Conversely, motorway drivers can squeeze out impressive figures from diesel variants like the D2 and D4—especially when sticking to eco-driving techniques and keeping the car well-maintained.
Tyre pressure, air filter condition, and even the weight of cargo can have a noticeable impact. It’s also worth noting that models tested under the older NEDC cycle tend to have more optimistic ratings than those under the newer, stricter WLTP testing. If you’re considering a used Volvo V40, checking real-world MPG reported by owners can give a much clearer idea of what to expect at the pumps.
Estimated cost to fill a Volvo V40 (based on May 2025 UK fuel prices)
| Model | Engine (L) | Fuel Type | Average Fuel Price (pence/litre) | Tank Size (litres) | Estimated Cost to Fill (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2 (early) | 1.6L | Diesel | 140.81p | 52 | £73.22 |
| D2 (later) | 2.0L | Diesel | 140.81p | 52 | £73.22 |
| D3 | 2.0L | Diesel | 140.81p | 52 | £73.22 |
| D4 | 2.0L | Diesel | 140.81p | 52 | £73.22 |
| T2 | 1.5L / 2.0L | Petrol | 133.84p | 52 | £69.60 |
| T3 | 1.5L / 2.0L | Petrol | 133.84p | 52 | £69.60 |
| T5 | 2.0L | Petrol | 133.84p | 52 | £69.60 |
Note: Estimated costs are calculated by multiplying the tank size by the average fuel price per litre, then dividing by 100 to convert pence to pounds.
Fuel fill-up costs explained
While fuel economy figures tell you how far your Volvo V40 can travel on a gallon, it’s just as important to understand what a full tank will cost you in real terms. Using average UK pump prices as of May 2025—133.84p per litre for petrol and 140.81p for diesel—we’ve calculated the approximate cost to brim each variant of the V40.
All Volvo V40 models share a 52-litre fuel tank, so the differences in cost come down entirely to fuel type. Diesel versions like the D2, D3 and D4 currently cost around £73.22 to fill from empty, whereas petrol models like the T2, T3 and T5 come in slightly lower at £69.60 per tank.
Of course, these numbers are just a snapshot—actual costs will vary depending on how low your tank is before refuelling, regional price differences, and any supermarket or loyalty card discounts. But as a general guide, it helps paint a clearer picture of what running a Volvo V40 looks like day to day.
If you’re trying to decide between a petrol or diesel model, this small but regular difference in fuel cost may tip the scales—especially for drivers covering higher annual mileage.
Final word
The Volvo V40 offers a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. Diesel variants are ideal for long-distance drivers seeking fuel efficiency, while petrol models cater to urban commuters. Understanding both official and real-world fuel economy figures can help prospective buyers make informed decisions.
