Volvo V40 Review
2017-2023
The Volvo V40 (Facelift Series) is Kenya's premier Scandinavian compact hatchback and Cross Country wagon. Famous for pioneering world-class safety layouts—including City Safety autonomous braking and pedestrian airbags—the V40 features Thor's Hammer LED headlights, frameless rearview mirror, floating center console, and plush leather upholstery. Powered by 1.5L T2/T3 Petrol, 2.0L T4/T5 Petrol, and 2.0L D2/D4 Clean Diesel Drive-E engines, all variants qualify for Kenya's standard 25% excise tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Pioneering Scandinavian safety suite: City Safety auto-braking, blind spot BLIS, and pedestrian protection.
- Sub-1,500 cc duty advantage on 1.5L T3: Qualifies for KRA's lower customs tax valuation tier.
- 23.5 km/L D4 clean diesel efficiency: 400 Nm torque delivers sports-hatch acceleration with low fuel costs.
- Thor's Hammer LED headlights & floating console: Distinctive interior and exterior styling.
What’s not so good
- Compact 335 L boot space: Smaller cargo capacity than a Volkswagen Golf or Mazda Axela.
- Low 144 mm ground clearance on standard hatch: V40 Cross Country (156 mm) recommended for rough estate roads.
Most popular: V40 T3 / T4 R-Design / D2 / D4 Cross Country
5 doorsPetrol, DieselAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Volvo V40 & V40 Cross Country
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Premium Compact Hatchback / Lifted Wagon
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol (Drive-E), Clean Diesel (D4)
- Engine sizes
- 1,498 cc (1.5L T3) / 1,969 cc (2.0L T4 / D2 / D4)
- Transmission
- 6/8-Speed Geartronic Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or AWD (Cross Country)
- Ground clearance
- 144 mm (Standard) / 156 mm (Cross Country)
- Source market
- UK / Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 18.2 km/L (1.5L T3) / 23.5 km/L (2.0L D4 Clean Diesel). Tank: 62 L (about 1128 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,513 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,081 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 12,470
- Full tank (62 L)
- KES 14,072
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
Momentum / Inscription / R-Design
- Setup
1.5L 4-cylinder turbo (152 hp / 250 Nm), 6-speed Geartronic, FWD, returning 18.2 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
Low KRA import duty, punchy torque, and luxury leather interior.
Package tiers
V40 trim levels range from elegant Momentum models to luxury Inscription, sporty R-Design, and lifted Cross Country editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Momentum | Executive base | Thor's Hammer LED headlights, City Safety, fabric/leather seats, 7-inch display, and 16-inch alloys. |
| Inscription | Executive luxury | Nappa leather, digital instrument cluster, power seats with memory, and 17-inch Ixion alloys. |
| R-Design / Cross Country | Sport / Off-road | Sports seats, silver mirror caps, dual exhaust tips, lifted 156 mm suspension, and roof rails. |
About the Volvo V40
Kenya enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2018 to 2020 V40 models sit inside the direct import window.
The 1.5L T3 (1,498 cc) engine qualifies for KRA's sub-1,500 cc customs duty valuation bracket, keeping import taxes low.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
