Based on the underbits of VW’s Polo the three-door Fox replaces the pint-sized Lupo.
By VW’s own admission Lupo was over engineered and overpriced! Prices for the new strict four-seater Fox start at €12,745 for the 1.2 litre 55bhp version. It has a three cylinder petrol engine that offers modest performance, with the 0-100km/h sprint taking a leisurely 17.5 seconds, top speed is 148km/h (94mph) but the Fox returns decent fuel economy averaging over 46mpg.
My test car has the only other engine available at the moment namely a 75bhp 1.4 litre four cylinder from the Polo. 0-100km/h takes a less embarrassing 13 seconds and top speed is 167km/h (104mph). The 1.4 has plenty of mid range punch that makes it real world friendly.
The relatively large exterior despite the VW’s marketing blurb is bland and uninteresting. It is only the VW badge that would make anybody look twice at the new hatchback. Originally designed a few years ago for the South American market, the Fox has had a makeover for Europe.
With the exception of the hip line above the rear wheel arch and the bonnet that has a nice curve or two the outside is no oil painting.
Inside the Fox is basic VW, very basic, but spacious. The layout features VW’s DNA but with cheaper plastics. The only notable interior elements being the small fuel-gauge-like rev counter and the fully adjustable steering wheel that when coupled with the standard height adjustable driver’s seat allows most sizes find a super driving position.
There is only seating for two in the rear and this along with the big Phaeton saloon is a rare Volkswagen mistake that will limit sales. Most people never dream of fitting three adults in the back of their city cars but often three kids have to be carried and they all have to have seatbelts, unfortunately Fox has just two.
On the go the Fox is perhaps the biggest city car you can buy. On the open road the front-wheel-drive car is stable and secure. At speed the town car cruises well on the motorway and national routes. The amount of cabin noise at speed is far less than its rivals. The standard five-speed gearbox is both light and precise as is the standard power steering.
The options list has one feature that is a must and that is the €200 Vario pack that allows the rear seats to slide for and aft to free up more interior or cargo space as required. The standard boot holds 270 litres and a full size spare wheel is standard.
Volkswagen is having a bumper sales year thanks to a comprehensive range of new models. The brand new Fox is a solid little thing but sadly not inspiring. The Toyota Aygo, Citroen C2 and Peugeot 107 triplets offer up more youthful attitude while the Fox’s strong point is that it feels more solid and substantial.
A cheap Volkswagen can only be a good thing.
Michael Sheridan
