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 2015 facelift brought updated styling and, in some trims, a more efficient automatic transmission, aiming to maintain the Fox’s competitive edge in a growing market segment.
Volkswagen SpaceCross: An Overview
The SpaceCross is essentially a variant of the fifth-generation Volkswagen Fox, produced from 2010 to 2017. The “SpaceCross” designation denotes a specific trim level focused on practicality and a hint of adventure styling. It’s important to note that the Fox, and therefore the SpaceCross, is distinct from the European Fox (also known as the Polo in some markets) and the North American Fox (a rebadged Volkswagen Rabbit). The Latin American Fox was designed specifically to meet the needs and preferences of that region’s consumers, emphasizing affordability, durability, and fuel efficiency. The 2015 facelift included cosmetic updates to the front and rear fascias, interior trim enhancements, and improvements to the available technology.
Engine & Performance
The SpaceCross 1.6 is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the CNXA engine code. This naturally aspirated engine produces 120 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 165 Nm (121.7 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine is capable of running on both gasoline and ethanol (E85) fuel, a common feature in Latin American markets. Power delivery is managed through a five-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.2 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.6 seconds. The top speed is rated at 189 km/h (117.44 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.1 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its class. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 11.5:1.
Design & Features
The SpaceCross boasts a station wagon body style, offering a generous cargo capacity for its size. It features five doors and seating for five passengers. The 2015 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including a revised front grille, updated headlights, and redesigned bumpers. These changes aimed to give the SpaceCross a more modern and appealing aesthetic. Inside, the SpaceCross offered a functional and straightforward interior layout. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, generally included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The SpaceCross’s ride height of 189 mm (7.44 in) provides adequate ground clearance for navigating uneven road surfaces, common in many parts of Latin America. 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.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fox SpaceCross (facelift 2015) Latin America |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (120 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 / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 189 km/h (117.44 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp, 102 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm, 140.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 165 Nm @ 4000 rpm (121.7 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 | Internal Combustion engine (ICE) – Front Wheel Drive |
| 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) represents a practical and affordable option for families in Latin America. While not a performance vehicle, its combination of fuel efficiency, reasonable space, and available features made it a popular choice in its segment. Its legacy lies in providing reliable transportation for a broad range of consumers in a demanding market.
