Press Release
Design and Dimensions
The “Plus” Among the Minis
- Design of new entry-level model both sharp and practical
- Galvanised and laser-welded body shows the importance of height
The new Fox is adding a body concept to the entry-level class that combines a feeling of spaciousness with compact outside dimensions. This is down to the comparatively high waistline and the roof section around the A-pillar featuring van styling. The length and width of the Fox is indeed ideal for manoeuvring in city traffic and squeezing into the tightest of parking spaces. But then, a look at the height shows you the room for growth. Thanks to its proportions, the new model stands out from the rest of the compact class.
Design:
An Unmistakable Volkswagen
The Fox design is individual, fresh and powerful. Featuring defined lines and balanced proportions, it is clearly a Volkswagen and clearly a Fox.
Design of front section: At the front, the Fox features an interpretation of the new VW radiator grille with an emphasised V line. The radiator grille itself is black on all models with a dominant chrome frame and the VW badge in the centre. The top section of the bumper is painted in the body colour as standard. The V shape of the front section runs up to the A-pillars and thus also defines the bonnet design. The join between the front, side and roof section features the styling and thus superiority of a van.
Design profile: The sideline is characterised by a line that rises noticeably from the front headlights to the top part of the windscreen frame. The body line also rises to the end of the rear window from underneath the outside mirror. A tidy short body overhang is also formed at the rear. The slightly protruding wings provide space for the standard 14-inch and optional 15-inch wheels. The doors have been blended homogeneously into the profile. They reach into the high roof line on a similar level to a small MPV so it is easy to climb into the Fox. The doors are opened using handles that are pleasant to the touch as used on other models from the brand.
Design of rear section: The design of the Fox tail also has its own character. The tailgate rises very steeply. The rear window and the painted area below it have more or less the same dimensions. The taillights to the left and right of the tailgate are technically brilliant and, in the middle, there is a typical round Volkswagen chrome element — configured as a reverse light.
Dimensions: Small? Tidy.
Body dimensions: The Fox, which is only available with two doors, is 3.82 metres long, 1.66 metres wide (without door mirrors) and 1.54 metres tall. The wheelbase measures 2.47 metres. The new entry-level model is not necessarily the smallest on the market. It is not supposed to be either. The aim was to create a complete car with the lowest possible entry price. This definition applies to all of the Fox body. The Fox should, in no way be thought of as the smallest model, but as an entry-level model. This theoretical difference is noticeable and can be seen on every bit of the Volkswagen.
For example, tailgate: Thanks to the total height, the third door of the Fox swings high upwards (garage measurement: 2.11 metres) making loading and unloading easy. You can pull it down using a practical handle moulded into the inside panel. At 74.3 centimetres, the loading sill is not at all high. The boot opening is 1.02 metres wide at the narrowest point so you won’t have any worries on shopping trips to Ikea and other stores especially as you can fall Volkswagen / Fox / April 2005
Body quality: Volkswagen offers a high level of body safety and body comfort in all classes. One definitive criterion in this area is the body stiffness. The static torsional stiffness of the Fox is 17.941 Nm/° — a very good value in this segment. The same applies to the dynamic torsional stiffness of 39.2 Hz. The use of modern manufacturing methods like laser welding has helped here. A total of 4.36 metres of the seams were formed using this technique. Furthermore the body gains structural strength thanks to the use high-strength and highest-strength steels.
Even on short journeys, you notice the quality of the new Fox as there are no annoying body noises or movements. At the same time, the advanced body-in-white structure in the interior keeps noise down to a pleasant level. We have managed to keep the sound transmitted to the body from the chassis, engine and gearbox very quiet.
The very good body stiffness forms the basis both for the safe handling properties and also for the exemplary durability. As a result, Volkswagen offers twelve years against internal corrosion. This allows for an above-average preservation of value and reduces the running costs.
