Volkswagen Brazil has updated the Fox hatchback for the time since launch in October 2003 with the new ‘corporate nose’ and other detail changes but, unlike its predecessor, the updated one won’t be exported to Europe.
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The Fox replaced the Lupo in Europe in 2005 as the automaker’s entry level car and recently benefited from the various government stimulus programmes prompting the trade-in of cars over 10 years old.
Having decided it would be pointless to sell the new version for just 18 months, VW Brazil sources said, VW European units will wait for the Up! which will replace the Fox in their lines.
For South America, the Fox adopts the make’s new global front end style. Front and rear bumpers were redesigned, together with the tail lights. The car – ranked fifth in sales here – has improved presence and modernity.
Another big change is inside where there is a much more stylish instrument cluster and a redesigned dashboard made of better materials. The optional steering wheel with integrated switches is Passat CC-like.
New options include a sun roof, parking assist, automatic wipers and headlights, a trip computer, electrochromic rear view mirror and tail gate electric unlock.
The long missed glove box has also been added together with rear individual map lights on top models. A universal tyre size of 195/55 R 15 and folding ignition key are specified for all versions.
Also newly optional is an automated five-speed (Magneti Marelli) gearbox that costs about half the price of a conventional planetary automatic. This is a change of policy compared to VW’s use of either conventional or twin clutch automated (DSG) manuals in Europe.
Volkswagen successfully shortened second, third and fourth speeds in order to reduce the fore and aft motion typical of this kind of gearbox during automatic gear change operation.
While presenting the Fox to journalists in Brazil’s capital Brasilia, the automaker also announced a ‘service campaign’ to change the oil specification of one-litre fitted to about 400,000 Fox units from April 2008 and the new Gol and Voyage introduced later last year.
Over 300 complaints of noisy and/or failed engines were reported, caused by poor lubrication, the factory said.
Fernando Calmon
