The Volkswagen SpaceFox (facelift 2015) is a compact station wagon, or estate, primarily marketed in Latin America. Positioned as a versatile and practical vehicle, it’s based on the Volkswagen Fox platform, offering a blend of hatchback and small MPV characteristics. This iteration, the 2015 facelift, brought updated styling and features to the SpaceFox, aiming to maintain its appeal in a competitive segment. While not sold in the United States, the SpaceFox filled a niche for families seeking a space-efficient and affordable vehicle in South American markets.
Volkswagen SpaceFox (Facelift 2015): An Overview
The SpaceFox represents Volkswagen’s adaptation to the specific needs of the Latin American automotive market. Unlike the Golf-based wagons common in Europe, the SpaceFox is built on the smaller Fox platform. This allows for a more affordable price point and a size that is well-suited to urban environments and varying road conditions. The facelifted 2015 model received cosmetic updates, including revised front and rear fascias, interior enhancements, and improved equipment levels. It continued to be offered with a range of petrol engines, catering to different budgets and performance preferences.
Engine & Performance
The 2015 Volkswagen SpaceFox 1.6 is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder petrol engine, designated CNXA. This naturally aspirated engine produces 110 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 155 Nm (114.32 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. Power delivery is managed through a six-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.4 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.9 seconds. The SpaceFox achieves a maximum speed of 186 km/h (115.58 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.4 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between power and weight for its class.
Design & Features
The SpaceFox boasts a practical, five-door station wagon body style, offering a good balance between passenger space and cargo capacity. It’s designed to accommodate five occupants comfortably. The 2015 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including a revised front grille, updated headlights, and a redesigned bumper. Inside, the SpaceFox offers a functional and straightforward interior layout. While not luxurious, it provides essential comfort features and a decent level of practicality. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), a standard inclusion for the time. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4204 mm (165.51 in) in length, 1660 mm (65.35 in) in width, and 1585 mm (62.4 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2467 mm (97.13 in). The SpaceFox’s design prioritizes usability and affordability, making it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle.
Practical Considerations
The SpaceFox offers a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters (13.21 US gallons), providing a reasonable driving range. It has a kerb weight of 1148 kg (2530.91 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight of 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs), allowing for a maximum load capacity of 482 kg (1062.63 lbs). The vehicle also features a maximum roof load capacity of 45 kg (99.21 lbs) and a permitted trailer load with brakes of 400 kg (881.85 lbs). Ground clearance is 155 mm (6.1 in), suitable for typical road conditions in its target markets. The minimum turning circle is 10.9 meters (35.76 ft), providing adequate maneuverability in urban settings.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | SpaceFox (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate), MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 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 oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1148 kg (2530.91 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs) |
| Max load | 482 kg (1062.63 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 | 4204 mm (165.51 in) |
| Width | 1660 mm (65.35 in) |
| Width including mirrors | 1901-1904 mm (74.84 – 74.96 in) |
| Height | 1585 mm (62.4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm (97.13 in) |
| Front track | 1416-1426 mm (55.75 – 56.14 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1410-1420 mm (55.51 – 55.91 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 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 |
The Volkswagen SpaceFox (facelift 2015) 1.6 represents a practical and affordable option for families in Latin America. Its blend of space, efficiency, and reliability made it a popular choice in its segment, offering a compelling alternative to larger and more expensive vehicles.
