SAO BERNARDO DO CAMPO, Brazil — Volkswagen has some welcome news for the Brazil market with the introduction of an updated Crossfox, the first face-lift since the adventure-ready model came out four years ago.
The Crossfox is powered exclusively by a 1.6-liter two-valve inline-4 flexible-fuel engine — flex-fuel models making up 90 percent of local sales — that pumps out 102 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque on E100 ethanol, matched to a five-speed transmission. For unknown reasons, the automated sequential gearbox offered for the Fox, Polo, Gol and Voyage here is unavailable for the Crossfox. VW vows to add this option in the near future.
The design changes both inside and outside are welcome. Apart from the base Fox's quite unpleasant front end design right from the beginning, the instrument cluster with the tiny, unreadable side quadrant rev-counter and no glove compartment in the usual dashboard location are replaced by a more Teutonic instrument cluster with the brand's usual two sizable meters (rev counter at left and speedometer at right) and a real glove compartment, although the useful tray under the driver seat was maintained.
The outside is considerably improved, too. Gone is the pure adventure look, including the former front push bumper. Ride height is nearly 2.2 inches higher than the Fox. The auxiliary long-range lamps and foglights are in one unit now, and there's a sliding and tilting sunroof and a set of deep-treaded tires for mixed use as an option.
The Crossfox is roomy, despite the conservative 97.1-inch wheelbase and 158.8 inch overall length.
In all, the revised Crossfox is a nice compact car that is easy to park and features excellent handling and ride. Suspension is the proven front MacPherson and rear torsion-beam axle layout (from the original Polo, instead of the Fox's simpler and less costly design). It is a peppy performer that goes from zero to 60 in less than 11 seconds, with a 108 mph top speed.
Pricing starts at the equivalent of $26,500. Air-conditioning, front airbags and ABS add $3,890.
Inside Line says: Volkswagen could export it for a good price — with ASG transmission, preferably. — Bob Sharp, Correspondent
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newcar71 says:
05:16 PM, 12/07/2009
In my opinion, it looks like a domesticated Fiat Panda
thaitanium15 says:
11:49 PM, 12/06/2009
So, it's a cross between a fox and a... ??
firstclass says:
06:29 PM, 12/04/2009
Looks too much like a giant rabbit. I think I've read of this in Greek mythology. This could be good competition for the Suzuki sx4 if it ever comes north. If it sold well then maybe we'd see the Daihatsu Terios arrive in the US.