VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 742 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,405
£117/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £1405/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 5 years old, 97% of VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-As from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 742 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 18,971 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
18,971
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A has 18,971 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 742 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 18,971 miles at 5 years old, VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,405 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A
At 5 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO ACTIVE TSI S-A(2021) | 97% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1405 |
| FORD FIESTA(2019) | 91% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582+£177 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2019) | 88% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732+£327 |
| MINI COOPER(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582+£177 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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