Volkswagen will next month launch the station wagon version of its Fox hatchback model in Argentina and Brazil. Although not yet confirmed for wider export, souces who have seen prototypes have told just-auto the model has the same nose styling as Fox hatchbacks already shipped to Europe.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The new car is already in production at VW’s Argentinean General Pacheco plant, near Buenos Aires, and will be the first Fox built outside Brazil.
The new wagon will have different names according to market – Suran in Argentina and SpaceFox in Brazil.
VW spent around $US100m on outting this Fox model into production in Argentina though about 60% of its parts are made in Brazil.
Volkswagen expects to build about 50,000 units a year and Brazil will be the biggest market, taking around 24,000. The vehicle will be also exported to other Latin American countries and will probably be called the Sportsvan in Mexico.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe Fox hatchback is already exported to Europe but Volkswagen has not said if the wagon will follow.
Sources who have seen prototypes said the wagon has the same new “V shape” nose styling as the Fox hatchback made for Europe which is different from the models sold in Latin America.
Interior design and trim are also much the same as in the Fox Europe. For example, the wagon has a glove box, an item missing from the Latin American market hatchback. The rear light design was apparently inspired by those on the new Passat wagon.
VW would apparently not need to make many changes to export the new wagon to Europe.
Compared with the hatchback, the wagon is 380mm longer, the same 1,50mm height on the same wheelbase (2,460mm).
The load compartment is 440 litres compared with 260 litres for the hatchback. And, as in other Fox models, the new car rear seat can slide forward or back 150mm.
The length and higher roof line have prompted Volkswagen Brazil to classify their new model as a “sport van”, fitting between a conventional station wagon and a minivan.
It will target rival models such as the Peugeot 206 SW and Fiat Palio Weekend compact station wagons and the Chevrolet Meriva and Fiat Idea small minivans.
An off-road lookalike version, similar to the CrossFox hatchback, is on the way but, though it will look like an SUV, it will have only front wheel drive.
Latin American market Fox wagons will have a petrol 1.6-litre engine while Brazilian versions will get a 1.6-litre flex-fuel motor.
Rogério Louro
