Volkswagen Polo review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

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.

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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.