VW Fox is the name of several Volkswagen car models. From 2005 to early 2011 it was the smallest VW model; At the end of 2011, its successor was VW up! Although dimensions and space rather the class of compact cars meet, the Fox is the due to its relatively low purchase price by the low standard equipment microcar attributed. The Federal Motor Transport Authority also divided the model into the small car class.
The Fox in Europe
The Fox was developed entirely in Brazil and is produced in two plants ( São José dos Pinhais for the South American market and São Bernardo do Campo for export to Europe) and in Argentina.
The car was the successor to the VW Lupo in Europe and was presented for the first time in Germany at Auto Mobil International 2005. As of April 29, 2005, it was available in Europe. The price for the basic model in Germany was 8,950 euros (model year 2006) below that of its predecessor Lupo, whose base price in model year 2005 was 10,150 euros.
A revised model is now available in Brazil as the Novo Fox, which is based on the look of the current VW Golf. A successor model was developed by VW as a study New Small Family, which as VW up! replaced the Fox in December 2011.
Equipment
The cheapest model of the Volkswagen Group had no comfort equipment as standard.
The electro-hydraulic power steering with a height and range adjustable steering wheel could be ordered separately for the 40 kW base model. Side airbags, electric windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, central locking or the rear seat bench (which can be moved to enlarge the luggage compartment) with a split rear seat backrest were available for an additional charge; likewise the “Easy Entry” boarding aid for rear passengers.
The fuel tank holds 50 liters; the turning circle is 10.6 meters.
Safety
In Germany, the VW Fox was offered as standard with ABS, driver / front passenger airbag and belt tensioner. Side airbags were available for all models at an additional cost; Head airbags were not available. An ESP including brake assistant with traction control system (ASR) and electronic differential lock (EDS) has been standard since 2011. When Euro NCAP – Crash Test 2005, a car was given without side airbags in the assessment of occupant safety out of five stars, four (28 points), and for the Child Safety, 4 stars (42 points) of a possible five. The pedestrian safety was rated with 12 points and two stars.
The Fox in Latin America
In Europe, the VW Fox was sold exclusively as a three-door, in Latin America also as a five-door. In Latin America, the Fox was not Volkswagen’s entry-level model, but was located above the Gol and below the Polo.
A model variant with an SUV look and increased ground clearance was produced under the name CrossFox. In 2006 extended to 4.18m was Kombi presented the Fox variant, which in Brazil and Peru under the name Spacefox in Mexico under the name SportVan and Argentina as Suran was sold. This model variant was or is also available in Algeria under the name Fox Plus.
In Mexico, the Fox has been sold as a VW Lupo since 2004, in order to avoid similarities with the Mexican President Vicente Fox Quesada, who was in office from December 2000 to November 2006.
In Brazil, Volkswagen had to recall over 470,000 units of the Fox in 2008 and pay a penalty of around 1.2 million euros because operating the mechanism for folding the back seat could result in bruises on the hands and fingers. Vehicles outside of Brazil are not affected as they have a different folding mechanism.
At the end of 2009, Volkswagen Brazil launched a Fox facelift. In particular, the interior was completely redeveloped and greatly upgraded. The headlights and bumpers have been completely redesigned and adapted to the new Volkswagen Group design. The CrossFox and the SpaceFox also received a facelift.
The Fox in North America (1986-1993)
From 1986 (model year 1987) to 1993, an export version of the VW Voyage was sold under the name VW Fox in the USA and Canada. The vehicle produced in Brazil by Volkswagen do Brasil was the notchback variant of the VW Gol. The design of the Fox recalled the VW Jetta I. The Fox was offered in two-door and four-door versions.
The VW Parati, the estate version of the Gol series, also imported from Brazil, was offered as the Fox Wagon in the USA. The Fox Wagon, which was only available as a three-door car, was sold from 1987 (model year 1988) to 1990.
All Fox had the same longitudinal, water-cooled 1.8 liter in-line engine. Volkswagen Brasil exported 220,000 Fox to North America.
The Fox in South Africa (1982)
From 1982, the notchback variant of the VW Golf I, known in Europe under the name VW Jetta, was manufactured and offered in South Africa under the name VW Fox. The model was based on the VW Citi Golf and also had its modified front section, which was based on the VW Golf II.
Polo Fox (1984-1994)
In addition to the standard equipment lines of the VW Polo II, there was temporarily the simply equipped model Fox. At the start of sales in autumn 1984, this was initially offered as a special model at a list price of DM 11,490, making it one of the cheapest cars on the German market. Initially, the car was only available in the two special colors Saima green and turquoise blue. There is no connection with today’s VW Fox.
Audi Fox (1972-1979)
The Audi 80 and VW Passat Variant were sold in the United States from 1972 to 1979 under the name Fox.
