On the other side of functionality, appealing to a much broader crowd is the Fox Pepper. The sportiest of the Fox family, it's powered by a 1.6-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder that makes an easy-revving 105 horsepower. Volkswagen has also gussied it up in the looks department, adding a special front air dam, rear valance and side skirts to give the car a more aggressive appearance. If that wasn't enough, the tiny car has been fitted with 215/40 R 17 high performance tires on Golf R32 look-a-like wheels.
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| The Fox Pepper is the hottest Fox on the market, powered by a 105 hp 1.6 engine. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Size notwithstanding (it is 3,840 mm long after all) both models of Fox have been furnished quite lavishly. Curvy, and crafted from textured 'soft-feel' plastics, the dash wraps around the single-gauge instrument cluster. A simple center console features two knobs for heating and ventilation, as opposed to the typical three. Plenty of storage space can be found inside with trays stretching across the steering column's base, and deep cubbyholes on the dash as well as along the passenger's side, in place of a glove box.
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| While both Fox models described here are not available in North America, there is a good chance they could find its way here. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
A nature theme was chosen for the CrossFox, aptly reflected in the choice of trim. Black leather buckets are trimmed with olive inserts to give the car an earthy look. The sportier Fox Pepper makes use of two-toned white and black buckets with a sports steering wheel. Three individual white-faced gauges rest atop the dashboard in a similar fashion to the Smart Roadster. Aluminum pedals, and an aluminum shifter knob have also been thrown into the Pepper package.
While both models are only available outside of North America, they could easily end up in here as new Volkswagen entry models. While the brand is perceived higher from a fit and finish and features standpoint than the majority of its Asian or domestic peers, a more affordable subcompact could win over a lot of market share.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 2-door roadster
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 105-hp, 1.6-L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual
- Brakes (est front/rear): disc/disc
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Web Site: www.vw.com
