2. MG HS
- Model: SE 1.5 T-GDi plug-in hybrid
- Total cost of ownership over three years/30,000 miles: £16,104.79
- Monthly: £447.36
- Per mile: 53.7p
- Ranking in UK best-seller list 2024: 8th
MG is renowned for offering low cost motoring thanks to its Chinese production base – and the all-new MG HS delivers on that promise, especially with plug-in hybrid power.
It retains its value well (shedding only 44 per cent, the best on the list) and with its 75-mile pure electric range, delivers strong efficiency so long as you keep it charged. However CAP HPi projects maintenance to cost £1642 over three years (third highest) for a 53.7 pence per mile cost.
The MG HS is spacious, the plug-in car is more refined than the pure petrol version and there’s a good level of standard equipment: the base SE comes with Android/Apple phone integration, twin digital screens, a six-speaker sound system, a rear camera and MG’s level 2 automated driving assistance.
1. Volkswagen Polo
- Model: Life 1.0-litre petrol
- Total cost of ownership over three years/30,000 miles: £15,527.26
- Monthly: £431.31
- Per mile: 51.8p
- Ranking in UK best-seller list 2024: 10th
The car ranked tenth among 2024 registrations comes top on running costs, and it’s the Volkswagen Polo. The cheapest car here at £21,210, the 1.0 Life sheds the least money in depreciation (£10,365), its puny, non-turbocharged 79bhp engine is fuel efficient and servicing costs little more than the Golf’s.
The Polo packs lots of interior space, feels good quality and we reckon it’s the most comfortable and refined car in its class. Add in its 51.8p per mile running cost and it’s no wonder humble hatchbacks such as the Polo remain among Britain’s best loved cars.
But it’s not the cheapest overall. To find out which other supermini undercuts the Polo by 13p a mile, take a look at our list of the Cheapest cars to run.
Buy a car with Auto Express. Our nationwide dealer network has some fantastic cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from…
