The Volkswagen SpaceCross (facelift 2015) is a compact station wagon, or estate, primarily marketed in Latin America. This model represents a refreshed version of the Volkswagen Fox, a vehicle that enjoyed considerable popularity in Brazil and Argentina as an affordable and practical family car. While not sold in the United States, the SpaceCross occupied a niche similar to subcompact crossovers, offering increased cargo space and a slightly more rugged appearance than the standard Fox hatchback. The facelift introduced in 2015 brought updated styling and, in some trims, enhanced features, aiming to maintain the Fox’s competitiveness in a growing market segment.
Volkswagen SpaceCross: An Overview
The SpaceCross is essentially a variant of the Volkswagen Fox, tailored to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle capable of handling both urban commutes and occasional trips. It’s positioned as a five-door, five-seater, offering a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The 2015 facelift brought cosmetic changes to the exterior, including revised front and rear fascias, as well as interior updates. The SpaceCross distinguishes itself with a slightly raised suspension and protective body cladding, giving it a more adventurous aesthetic. It’s important to note that the Fox, and by extension the SpaceCross, was not directly sold in North America, making it a relatively uncommon sight outside of Latin American markets.
Engine & Performance
The SpaceCross (facelift 2015) 1.6 model is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the CNXA engine code. This naturally aspirated engine produces 110 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 155 Nm (114.32 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. Power delivery is managed through a five-speed automatic transmission, directing power to the front wheels. The engine’s 11.5:1 compression ratio and multi-port fuel injection contribute to reasonable fuel economy for its class. Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 11.2 seconds, with a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 10.7 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 7.6 kg/Nm suggest a balanced, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. The engine oil capacity is 4.5 liters (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt).
Design & Features
The SpaceCross boasts a station wagon (estate) body style, offering a generous cargo area for its size. The 2015 facelift brought a more modern and refined appearance, with a focus on enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal. Key design elements include the raised ride height (189 mm / 7.44 in), which provides improved ground clearance for navigating uneven roads, and the protective plastic cladding around the lower body, giving it a more rugged look. Inside, the SpaceCross offers a functional and practical cabin, designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably. While specific features varied depending on trim level, common amenities included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4205 mm (165.55 in) in length, 1663 mm (65.47 in) in width, and 1620 mm (63.78 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2469 mm (97.2 in). The turning circle is 11.2 meters (36.75 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fox SpaceCross (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (110 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate), MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CNXA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1176 kg (2592.64 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs) |
| Max load | 454 kg (1000.9 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 | 4205 mm (165.55 in) |
| Width | 1663 mm (65.47 in) |
| Width including mirrors | 1904 mm (74.96 in) |
| Height | 1620 mm (63.78 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2469 mm (97.2 in) |
| Front track | 1449 mm (57.05 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 189 mm (7.44 in) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, ICE |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic 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 |
The Volkswagen SpaceCross (facelift 2015) 1.6 Automatic, while not a performance vehicle, offered a practical and affordable transportation solution for families in Latin America. Its blend of station wagon versatility, reasonable fuel economy, and available features made it a competitive choice in its segment.
