Volkswagen Lupo statistics

• Licensed in Great Britain 4,128 −14.9% on a year earlier
• Declared SORN 4,075 Off the road, not taxed
• MOT first-time pass rate, 2025 59.8% Cars of the same ages 61.0%
• Rank by number licensed No. 459 of 1,159 models we cover
• Peak year 2005 28,150 licensed
• Average annual mileage 3,887 miles a year

How many Volkswagen Lupos are left in Great Britain?

There were 4,128 Volkswagen Lupos licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 4,075 declared off the road (SORN). That is 85.3% fewer than the peak of 28,150 in 2005.

Volkswagen Lupo MOT reliability

In 2025, 59.8% of Volkswagen Lupo MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the Volkswagen Lupos tested pass 61.0% of the time, so the Volkswagen Lupo does worse than average for its age, by 1.2 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 59.7%.

Volkswagen Lupo MOT failures

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the most common reason a Volkswagen Lupo fails its MOT, appearing on 44.6% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 8.8% of Volkswagen Lupo tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.

Most common Volkswagen Lupo MOT defects and advisories

The single most common reason a Volkswagen Lupo failed its MOT in 2025 was “Catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits”, on 10.6% of 2,065 failed tests. 69.0% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Engine oil leak, but not excessive”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.

Volkswagen Lupo by year

5 years of the Volkswagen Lupo, by year of first registration, have their own page with MOT results, common faults, mileage and how many are left. Against all cars of the same age, the 2004 cars did best at their 2025 MOT (59.1% passed first time) and the 2000 cars worst (61.1%).

Volkswagen Lupo engine sizes and fuel types

Of the 4,344 Volkswagen Lupos licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 41.9% have an engine of 901cc to 1,000cc, and 35.6% have an engine of 1,301cc to 1,400cc.

United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.

Volkswagen Lupo fuel economy and CO2

The Vehicle Certification Agency’s new car data lists the Volkswagen Lupo from 2000, when the data begins, to 2006. On the NEDC test (listings 2000 to 2006), official combined fuel economy for its petrol and diesel versions ranges from 36.7 to 64.2 mpg, with CO2 of 119 to 185 g/km.

Source:VCA July 2000 to 15 September 2026 Updated 15 Sept 2026

• Official figures from laboratory type-approval tests. VCA says they may not be achieved in real-world driving, and should not be used to rank cars with similar figures.
• Engine sizes are rounded to the nearest 0.1 litre. A version is one line in VCA’s data (description, gearbox, engine and fuel), counted once however many years it was listed. Matched from VCA’s model names “Lupo”, “Lupo 3 Door Hatchback”. How we use VCA’s figures.

Volkswagen Lupo safety recalls

DVSA lists 2 safety recalls for the Volkswagen Lupo since 1992, the first in 2002. The most recent was launched on 3 March 2005.

A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every Volkswagen Lupo. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated 15 Sept 2026

Compare the Volkswagen Lupo with other Volkswagen models