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Volkswagen Polo GTI (2006-2009) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 36 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Fuel economy is pretty good for a hot hatch (and a turbocharged one at that), and insurance is reasonable at group 13. Depreciation – as a percentage – is in-line with rivals such as the Fiesta ST, although you’re unlikely to get a decent discount on the Polo, so could lose more actual cash. Volkswagen parts tend to be reasonably priced, though labour rates at official dealers can be prohibitively high.

The Polo performs reasonably on the eco front, although emissions of 186g/km of CO2 are fairly high. Average fuel economy is 36mpg.

The standard hatchback was on sale for four years before the GTI was launched. Although there have been issues with electrical gremlins (especially on early cars), it has, generally, been reliable. This version should perform similarly.