Volkswagen Lupo (99-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 23 February 2011
The tiny Lupo offers a premium package of reliability, driveability and desirability. The GTi models are mischievous and especially fun to drive with the six-speed gearbox. Main criticisms are the 1.0-litre and 1.7 Di diesels can feel underpowered and the boot is too small for most needs.
4 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

Good residual values - expect a Lupo to be worth around 57% of its bought-new price after three years. Volkswagen dealers tend to be pricey when it comes to servicing. Good fuel economy and decent insurance groupings.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,279 - £1,615 *

Diesel

£1,002 - £1,002 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

10,000 miles minor, 20,000 miles full.

Warranty

Mechanical three years, bodywork 12 years

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £215.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    119
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
    178
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Lupo is an environmentally friendly model. With an average of 149 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are comparably low for a mini hatchback. Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 1.0-litre petrol, which is one of the greenest models in the range. The range is impressively frugal, averaging 48 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2