Volkswagen ID.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 £40,815 for the Volkswagen ID.3, a £6,813 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 · £6,813 less than the Volkswagen ID.3
Volkswagen ID.3 vs Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI — where the money goes
| Cost component | Electric · Volkswagen ID.3 | Hybrid · Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | £23,560 (58%) | £15,333 (45%) |
| Charging / fuel | £5,392 (13%) | £7,843 (23%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~£647) | — |
| Maintenance | £1,500 (4%) | £1,998 (6%) |
| Insurance | £2,780 (7%) | £2,625 (8%) |
| Financing interest | £6,583 (16%) | £5,203 (15%) |
| Registration & fees | £1,000 (2%) | £1,000 (3%) |
| Total cost of ownership | £40,815 | £34,002 |
When does the Volkswagen ID.3 win?
The Volkswagen ID.3 pulls ahead of the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI if you keep it longer than 14 years. A cheaper home electricity tariff flips it sooner.
Volkswagen ID.3 vs Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI, side by side
Electric
Volkswagen ID.3
- 5-yr total cost
- £40,815
- Cost / month
- £680
- Cost / mile
- £0.68
- RRP
- £38,000
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 23.3 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 Volkswagen ID.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 £40,815 for the Volkswagen ID.3, a £6,813 difference over 5 years.
When does the Volkswagen ID.3 become cheaper than the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI?
The Volkswagen ID.3 pulls ahead of the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI if you keep it longer than 14 years. A cheaper home electricity tariff flips it sooner.
How much more does the Volkswagen ID.3 cost to buy than the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI?
The Volkswagen ID.3 starts at £38,000 — £7,335 more than the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI (£30,665). Over 5 years the ownership gap is £6,813 in favour of the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI.
Which costs less per mile — the Volkswagen ID.3 or the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI?
The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI: £0.57 vs £0.68 per mile all-in (£567 vs £680 per month).