Volkswagen of Brazil is developing new versions of the Fox compact car to enlarge the range it exports to Europe, and is adding an Argentine-built wagon derivative for South American markets.
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Having launched left-hand drive versions for western Europe markets, starting with Germany, it is now finalising right-hand drive versions for Britain.
These are also likely to find their way to other RHD markets in the region such as Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.
The RHD Fox will be made by 2006 at VW´s São Bernardo do Campo plant, in São Paulo state.
The factory will also, next year, start building another new Fox for Europe, the Sport.
The Sport will have exclusive equipment and interior trim and will be powered by the same 125hp 1.6-litre 16-valve engine used in the Lupo GTi.
For Latin American markets, a similar ‘sports’ version will be called the Fox Pepper, a name first used on a concept version shown to journmalists at the Brazilian press debut of the Fox in October 2003.
The Fox Pepper will have a two-litre eight-valve engine from some Brazilian-made Polo and Golf models.
At the end of the year, the automaker will start South American production of a Fox station wagon. This vehicle will, however, be built in Argentina and will be the first Fox model to be made outside Brazil.
Volkswagen will sell the wagon in Latin America countries, but has not yet said if it will export the new derivative to Europe.
The Fox line is based on the current Polo platform and was developed and designed by Volkswagen in Brazil. Europe gets only three-door hatchback versions but the model is sold at home in Brazil in both three and five-door forms supplemented by the Crossfox, a model with off-road looks and raised suspension height – though with front drive only.
Rogério Louro
