Motoring Today

Volkswagen Polo cost of ownership

Real numbers from 4 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 £296/mo on representative PCP/HP finance, emits ~117 g/km CO₂. Annual VED, fuel mix and total cost are itemised below.

Median price
£15,096.5
Median £/mo
£296
Median CO₂
117 g/km

There are currently 6 used Volkswagen Polos available on Motoring Today, spanning model years from 2015 to 2023. Prices for these reliable superminis start from £7,252 cash, or from £169 per month on a representative finance agreement, subject to status. A Polo is a popular choice for its reputation as an economical and practical car, making it a frequent consideration for those seeking a used vehicle. Understanding the true cost of owning a used Volkswagen Polo involves more than just the purchase price. Key factors include fuel or energy costs, which will vary depending on the engine type and your driving habits. Insurance premiums are another significant expense, influenced by the driver's profile and the specific vehicle. Road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is also a recurring charge, often linked to the car's emissions and registration date. Furthermore, budgeting for regular servicing and unexpected repairs is crucial for maintaining your Polo's condition and ensuring its longevity. Finally, depreciation, the loss in value over time, is an inherent cost of vehicle ownership, even for well-regarded models. Motoring Today provides detailed tools and information on this page to help you estimate these running costs accurately for a used Volkswagen Polo.

Volkswagen Polo insurance group

1–30 of 50

Median price
£15,096.5
From £9,949
Median monthly finance
£296/mo
Representative PCP/HP
Median CO₂
117 g/km
Drives ULEZ + VED
Est. depreciation
—
Vs. original list price

Fuel cost at today's prices (updated weekly)

Estimated fuel cost
£1,298 / year
Cost per mile
16.2p / mile

Typical Volkswagen Polo running cost for a private driver at 8,000 miles/year. Based on 51 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£200100%

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

Fuel mix in stock

Petrol · 75%PETROL · 25%

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a Volkswagen Polo?
Running costs for a Volkswagen Polo typically include fuel, insurance, road tax, and routine servicing. You'll also need to consider depreciation over time. You can buy a used Volkswagen Polo from £9,949, or from £227 per month with finance (representative example, subject to status).
Is a used Volkswagen Polo expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs for a used Volkswagen Polo are generally considered reasonable for its class. However, actual costs can vary significantly based on the car's age, mileage, and service history. Regular servicing and prompt attention to any issues can help keep costs down.
How many used Volkswagen Polos are currently available?
There are currently 3 used Volkswagen Polos available. These models range from the year 2019 to 2021.

More Volkswagen Polo resources