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Volkswagen Fox

Volkswagen Fox

Breakdown

Styling

2 stars

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

Environment

1 stars

In Brazil, where it comes from, it runs on sugar cane biofuel. In Europe, running on petrol it is absolutely dreadful, being miles behind any direct competitor.

Handling

2 stars

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

Comfort

3 stars

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

Quality + reliability

4 stars

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

2 stars

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

4 stars

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

4 stars

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

4 stars

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

3 stars

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

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Specifications

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2 starsJD 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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