Volkswagen Fox Hatchback

We say Decent budget motoring but the Fox is rather uninspired and lags behind the segment leaders.Performance 55bhp 1.-2litre is decent around town and can

We say Decent budget motoring but the Fox is rather uninspired and lags behind the segment leaders.Performance 55bhp 1.-2litre is decent around town and can just about hold its own on the motorway. 1.4-litre is powerful for its size and refined and probably the better choice given the smaller engines shortcomings at speed.Emissions There are just two engines available with the Fox and it’s the small 1.2-litre unit that returns the best emissions and fuel economy figures. On a combined cycle it returns 48mpg and emits 136g/km which is surprisingly high for such a small car and one of the reasons it has fallen behind its rivals.Driving Decent ride and a decent drive, though the Fox is caught out by poor steering and some wallowing around corners; again a downside for a small car that should show more poise and control around corners.Feel The 1.2 is a little throaty when pushed but the 1.4 is a decent cruiser and the better option given its similarity in emissions and fuel economy, as well as superiority in terms of performance figures.Space The Fox is a big car considering its city car status. There’s good headroom courtesy of its tall roof and the Fox's versatility aids luggage space - there's over 1000-litres with the rear seats folded which is brilliant considering its size.Equipment Power steering, CD player are standard. The kind of bits and bobs you wouldn't normally notice are also standard. Anything beyond that and you're probably out of luck.Price Cheap list prices, but the running costs are surprisingly high for a small car. A start price of around £7,500 can be too good to miss however. The Fox also comes with higher emissions and a lower economy than you'd expect of such a small car - the kit level is mean too.Quality The Fox won't blow you away with its interior quality, but the engines should quietly impress. It's a VW after also the interior will also be solid, too.Safety Two airbags and ABS are standard. Still, the Fox scored four NCAP stars despite obvious shortcomings in terms of safety equipment.Pros The Volkswagen Fox is cheap and spacious. It’s also a Volkswagen so you can guarantee reliability, too.Cons The Fox is basic and you pay for what you get. There’s limited equipment, engines and safety equipment is also poor. Its engines are the biggest giveaway of its age because in terms of emissions and fuel economy, it has fallen behind its mainstream rivalsAlternatives Kia Picanto, Fiat Panda

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