Volkswagen Fox (06 on) - Review

Paul Smith-style fabrics add a dash of colour and personality to an otherwise sober interior and there's a surprising amount of space in the back. Despite the small size, there's loads of legroom in the rear (two fully-grown adults can sit in comfort) and it has seats with scalloped backs to maximise the room. The rear seats also split 50/50 and slide (although not independently of each other) on Urban Fox models to give more luggage space or rear legroom. Engine noise is evident most of the time and especially when driving around town while road noise becomes an issue at higher speeds. Overall though, it's a comfortable, compact way for four adults to travel over short distances.

The rear seats split, tumble and fold for a flat load area which means the Fox is surprisingly useful for moving larger objects, helped by a high roof. They slide, too, to increase standard luggage space when needed while Urban Fox models have seats that slide forward to allow easier access to the rear than the standard models. The tall shape and wide-opening tailgate means that it copes better with larger, more awkward loads, than other city cars might. It's possible to carry one cubic metre of cargo in the boot. Other interior touches include rear cupholders, a reasonably-sized glovebox and a cubby area by the gearstick.

With just the driver on board, all-round visibility is good, but the rearward view can be restricted with two in the back. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach which isn't always the case in this size, and means it's much more comfortable for taller drivers, especially on longer journeys. The driver's seat height can also be adjusted. Overall the driving position is good, the instruments are easy to use and the layout of the dials is clear. So it's a shame that it looks so dull, especially compared to other small cars this size which are more adventurous and original with their cabin design.