Tesla Model 3 vs Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI: 5-year cost to own (UK)
Over 5 years in the UK (12,000 mi/yr), as of July 1, 2026, the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI stays the cheaper car to own — about £34,002 vs £40,251 for the Tesla Model 3, a £6,249 difference over 5 years. The UK Electric Car Grant is shown separately, not in these totals.
UK Electric Car Grant: up to £3,750 off the price of an eligible new EV (RRP ≤ £37,000, applied by the dealer). Shown for reference; not included in the totals above. Source: GOV.UK Electric Car Grant.
Cheaper to own over 5 years · UKVolkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI · £34,002 total · £6,249 less than the Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 vs Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Tesla Model 3 | Hybrid · Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | £23,554 (59%) | £15,333 (45%) |
| Charging / fuel | £4,837 (12%) | £7,843 (23%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~£580) | — |
| Maintenance | £1,500 (4%) | £1,998 (6%) |
| Insurance | £2,780 (7%) | £2,625 (8%) |
| Financing interest | £6,581 (16%) | £5,203 (15%) |
| Registration & fees | £1,000 (2%) | £1,000 (3%) |
| Total cost of ownership | £40,251 | £34,002 |
When does the Tesla Model 3 win?
The Tesla Model 3 pulls ahead of the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI if you keep it longer than 12 years. A cheaper home electricity tariff flips it sooner.
Tesla Model 3 vs Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI, side by side
Electric
Tesla Model 3
- 5-yr total cost
- £40,251
- Cost / month
- £671
- Cost / mile
- £0.67
- RRP
- £37,990
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 20.9 kWh/100mi
Hybrid
Lower 5-yr cost
Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI
- 5-yr total cost
- £34,002
- Cost / month
- £567
- Cost / mile
- £0.57
- RRP
- £30,665
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Efficiency
- 53.3 mpg
- UK electricity
- 26.11p/kWh Ofgem
- UK petrol
- £1.53/litre GOV.UK
FAQ
Is the Tesla Model 3 or the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI cheaper to own over 5 years in the UK?
The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI stays the cheaper car to own — about £34,002 vs £40,251 for the Tesla Model 3, a £6,249 difference over 5 years.
When does the Tesla Model 3 become cheaper than the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI?
The Tesla Model 3 pulls ahead of the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI if you keep it longer than 12 years. A cheaper home electricity tariff flips it sooner.
How much more does the Tesla Model 3 cost to buy than the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI?
The Tesla Model 3 starts at £37,990 — £7,325 more than the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI (£30,665). Over 5 years the ownership gap is £6,249 in favour of the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI.
Which costs less per mile — the Tesla Model 3 or the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI?
The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI: £0.57 vs £0.67 per mile all-in (£567 vs £671 per month).