Road Test
Volkswagen Fox 1.2 Urban 3dr
Test date 31 May 2006
Price as tested £7,255
For Bargain price, bags of space, practicality, quality feel, cheap to run
AgainstIndifferent handling, short on refinement, options not cheap
Don’t be fooled by its bland styling and unexceptional performance figures; the Fox is the most radical VW to hit the UK since the Phaeton executive saloon broke cover.
Not in terms of design or engineering, admittedly, both of which are completely conventional. The newcomer’s big point of difference to other Volkswagens is that it’s built in Brazil, meaning that it will be priced aggressively enough to cause serious concern to rivals in the hard-fought city car segment.
For some context, consider the fact that the Fox is both substantially larger and considerably cheaper than the car it replaces. Even the most basic 1.0E version of the recently retired Lupo wore a substantial £7880 price tag. The entry-point Fox has a more powerful 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and far better standard kit but costs £6590. It’s also nearly a foot longer than the Lupo, three inches taller and has almost twice the luggage capacity.
Indeed, the Fox is barely smaller than the Polo, with only price and marketing pitch distinguishing the two cars. We tested the basic 1.2-litre version in Urban spec, meaning a clever sliding rear seat, electric front windows and remote central locking. At £7395, it still offers strong value against rivals. A slightly brawnier 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit is available with either base or Urban trim for an extra £805, giving a four-model range – with the most expensive 1.4 Urban coming in at £7995.
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