The Volkswagen Fox, specifically the 5-door hatchback produced in Latin America and facelifted in 2015, represented a significant offering in the subcompact segment. The 1.6-liter (101 horsepower) variant was a mainstay of the lineup, positioned as an accessible and economical option for buyers. Production of this iteration ran from 2015 onwards, building upon the foundation of the earlier Fox models and sharing components with other vehicles within the Volkswagen Group. This version of the Fox aimed to provide practical transportation with a focus on fuel efficiency and affordability, catering to a broad demographic within the Latin American market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fox |
| Generation | Fox 5Door (facelift 2015) Latin America |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (101 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 179 km/h (111.23 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 101 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 151 Nm @ 2500 rpm (111.37 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CCRA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 12.1:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1083 kg (2387.61 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1520 kg (3351.03 lbs) |
| Max load | 437 kg (963.42 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 45 kg (99.21 lbs) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 400 kg (881.85 lbs) |
| Length | 3867-3868 mm (152.24 – 152.28 in) |
| Width | 1660-1663 mm (65.35 – 65.47 in) |
| Width including mirrors | 1901-1904 mm (74.84 – 74.96 in) |
| Height | 1551-1555 mm (61.06 – 61.22 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm (97.13 in) |
| Front track | 1416-1432 mm (55.75 – 56.38 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1410-1426 mm (55.51 – 56.14 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 156-161 mm (6.14 – 6.34 in) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
INTRODUCTION
The Volkswagen Fox 5-door facelift of 2015, specifically equipped with the 1.6-liter, 101 horsepower engine, was a crucial model for Volkswagen in the Latin American market. It represented a refresh of the second-generation Fox (Type 5L), which itself was based on the global Polo platform (specifically the 6N2 generation). This facelift brought updated styling, improved interior features, and refinements to the existing mechanical components. The Fox aimed to bridge the gap between the smaller Gol and the larger Voyage, offering a more modern and versatile option for families and individuals seeking a practical and reliable hatchback. This particular engine and transmission combination was often considered the entry-level offering, providing a balance between affordability and usability.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Fox variant is the EA111 series 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated with the code CCRA. This engine is a naturally aspirated unit featuring multi-point fuel injection. The EA111 family is known for its relatively simple design and robust construction, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. The engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain, operating with four valves per cylinder. The 101 horsepower output is achieved at 5250 rpm, while peak torque of 151 Nm (111.37 lb-ft) arrives at 2500 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. Paired with this engine is a five-speed manual transmission, chosen for its simplicity and efficiency. While an automatic transmission was offered in some Fox trims, it wasn’t typically paired with this base 1.6L engine due to cost considerations and the desire to maintain fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter Fox with a manual transmission delivers a driving experience focused on practicality rather than performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.6 seconds, and top speed is approximately 111 mph. The engine feels adequate for everyday driving, providing sufficient power for city commutes and highway cruising, although it can feel strained when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. The five-speed manual transmission offers a decent spread of gears, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to higher-output versions of the Fox (which were not commonly available in the Latin American market), this variant lacks the punch for spirited driving. However, it compensates with improved fuel economy and a more forgiving nature. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, prioritizing fuel savings over rapid acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6-liter Fox typically served as the base trim level, offering a functional but not overly luxurious interior. Standard features generally included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a durable and practical design. Optional extras, depending on the specific market and package, could include power windows, central locking, and an upgraded audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features were generally limited to dual front airbags and ABS brakes. The dashboard layout was straightforward and user-friendly, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetic flair. Higher trim levels of the Fox offered features like alloy wheels, fog lights, and more premium interior materials.
Chassis & Braking
The Fox utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, well-suited for the often-challenging road conditions found in Latin America. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The chassis is relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Stabilizer bars were included, helping to reduce body roll during cornering, although the handling characteristics are not particularly sporty.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6-liter Fox was generally well-received in the Latin American market as a reliable and affordable option. Critics praised its practicality, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance. However, some reviewers noted its lack of power and relatively basic interior compared to some competitors. Compared to other trims in the Fox lineup, the 1.6-liter version offered the most attractive price point, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers. It competed directly with other subcompact hatchbacks like the Fiat Palio, Chevrolet Onix, and Renault Sandero, often undercutting them in price while offering comparable levels of practicality. Fuel economy was a key selling point, consistently achieving around 30-35 mpg in real-world driving conditions.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Fox 1.6L (101 Hp) has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain, with many examples still on the road today. The EA111 engine is known for its durability, and routine maintenance is relatively straightforward and inexpensive. In the used car market, this variant of the Fox remains a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable and practical hatchback. While it may not offer the performance or features of more modern vehicles, its simplicity and affordability continue to make it a viable option for those seeking basic transportation. Parts availability is generally good, and the widespread use of the EA111 engine across various Volkswagen models ensures a readily available supply of replacement components.
