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Should I buy a diesel or petrol Volkswagen Polo?

Should I buy a Volkswagen Polo petrol 1.2 TDI Match (2017) or a Polo diesel 1.4 TDI (2016)? It will be used for city travel with three or four long trips a year Bristol to Cornwall or Ireland. How does the fuel consumption and drive compare?

Asked on 8 March 2022 by Pip Packer

Answered by Dan Powell
I wouldn't recommend any diesel car for this type of usage. A modern diesel engine needs 15 miles per journey to reach optimum operating temperature and cycle the DPF. Failure to do this will create a long list of expensive problems.

Your best option would be petrol, preferably the latest Polo with the 1.0 TSI engine: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/polo-vi-2.../

If your budget can't stretch to the latest Polo, consider the SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI. It's mechanically the same car but cheaper to buy due to it not having a VW badge on the bonnet. The 1.0 TSI engine is one of the best small-capacity petrols on the market right now: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/seat/ibiza-2017/

Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.

Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.

Petrol or diesel ... or even electric?
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