Motoring Today

Volkswagen Polo cost of ownership

Real numbers from 6 Volkswagen Polo cars in stock — finance, VED, fuel mix and depreciation.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How much does it cost to run a Volkswagen Polo?

The typical Volkswagen Polo on Motoring Today costs around £207/mo on representative PCP/HP finance, emits ~104 g/km CO₂. Annual VED, fuel mix and total cost are itemised below.

Median price
£8,887.5
Median £/mo
£207
Median CO₂
104 g/km

With five Volkswagen Polos currently available on Motoring Today, this popular supermini offers a practical and reliable option for many UK drivers. Prices for these used models start from £7,252 outright, or from a representative £169 per month, subject to status. Our current stock spans model years from 2015 to 2019, providing a range of choices for those considering a used Polo. Understanding the true cost of owning a used Volkswagen Polo goes beyond the initial purchase price or monthly finance payment. Key factors that contribute to the ongoing running costs include fuel or energy consumption, which varies based on engine type and driving style. Insurance premiums are another significant expense, influenced by the driver's profile, vehicle specification, and postcode. Additionally, Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) applies, with the amount depending on the car's first registration date and CO2 emissions. Beyond these regular outgoings, you'll also need to budget for scheduled servicing to maintain the car's condition and performance. Finally, depreciation, the loss of value over time, is an important consideration for long-term ownership, though well-maintained and popular models like the Polo can often hold their value relatively well. Our detailed calculators on this page can help you explore these costs further for a specific Volkswagen Polo.

Volkswagen Polo insurance group

1–30 of 50

Median price
£8,887.5
From £7,252
Median monthly finance
£207/mo
Representative PCP/HP
Median CO₂
104 g/km
Drives ULEZ + VED
Est. depreciation
—
Vs. original list price

Fuel cost at today's prices (updated weekly)

Estimated fuel cost
£1,111 / year
Cost per mile
13.9p / mile

Typical Volkswagen Polo running cost for a private driver at 8,000 miles/year. Based on 60 mpg official combined, adjusted ~12% for real-world driving, at today's average pump price of 159.89p/litre petrol (updated 3 Aug 2026).

Pump prices: DESNZ weekly road fuel prices; electricity: DESNZ Quarterly Energy Prices — both Open Government Licence v3.0, updated weekly/quarterly. An estimate for comparison, not a guaranteed cost; your economy, mileage and tariff will vary.

Official MPG, CO₂ & insurance by trim

Trim-level specifications for the Volkswagen Polo (Diesel, Petrol), across 543 recorded variants.

Performance
45–204 bhp
Power
6.3s
0–60 mph (fastest)
150 mph
Top speed
999–1,984 cc
Engine
Economy & running costs
0–83 mpg
Fuel economy
82–216 g/km
CO₂
£190
Road tax (VED)
1–30 of 50
Insurance group
Dimensions & practicality
3,970 mm
Length
1,901 mm
Width
1,461 mm
Height
2,465 mm
Wheelbase
1,100 kg
Weight
5
Seats
5
Doors
Euro NCAP safety
5-star · tested 2022
70%
Safety assist

The Volkswagen Polo Hatchback was tested by Euro NCAP in 2022 and was awarded a 5 star overall rating. This overall rating is calculated from the following individual ratings:

Manual · Automatic 5 seats New from £5,064
TrimFuelPowerMPGCO₂Ins.
1.0 TSI 115 R-Line 5dr DSGAutomaticPetrol113 bhp49.6 - 52.3 mpg12315
1.0 TSI Match 5dr DSGAutomaticPetrol93 bhp50.4 - 52.3 mpg12211
2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSGAutomaticPetrol204 bhp40.9 - 43.5 mpg14925
1.0 Life 5drManualPetrol78 bhp48.7 - 52.3 mpg1223
1.0 TSI 110 SEL 5drManualPetrol108 bhp49.6 - 54.3 mpg11810
1.0 TSI 110 SEL 5dr DSGAutomaticPetrol108 bhp46.3 - 49.6 mpg12810
2.0 TSI GTI+ 5drManualPetrol197 bhp38.7 - 39.8 mpg14428
1.0 TSI 95 SE Tech Edition 5dManualPetrol93 bhp49.6 - 52.3 mpg1048
1.0 TSI 95 SE Tech Edition DSG 5dAutomaticPetrol93 bhp44.8 - 45.6 mpg1068
S 1.0 Evo 80PS 5dManualPetrol78 bhp49.6 - 51.4 mpg1261
1.0 EVO 80 SE Tech Edition 5dManualPetrol78 bhp46.3 - 48.7 mpg1101
GTI 2.0 TSI 200PS DSG auto 5dAutomaticPetrol197 bhp38.7 - 39.8 mpg15926

Manufacturer specifications aggregated across recorded trims; individual cars vary by options and age. Figures are a guide — confirm exact spec with the seller.

Annual VED (road tax) bands

CO₂ bandAnnual VEDShare of stock
Standard rate£20067%
B£2017%
C£3517%

Indicative standard-rate VED. Cars over £40k list price pay an additional supplement for years 2–6.

Fuel mix in stock

Petrol · 100%

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a used Volkswagen Polo?
Running a used Volkswagen Polo involves several costs: fuel, insurance, road tax (which varies by the car's age and emissions), regular servicing, and depreciation. The cheapest Volkswagen Polo currently available starts from £6599, or from £161 per month on finance.
Is a used Volkswagen Polo expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs for a used Volkswagen Polo can vary. Typically, older cars and those with higher mileage may require more frequent or significant repairs. Regular servicing helps to keep costs predictable.
How many used Volkswagen Polos are currently for sale?
There are 5 used Volkswagen Polos currently available, ranging from models made in 2013 to 2018.

More Volkswagen Polo resources