2022 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · MX22 MKO

The 1.0 litre TSI petrol engine is one of the most economical units Volkswagen sells, typically returning around 50 mpg in mixed driving and easily into the late 50s on a long run. Insurance for a 1.0 Polo usually falls in groups 1 to 5 depending on trim, making it one of the cheaper small cars to insure for new and younger drivers. Annual VED road tax is included in the standard rate since this is a Euro 6 petrol, with no premium car supplement as the list price was well under £40,000 when new.

Routine maintenance tends to be affordable, with standard service intervals of every 12 months or 10,000 miles, and a typical interim service costing around £150 to £200, with major services at £250 to £350 at an independent specialist. Replacement tyres for a Polo are inexpensive in 15 or 16-inch sizes, though larger alloy options push the price up. Given the low mileage recorded, wear items such as brakes, clutches and exhaust components should have plenty of life remaining.

Overall annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance and routine servicing should land somewhere in the region of £1,100 to £1,400 for a typical driver covering around 6,000 miles per year. This makes the Polo one of the more cost-effective supermini choices on the market today.

Given that the only MOT failure on this vehicle related to headlamp aim being too low on both front lamps, a physical inspection should focus on the headlamp levelling system. Check that the manual adjustment dial inside the cabin operates smoothly and that there is no free play in the headlamp mounting brackets. With low mileage recorded, suspension components should be in good order, but it is still worth pressing down on each corner of the car and watching for any knocking from the front suspension over speed humps, as the 1.0 TSI Polo can develop anti-roll bar link wear.

The model-wide MOT data highlights tyres, engine MIL (management indicator light) issues and ball joint wear as the most common failure reasons for the Polo as a whole. On inspection, check all four tyres for even tread depth and ensure there are no bulges or cracking in the sidewalls. The engine MIL check is best done by simply turning the ignition on and confirming all warning lights extinguish as the car starts; if any remain illuminated, walk away. Ball joint condition is harder to assess without a lift, so a proper under-car inspection is worthwhile.

Finally, check the rear of the car for any signs of kerbing to the bumper and ensure the rear wiper and washer operate correctly, as these are common advisories on Polos of this age. Confirm that the infotainment screen works as expected, the climate control blows cold, and all electric windows operate without sluggishness.