New VW Fox In Depth

Press Release

No compromises: No other Volkswagen is cheaper than the Fox. However, it is a fun car, not an economy car. It has everything that you expect a real car to have. We do not just mean four wheels, but four full-sized seats, a very sophisticated chassis (with ABS as standard and optionally with ESP), an optional multi-variable and sliding rear bench, a galvanised and laser-welded body, top quality and all perfect functions that have characterised Volkswagen since the first VW designed by Ferdinand Porsche.

For a wide range of customers: The Fox will not reach just “one” target group or attract certain people. However, Volkswagen has designed the Fox with specific people in very specific situations in mind. On the one hand, the focus has been placed on anyone starting university or their first job. They are joined by any customers between the ages of 18 and 98 who could not afford a new car until now and have had to drive a used car. On the other, the Fox is an ideal second car or city run-around for businesses delivering pizzas, medicine or important documents.

Growth rates: What about the competition? There are rivals, but none them are Volkswagens. The fact is that the mini class, which should rather be called the low-cost class in view of the spacious Fox, will continue to grow. If you take all segments (A000, A00 = Fox and A0) positioned below the Golf class, an increase of over 200,000 to around 5.4 million cars has been predicted for Western Europe between 2005 and 2006 alone – that is a 33.3 percent share of the whole market volume.

Volkswagen will now be represented with three models: The extremely low-cost entry-level Fox, the specialised Lupo and the sophisticated Polo – variety instead of naivety.

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

back on a maximum cargo volume of 1,016 litres (see Interior chapter for details).

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.

Interior

Room for Four or Luggage for Eight

• The Fox has been configured as a comfortable four-seater
• Two-door providing variable and longitudinally adjusted rear bench

The interior of the new Fox is functional and has an amazing amount of space to offer. Volkswagen decided to configure the compact car as a four-seater so there are two proper seats in the rear and enough space for two adults. The complete rear bench also slides 15 centimetres lengthways and the backrest is split in the middle. Depending on the configuration, the boot volume is between 260 and 1,016 litres.

Saying the Fox is very roomy may be going too far, but the feeling of spaciousness and the actual space available are indeed remarkable. And that’s the way it should be as Volkswagen is not just launching a normal small car, but a low-cost entry-level model. The Fox is recommended as a city car and also is suitable for long journeys between cities or for holidays.

To ensure that the Fox is fun both on short and long journeys, we have given it a fresh interior design, a good interior quality and clever functions.

Functions:

Operating manual? You won’t need one

Instruments: The Volkswagen features an interior concept that is shaped by clear forms and a high-level of user friendliness. Let’s take the cockpit, for example: As in the New Beetle, the speedo is configured as a central round instrument. However, unlike the New Beetle built in Mexico, not all instruments have been integrated in the speedo. Instead only the most important warning indicators as well as the mileage counters (total mileage and trip recorder) and clock in a digital display have been included. The rev counter and fuel gauge have been placed to the left and right of the speedo. Other warning lamps are positioned on the outside.

Steering column stalks: One special feature compared with other Volkswagens are the stalks next to the reach and height-adjusted steering wheel: They are multifunctional. Normally in Volkswagens the multi-function steering column stalks are limited to the cruise control or automatic adaptive cruise control (both on left-hand side) or the multi-function display controls (right-hand side). However, the Fox is an entry-level model that makes do without this technology. Nevertheless, to ensure that the controls in this area are in line with the norm: The left-hand stalk contains the headlight switch and levelling control — in the form of rotary switches. The driver will use the switches intuitively after a few seconds of getting used to them. As in any other car, the indicators and flasher lights are operated with the left-hand control stalk.

In addition to all windscreen wiper controls, the right-hand stalk also has the switch for the standard heated rear window — in the form of a pushbutton on the outside. The heating is switched off automatically after 20 seconds.

Centre console: VW drivers will be familiar with all other controls. If you are new to VW, you will also quickly find your way around the Fox. The centre console is yet another example. The hazard warning light switch is located at the top in the middle and is therefore easy to reach both for the driver and front passenger. To the left are the buttons for the rear fog lights and, depending on the equipment, the front fog lights and, further to the left, the switch to deactivate the optional ESP.

On the next level, the audio system (double DIN slot) is easy to see and operate. Below that are the controls for the heating and ventilation as well as the recirculation switch. A semi-automatic and particularly efficient air-conditioning system (Climatic) is available here as an extra. Similar to the New Beetle, there are two cup holders for the driver and front passenger just in front of the smooth­shifting and precise gearstick. One of them can optionally be fitted with an ashtray.

VW systematics: The air vents, door handles, mirror adjustment (electrical optional), central locking and window regulators (powered also optional) are self-explanatory as in numerous other VW models.

Space Parameters: Nothing is Minimal

The development team have come up with a compact car that, firstly, lowers the price threshold of the VW world considerably. Secondly, this does not come at the cost of everyday use, safety and a feeling of well-being.

Wider than usual: Tight interior space reduces the usability and comfort of a car. The new Fox therefore has amazing interior space. There is a concept behind this too. At first sight, you are bound to be surprised by the width and height of this compact car. The Fox has an extremely high level of movement freedom for its class with elbowroom of 1,401 millimetres (front) and 1,423 millimetres (rear). In practice, this means that two tall people can sit next to each other without feeling that the car is just a bit too small. The fact that a compact car in the €9,000 price class feels “fully grown” is not a matter of course.

Taller than usual: The interior height is one more dimension that makes an essential contribution to this feeling of spaciousness. After all, the Fox measures 1,544 millimetres on the outside – i.e. from the tyre tread to the top coat of paint on the roof. That is very generous and allows for the following trick. The VW specialists have placed the so-called “H-point” (the axis movement of the driver’s pelvis) considerably higher. This has also made the seat position higher similar to a mini van. As a result, you sit in a more relaxed position and the feeling of space has been enhanced.

Even with the higher seats, the maximum interior height in the front is 995 millimetres. In the back, it is exactly 964 millimetres. You therefore not feel cramped in any way.

Tidy Storage: The seat height has added to the storage possibilities as we have managed to integrate a large drawer under the driver’s seat. It is just one of the many storage facilities including the large glove compartment and the 1.0-litre bottle holder inside the doors. Two other cup holders have been provided in front of the gearstick. There are also two cup holders between the seats in the back.

Kneeroom and Boot:

Just a Question of Adjustment

Loads of room: The space is also generous lengthways. In fact, this is in three areas: the front, the back and in the boot. Car developers talk about the legroom in this context, i.e. the centimetres that are available for your legs. The maximum legroom in the front seats is 1,052 millimetres. In the back, up to 884 millimetres are available — depending on the position of the front seats and rear bench. Thanks to the optional sliding rear seat bench that can be moved 15 centimetres lengthways, both the boot and the legroom in the second seat row can be adapted to your transport and space needs.

A question of adjustment: The ASR system (Adjustable Rear Seats / optional) is either adjusted from the passenger compartment or the boot. If you want to increase or decrease the footwell or boot space by sliding the rear bench, you use a simple lever underneath the centre of the rear bench. The rear backrest, which is split 50:50, and the one-piece seat base can be released and folded over using levers in the boot. The complete rear bench is secured in the folded position with a strap.

Boot: These adjustments allow for a very flexible boot space. The cargo volume ranges from 256 to 353 litres when four people are travelling. You also have up to 1,016 litres for small moves, for example, from home to university or for transporting all kinds of large objects. The length of the boot can be varied between 676 and 1,351 millimetres.

The Ideal Climate: Hot or Cold

Heating and ventilation: All that space needs a good heating and ventilation system. The heating and ventilation in the new Fox is therefore very efficient. The air channels with large cross-sections allow for an ideal air supply. The two front passengers benefit from the generously sized vents in the footwell. The powerful fan is also fitted with a pollen filter that is used both in fresh air and recirculation mode. The heating and ventilation system is operated using three rotary switches (heating temperature, fan, air distribution) and a button for air recirculation.

Air conditioning: Alternatively to the standard heating and ventilation, the new Fox can also be equipped with the semi­automatic Climatic air conditioning as featured in the Polo and Golf among others. This system keeps the preset interior temperature constant even when outside conditions change. This function is normally only available on more sophisticated climate control systems. The air distribution is manual as usual. The Climatic system has an externally regulated compressor that consumes less energy and therefore fuel than conventional solutions thanks to the optimised evaporator temperature. Similar to the version without a cooling function, the system is operated with three almost identical rotary switches. In this case, the left-hand temperature control adjusts both the heating and cooling level. In addition to the recirculation button, there is a second button (AC) for switching the air conditioning on and off.

Passive Safety:

Optional Side Airbags in Addition to Front Airbags

Airbag and restraint systems: The high level of passive safety in the new Fox is firstly down to the sophisticated and very stiff body and, secondly, the airbag and restraint systems. The Volkswagen has a driver’s and front passenger airbag as standard. Their volumes are 60 litres (left) and 100 litres (right). As an option, the Fox can be delivered with side airbags (14 litres) integrated in the seat backrests. All four seats have three-point automatic seat belts and head restraints. There is a warning light to tell the driver when he or she is not buckled up. An acoustic signal will also sound for six seconds. If the driver is still not wearing a belt when a speed of ten km/h is reached, an acoustic signal will sound again for ninety seconds. The warning lamp only extinguishes once the belts have been clicked in.

The front belts have tensioners and are height adjustable. The belt tensioners are triggered depending on the severity of accidents by a central control unit.

Child Safety: Isofix child seat fastenings are also provided for both seats in the back as standard. The anchors are easy to find thanks to clear markings. The child seats are fastened securely to the seat frame of the rear bench and are therefore incorporated ideally in the Fox passive protection system.

The Volkswagen child seat range is also suitable for use in the new Fox. For example: The Bobsy G1 Isofix Duo plus for very small passengers between eight months and four years or a weight of nine to eighteen kilogrammes. This seat simply fits in the Isofix fixtures. If you push in the Isofix locking bar on the seat, it can also be used in vehicles without the Isofix system.

Renewable Raw Materials: Some Fox Parts Grow in Fields

Curauá from South America: Volkswagen has turned to numerous natural materials to ensure production is environmentally friendly. The term “renewable raw materials” can be taken literally in this context. They have unique product advantages and secure the long­term income of many agricultural workers in Brazil where the Fox is produced. For example, in addition to coconut fibres, fibres from the Curauá plant are being used for the first time in automobile production in the Fox. It is a member of the pineapple family and is traditionally grown by the Indians and indigenous peoples of South America. Mixed one to one with the fully recyclable synthetic material polypropylene, curauá is an ideal base material for the roof liner or the parcel shelf.

Curauá fibres have interesting product advantages. They are light, completely recyclable, absorb hardly any moisture, are odour-free, do not require much energy when processed and feel pleasant to the touch. Volkswagen purchases around 100 tonnes of this material each month. It is planted on around 1,500 hectares of farmland. By 2006, this project will have created around 10,000 jobs and allowed social facilities such as schools and health centres to be set up.

·         Door mirrors adjusted on inside, aspheric on driver’s side

·         Cup holders in front and rear (both 2)

·         Three-point automatic seat belts (4), with height adjustment and belt tensioners on front seats

·         Height-adjustable driver’s seat with built-in drawer

·         Parcel shelf and boot light

·         Heated rear window

·         Rear window wash/wipe with intermittent wipe

·         Heating and fresh air system with recirculation mode

·         Front interior lights with switch-off delay and contact switches

·         in the doors

·         White instrument illumination, red night design for switches

·         Isofix fixtures for child seats in rear (2)

·         Combi-instrument with electronic tachometer, kilometre and trip counter, rev counter

·         Indicator “Flash” function (press once = 3 flashes)

·         Warning lamps and service interval display

·         Height-adjustable head restraints (4)

·         Height and reach adjustable steering column (55 kW and TDI)

·         Vanity mirrors in sun visors

·         Radio preparation with 4 speakers

·         Full-size steel spare wheel

·         Folding rear seat bench and backrest, not split, 2 seats; rear

·         bench with storage compartment

·         Window antenna

·         Electro/hydraulic power steering, speed sensitive (55 kW and TDI)

·         Black bump strips

·         “Stripes” pattern fabric seat covers

·         Dust and pollen filter

·         Warning triangle

·         Warning buzzer when lights left on

·         Heat insulating green tinted glass

·         14-inch steel wheels with full-size wheel trims

Special Equipment

ESP also for the Cheapest Volkswagen

Ten paint colours and two coordinated interior patterns Classic functional equipment also available in packages

The special equipment allows you to make your Fox more individual and configure it for your needs.

Safety first: In terms of safety, you can choose from the optional electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) including brake assist, electronic differential lock (EDL) and traction control system (TCS). The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) is also integrated with these systems. Furthermore the Fox can be order with side airbags integrated in the front seat backrests.

Colour range: Normally individualisation starts with the choice of colour. The ten colours range from special colours like the bright Sun Yellow to the sporty Tornado Red and the exclusive Black. If you prefer something different, you can also choose from Reflex Silver Metallic, Indigo Blue Pearl Effect, Black Magic Pearl Effect and Avocado Green Pearl Effect. The standard paints also include Candy White, India Blue and Urano Grey. Three different interior fabrics, are colour coordinated.

Functional: The equipment is the next stage. This includes the semi­automatic Climatic air conditioning, a sliding/tilting glass sunroof or — for the basic engine — the speed sensitive electro/hydraulic power steering.

Basic functional equipment is, as usual, combined in packages. For example, the Vario Package: This includes the complete variable rear bench (symmetrically split, folding and sliding lengthways as well as rear vent windows / both can also be ordered separately). Example Open and Close: This integrates the power windows and the remote-controlled central locking system. Last but not least, the special equipment includes details like the RCD 200 radio system with integrated CD player and different alloy wheels (up to 15 inches with 195 tyres).

Special Equipment Overview for New Fox (extract):

 

·         Vario Package: Rear bench and backrest split symmetrically, sliding lengthways, rear vent windows

·         Open and Close: Front power windows, central locking with remote control

·         Colour Package: Door mirrors and bumpers in body colour

·         Comfort Package 1: Electrically adjusted and heated door

·         mirrors, front power windows, remote-controlled central locking

·         Comfort Package 2: Electrically adjusted and heated door

·         mirrors, anti-theft alarm with electronic immobilizer and interior

·         monitoring sensor, front power windows, 2 reading lamps in

·         front, remote controlled central locking

·         Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) including brake assist, ABS, EDS and ASR

·         Climatic air conditioning with semi-automatic control

·         Parana alloy wheels, 6 J x 14

·         Mendoza alloy wheels, 6 J x 15

·         RCD 200 radio system with CD player

·         Folding rear bench and backrest sliding lengthways, rear backrest split symmetrically, 2 seats

·         Electrical sliding/tilting glass sunroof

·         Driver and front passenger side airbags

·         Rear vent windows

·         Power steering (for 40 kW), electro/hydraulic, including height and reach adjustment of steering column

models, the fuel consumption and torque characteristics have been further optimised.

Fox 1.4 TDI PD delivering 51 kW / 69 hp

Economic three-cylinder turbo diesel: The 1.4-litre TDI engine is one of the most modern turbo diesels in its class. Like the V10 TDI in the Phaeton or Touareg, the extremely agile and economic three­cylinder diesel uses the innovative unit injector technology. That means power all around.

The technology of the particularly compact TDI has been modified extensively for use in the Fox. Thanks to optimised combustion chamber geometry, new valve contours and improved unit injectors, the powerful diesel easily meets the strict Euro 4 emissions norm. At the same time, an EGR cooler for exhaust gas recirculation and a modern turbocharger are used in the form of modules. A particularly fast responding oxidation catalytic converter with thin-wall technology also helps reduce the emissions values. The Fox 1.4 TDI will also come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.

When used in the 1,085-kilogramme Fox, the 51kW / 69hp TDI clearly proves that modern diesels are not just economic and environmentally friendly, but also allows for great performance. Having a maximum torque of 155 Newton-metres constantly available between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm, it allows very dynamic driving. The compact front-wheel drive car accelerates from nought to 100 km/h in 14.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 161 km/h. Despite this good driving performance, the average consumption is just 4.9 litres of diesel every hundred kilometres.

Modern Five-speed Manual Gearbox

 

All three engine versions of the new Fox use Volkswagen’s MQ200 five-speed manual gearbox. M stands for manual, Q refers to the use of transverse drive units. 200 indicates to the maximum transmitted torque of 200 Newton-metres.

Volkswagen / Fox / April 2005

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Electro/hydraulic power steering: In addition to the sophisticated front wheel suspension, drivers of the Fox 1.4 and 1.4 TDI can enjoy the standard (optional for the Fox 1.2) high-tech adaptive electro/hydraulic power steering. This system is controlled by an electric pump that applies a higher or lower pressure to the steering hydraulics depending on the steering angle, speed and the weight of the car. The advantage is that the optimised control of the steering pump minimises the energy requirement. While the steering pressure needs to be applied constantly in conventional power steering systems, the electro/hydraulic power steering can lower the power consumption considerably, for example, when driving straight ahead.

Rear axle: The modern semi-independent rear axle used in the Fox made its debut in the Polo. Its special feature is the cross member that connects the two rear wheels. It has been shaped into a V-profile with a special geometry. Thanks to the varying, precisely defined thicknesses, this so-called torsion tube possesses the exact torsional properties that allow for neutral driving performance. An additional anti-roll bar is not required – this also contributes to the weight minimisation of this rear-axle concept.

Large-volume rubber/metal bearings connect the wheel suspension to the chassis. The angled position of the bearings correct the track when there are sideways forces above all at higher speeds and thus contribute to the driving stability. The bearing configuration ensures good ride comfort. Furthermore the separate arrangement of springs and dampers improves the comfort and also guarantees optimum loading width in the boot.

Economy

Reasonably Priced, Low Running Costs

• Low insurance rates, lower consumption, low running costs
• Typical brand quality as a guarantee of best preservation of value in class

The actual costs of a car can in no way be limited to the purchase price – even if the list price is particularly low as in the case of the new Fox. Fuel, repairs and maintenance as well as tax and insurance make up the running costs. When you decide to sell the car, the preservation of value can pay off.

Low insurance classes: The Fox is very reasonable from the start with its low starting price. Volkswagen took numerous extensive measures to ensure that this compact car has the cheapest running costs in its class. Its construction has been optimised to make repairs easy and allow very low ratings in the insurance groups TK 16 for comprehensive policies and VK 12 for third party, fire and theft policies. Furthermore the high manufacturing quality and workmanship will make the new Fox a low-cost car in the long run.

Service interval display: Finally the low maintenance costs of the new Fox contribute to its low maintenance requirement. Instead of a strict servicing and oil change schedule, a service interval display shows when the next service is due. It is based on the actual conditions. Until then, you can clock up 30,000 or drive for a maximum of two years.

Test drive: Finally each finished Fox has to prove it is flawless on the test track. This includes a round circuit for checking the chassis and the steering as well as a handling track with 15 different road surfaces to establish noise development. Then it is taken on a 1.3-kilometre high-speed road to check the perfect functioning of the engine and gearbox as well as wind noise, wheel balance and driving stability at up to 120km/h.