Two Saucy Foxes Stir Up Subcompact Mix
Do you remember when Volkswagens were entry-level cars? When Beetles were the most popular car on the street, replaced by affordable Rabbits? Those days are all but gone, with the least expensive Golf now starting at just under $18,000.
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| Volkswagen has decided that the new Polo-based Fox will replace its entry-level city car, the European Lupo come 2005. There is no announcement as to whether it will be available in North America. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
It seems the "peoples' car" brand has been expending so much energy going upmarket, now touting Passat W8s, Touaregs and Phaetons that range in price from over $50,000 to more than $100,000, that it's forgotten its loyal core North American market, low income enthusiasts.
Will VW remedy this problem by bringing its subcompact Lupo across the Atlantic? Something along those lines might just be in the works. Little more than one month ago Volkswagen revealed its Fox. At the time, it was slated to be a South-American domestic market product to replace the Gol. Since, however, the German brand has decided that the Polo-based Fox will replace its entry-level city car, the Lupo come 2005.
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| The CrossFox is a slightly tougher version of the cute little Fox. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Shown here are two variants of the city car, in sporty as well as a slightly tougher off-roader guise. The first of the two new model additions is the CrossFox. Similar to the Polo Fun that was introduced at this year's Frankfurt show, the CrossFox is a slightly tougher version of the cute little Fox. Raised by 46 mm, the CrossFox sits well above the road with grille guard and rally-style spotlights leading the way. Silver brush trim brightens up the scratch-resistant matte-black plastic front and rear bumpers, while a full-size spare tire rests on the tailgate. Power comes from either a 1.0-liter inline four, or a larger 1.6-liter engine.