Auto Driven: The VW Fox

April 2006

VW Fox 1.2-litre 55 PS/1.4-litre 75PS
Available in Urban and standard versions
On the road price: £6,590 - £7,995

Volkswagen has a cunning plan to make a big impression in the city car market.

And after driving the German giant's replacement for the Lupo we reckon this model has a much better chance of keeping the wolf from the door.

The Fox is a back to basics runaround tasked with catching the eye of buyers who'd otherwise be shelling out for a Peugeot 107, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 or Ford Ka.

And the Brazilian-built petrol-fuelled three-door hatchback is certainly priced competitively - with the £6,590 entry level model more than £1,000 cheaper than its smaller-engined predecessor.

The smart looking Fox - boasting contemporary styling in the form of an interpretation of the distinctive VW radiator grille - is also bigger than the Lupo and wider and taller than the Polo. 

Sit inside and it becomes clear VW has created a relatively spacious interior, making use of every available nook for storage and cupholders, even incorporating a storage drawer under the driver's seat.

Though we wouldn't recommend you put your valuables there!

This may not be the ideal class of car for those looking to regularly load up with the full complement of passengers but four can fit into the Fox fairly comfortably and the legroom is generous.

Beyond the Polo-shared steering wheel the dashboard is clear and simply presented while the high seat position gives good visibility.

Available in standard or higher-specification Urban trim, buyers will also need to choose between the 1.2-litre version and the perkier four 1.4-litre model.

We drove both the three cylinder 1.2 and four cylinder 1.4 versions and while the motorway stretch of our 45-minute Surrey road route suited the bigger of the two petrol engines better, those restricting their journeys to town and city will be served well-enough by the smaller version. 

Go for that one and a conservative top speed of 92mph is compensated with average fuel consumption of 46.3 mpg. The 1.4 meanwhile pays for its 104 mph top speed with a slightly more thirsty 41.5 mpg average.

Both felt solid on the road and handled well while the nippy five-speed gearbox is ideal for built-up areas.

Power steering, CD player, ABS and twin airbags come as standard while those opting for the Urban model get electric front windows, body colour bumpers and door mirrors with remote central locking.

The standard version may boast few frills but VW's reputation for quality (this model comes with a 12 year anti-corrosion guarantee) is reinforced throughout and the initial signs are buyers who hunt down a Fox will consider it a wily decision.

by Adrian Higgins

 

More car reviews

Visit our new car search to find the best deals on a VW Fox now.