The Fox is a VW launched in the South American market back in 2003. It's been reworked for European showrooms, with a four-car line-up; 54bhp 1.2-litre and 74bhp 1.4-litre engines are offered in standard or better-equipped Urban trim. There is just a single three-door bodystyle, but even this appears dated. The Fox is bland and plain compared to the cute Lupo it replaces.
Interior/Practicality
Don’t expect to find a miniature Golf cabin inside. Both the design and quality are from Volkswagens of old. Fit and finish is fine, yet it’s hard not to feel a bit short changed by the aging design. We’ve got no complaints with the practicality, though. Fold the rear seats and the Fox’s luggage area is huge.
Engine/Performance
Both 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines are available to Fox buyers. The 1.4-litre engine, which is manufactured in Brazil, is a version of the unit seen in the Polo, so refinement is reasonable. And with a decent slug of torque, the Fox is quick in-gear. However, to make the most of the VW’s bargain prices, opt for the cheaper 1.2.
Driving experience
The Fox is a comfortable city car. With a ride that’s soft rather than sporty, it’s more than capable of tackling speed bumps. The four-cylinder engines are relatively quiet, helping to make the Fox a good long-distance cruiser. Head down a more challenging road and the soggy handling won’t inspire handling, but the steering is reasonably well weighted. Decent brakes and a slick gearbox make the VW easy to drive.
Costs
Getting a VW badge on your bonnet doesn’t get any cheaper than this. Rival city cars offer more kit for the money, but few can match the Fox’s carrying capacity in the sub £7,500 category. Avoid costly options to make the most of the Volkswagen’s value.
Environment/Safety
The Fox’s size means it carries more weight than your average city car and needs larger engines as a result. Fuel economy is relatively poor, resulting in high CO2 emissions.
- Rating:
- On the road price: £7,168 - £7,981
- For : Desirable badge, chunky shape, practical cabin, big boot
- Against : Lacklustre dynamics, dated interior design, cheap cabin plastics, poor standard equipment levels
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