The Volkswagen SpaceCross (facelift 2015) is a compact station wagon, or estate, specifically designed and marketed for the Latin American automotive market. This model represents a refreshed version of the Volkswagen Fox, a vehicle with a significant history in South America. While the Fox itself wasn’t widely sold in the United States, the SpaceCross variant offered a more versatile body style appealing to families and those needing additional cargo space. Positioned as a practical and affordable option, the SpaceCross competed with other compact wagons and small MPVs in the region. The 2015 facelift brought updated styling and minor mechanical improvements to the existing platform.
Volkswagen SpaceCross: A Latin American Variant
The SpaceCross is essentially a derivative of the Volkswagen Fox, a nameplate that enjoyed considerable success in Brazil and Argentina. Unlike the European Fox which was a supermini, the Latin American Fox was a larger, more substantial vehicle, bridging the gap between a compact hatchback and a small family car. The SpaceCross variant further enhanced the Fox’s practicality by adopting a station wagon body style, offering increased cargo capacity and a more spacious interior. This model was produced from 2015 to 2017, representing a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation Fox.
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 six-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 189 km/h (117.44 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.7 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.1 kg/Nm, contributing to a reasonably responsive driving experience for its class. The engine’s 11.5:1 compression ratio is typical for a modern, fuel-efficient gasoline engine.
Design & Features
The SpaceCross features a five-door station wagon body style, offering a practical and versatile layout. It seats five passengers comfortably and provides a generous cargo area, making it suitable for families or individuals requiring ample storage space. The 2015 facelift included subtle styling updates to the front and rear fascias, as well as interior enhancements. Key features included standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, electric power steering for ease of maneuverability, and a relatively spacious interior for its size. The vehicle’s ride height of 189 mm (7.44 inches) provides adequate ground clearance for navigating varied road conditions commonly found in Latin America. The SpaceCross prioritizes functionality and affordability over luxurious appointments, focusing on providing a reliable and practical transportation solution. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4205 mm (165.55 in) in length, 1663 mm (65.47 in) in width, and 1620 mm (63.78 in) in height – position it as a compact yet spacious option within its segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fox SpaceCross (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (120 Hp) |
| 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 | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 189 km/h (117.44 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| 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 | 1168 kg (2575 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs) |
| Max load | 462 kg (1018.54 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 |
| 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 SpaceCross (facelift 2015) 1.6 represents a practical and affordable option for families in the Latin American market. While not sold in the United States, it exemplifies Volkswagen’s strategy of adapting vehicles to meet the specific needs and preferences of different regions. Its combination of a versatile body style, a fuel-efficient engine, and essential safety features made it a competitive choice in its segment.
