Volkswagen Fox Tested Apr 2006

Rating

Quick Summary

Average. Both bigger and cheaper than the Lupo it replaces, the Fox offers plenty of VW for your cash. It's just a pity it's not more exciting.

Full Road Test

It lacks the character of some of its rivals, but it's not hard to make a thoroughly rational case for the Fox. Not only is it one of the biggest of the current crop of city cars, it's also well-constructed, competitively priced and - most importantly - wearing a VW badge.

The bland styling feels like a slightly wasted opportunity, with the Fox possessing none of the cheeky charm of its Lupo predecessor. Nose heavy proportions and a high ride height add to its rather ungainly appearance - especially on the small steel wheels of the more basic versions.

Fortunately it possesses an impressively large and well-finished cabin. Front seat space is excellent, with both occupants enjoying plenty of head- and shoulder-room, while the rear seats are big for the segment, too - more than up to handling larger passengers. In "Urban" trim the rear seat slides to free up even more space, or alternatively to increase luggage space in the decently-proportioned boot.

On the road the Fox is competent - if distinctly lacking in excitement. The basic 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine sounds nice but delivers very limited performance, with low gearing making for loud, buzzy cruising at anything above urban speeds. The more expensive 1.4 four-cylinder petrol motor is far punchier - but it also suffers from relatively poor refinement, with lots of road noise getting into the cabin. The pliant ride is up to dealing with urban undulations, but it quickly feels floatey on bumpy country roads. Grip levels are unexceptional and the Fox understeers determinedly at the limit.

Entry level pricing is very keen, although the Fox looks relatively expensive further up the range - with aircon a pricey option.

Breakdown

Styling

It's hard not to be disappointed by the Fox's dull, generic styling - especially as the Lupo was so cute.

Handling

Indifferent dynamics discourage keen progress. For excitement, look elsewhere.

Comfort

The suspension is decently pliant over rougher roads, and a wide range of driving position adjustment means than almost anyone will fit.

Quality + reliability

Impressively solid-feeling compared to class rivals. The tough feeling cabin is well designed and shares many components with the Polo. Built in Brazil, but well up to European standards.

Performance

Basic 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine is almost painfully slow. The 1.4 has decent urge, but both really lack refinement at speed. There is no diesel option.

Roominess

Impressively large for a city car, both passengers and luggage enjoy plenty of room - and the optional sliding rear seat is a great idea.

Running costs

Low insurance costs should help the Fox appeal strongly to young drivers - although the fuel economy is worse than that of comparable rivals.

Value for money

Respectable standard kit on basic version means the Fox offers strong value compared to rivals, although buyers will do without much in the way of toys. Aircon is an expensive option.

Stereo / Sat nav

The standard CD-playing stereo offers reasonable sound in town, but quickly gets overwhelmed by roadnoise at higher speeds.

Need to know

NCAP Rating

JD Power stars

Replacement Date: 2012

Residual Value**: 45%
**percentage of list price retained after 3 years / 36,000 miles

We like:

1) Size.
2) Price of the basic version.
3) VW badge.

We don't like:

1) Bland styling.
2) Boring driving dynamics.
3) Aircon only available as an expensive option.

Best and worst:

Most fun: 1.4 Urban
Most sensible: 1.2 base
Worst: 1.2 Urban

4car says:

Average. "A long way from being a genre-definer. Good basic transport and a decent drive."

Auto Express says:

"A spacious cabin and VW badge might be enough for foreign markets, but not in the UK."

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