Volkswagen Polo review - MPG, CO2 and running costs
Frugal three-cylinder petrol engines help keep Polo running costs down
With either of the 1.0-litre TSI units forming our favourite choices from a performance perspective, the turbocharged three-cylinder options make sense when it comes to fuel economy and emissions, too.
Volkswagen claims a best of 53.9mpg (on the combined cycle) for the 94bhp version under the latest WLTP test, with CO2 emissions from 119g/km. Add the seven-speed DSG gearbox and the figures drop slightly, with maximum fuel economy of 50.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 127g/km.
Move to the 109bhp engine with its seven-speed DSG auto, and it delivers economy that's on-par with the 94bhp engine. The claimed average, on the combined cycle, is 50.2mpg with CO2 emissions from 128g/km.
Insurance groups
The entry 79bhp model will be very cheap to insure, sneaking into group 3 on the 1-50 scale. All cars fitted with our recommended 94bhp 1.0-litre TSI engine occupy groups 9-10, with 109bhp cars stepping things up to group 12. The price for opting for the 204bhp GTI performance model is an insurance rating of group 23.
Depreciation
Our data suggests the refreshed 2021 Polo model should hold onto around 51 per cent of its original list price over a typical three-year/36,000-mile period of ownership. In comparison, the Vauxhall Corsa is a little behind with an average of 49 per cent retained over the same three-year period.
Which Is Best
Cheapest
- Name1.0 Life 5dr
- Gearbox typeManual
- Price£17,415
Most Economical
- Name1.0 Life 5dr
- Gearbox typeManual
- Price£17,415
Fastest
- Name2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG
- Gearbox typeSemi-auto
- Price£25,745