The Volkswagen Fox, particularly the facelifted 2015 model sold in Latin America with the 1.6-liter 110 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration of Volkswagen’s long-running small car lineage. Introduced as a replacement for the Gol in certain markets, the Fox aimed to offer a more modern and refined experience within the subcompact hatchback segment. Production of this specific configuration began in 2015 and continued for several years, becoming a popular choice for families and urban commuters seeking a practical and affordable vehicle. This variant occupied a mid-range position within the Fox lineup, offering a balance between price, features, and performance, slotting below the more powerful engine options and above the base, more sparsely equipped models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fox |
| Generation | Fox 5Door (facelift 2015) Latin America |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (110 Hp) Automatic |
| 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 | 184 km/h (114.33 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp, 100.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| 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 | 1099 kg (2422.88 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1520 kg (3351.03 lbs) |
| Max load | 421 kg (928.15 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, 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Fox variant is the CNXA engine, a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a member of Volkswagen’s EA111 family, known for its relatively simple design and ease of maintenance. The CNXA utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports, and features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. The 110 horsepower output is achieved at 5750 rpm, with a peak torque of 155 Nm (114.32 lb-ft) available at 4000 rpm. Paired with this engine is a five-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while providing convenience, is not known for its particularly sporty or efficient operation. It prioritizes smooth shifts over rapid acceleration. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for everyday driving, emphasizing fuel economy and comfort rather than performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine and automatic transmission combination delivers adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 10.6 seconds, and the top speed is around 114 mph. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic suffers a slight performance penalty due to the inherent losses in the torque converter. Furthermore, when contrasted with the more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged or higher displacement engines available in the Fox lineup, this variant feels noticeably less responsive. However, the automatic transmission makes it a more comfortable choice for city driving and stop-and-go traffic. The steering is light and easy to use, making maneuvering in tight spaces simple. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2015 Fox 1.6 Automatic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These generally included power windows and locks, air conditioning, a basic audio system with CD player and auxiliary input, and standard safety equipment like ABS brakes and dual front airbags. Higher trim levels, often denoted by additional packages, could add features such as alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and fog lights. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included a sunroof, parking sensors, and upgraded seat materials.
Chassis & Braking
The Fox utilizes a front-wheel-drive chassis with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power assistance. The suspension is tuned for comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars are present, but are relatively thin, contributing to a moderate level of body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Fox 1.6 Automatic was generally well-received in Latin American markets as a practical and affordable family car. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior for its size, and ease of use. However, the automatic transmission was often criticized for its sluggish performance and lack of responsiveness. Compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Fiat Palio and Chevrolet Onix, the Fox offered a more refined interior and a more established brand reputation. Fuel economy was average for the segment, and reliability was generally considered good, although some owners reported minor issues with the automatic transmission over the long term.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Fox 1.6 Automatic, while not a performance standout, has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable vehicle. In the used car market, these models are often sought after for their affordability and practicality. The CNXA engine is known for its longevity, and the automatic transmission, while not the most sophisticated, can provide years of service with proper maintenance. Parts availability is generally good, and repair costs are reasonable. The Fox continues to be a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable and economical hatchback.
