Volkswagen Fox (06 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 25 September 2009
This is the cheapest new Volkswagen in recent memory - a roomy, easy-to-drive city runabout that's cheap to run and well built. It effectively replaced the Volkswagen Lupo, but is far superior with better refinement and more interior space. It may lack the charm and personality of other small cars like the Fiat Panda or Toyota Aygo, but it makes up for it with a versatile and comfortable interior. There are just a handful of engines and trims available, making the range simple and easy to understand.
3 out of 5

Other Volkswagen reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

This small Volkswagen offers good fuel economy (although bizarrely not as good as the larger Polo) with 46mpg achievable with the 1.2-litre and 42mpg on average for the 1.4-litre. Volkswagen dealer servicing tends to be pricey, but parts costs should be reasonable enough. Residual values are among the best in the class. After three years/60,000 miles, all Fox models should be worth between 35 and 40 per cent of their original values. Insurance is low too with the 1.2-litre group 1 and the 1.4-litre in group 2.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Oil change service every 10,000 miles/12 months. Inspection service every 20,000 miles/two years.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£120.00 - £170.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
    136
  • F
  • G
    159
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Fox is a good choice for eco-friendly buyers, although emissions aren't quite as low as you'd expect for such a small car. The 1.2-litre emits 144g/km of CO2 which seems quite high compared to some other similar-sized cars. Volkswagen has put some thought into making the Brazilian-built Fox at least nod towards being environmentally friendly: the roof lining comes from the fibre of pineapple plants and the texture of the plastics are patterns from South American plants.

Find the exact engine and CO2