The Volkswagen SpaceFox (facelift 2015) is a compact station wagon, or estate, primarily marketed in Latin America. Derived from the Volkswagen Fox model, the SpaceFox offers increased practicality and interior space compared to its hatchback sibling. Positioned as a versatile family vehicle, it competes with other small MPVs and wagons in the region. This iteration, the 2015 facelift, brought styling updates and refinements to the existing SpaceFox platform, maintaining its appeal as an affordable and functional transportation option. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications provides insight into Volkswagen’s global product strategy and adaptation to specific market needs.
Volkswagen SpaceFox (Facelift 2015): A Latin American Perspective
The SpaceFox occupies a unique niche, bridging the gap between a traditional hatchback and a larger multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). In Latin America, where families often prioritize space and versatility, the SpaceFox’s wagon body style and relatively compact footprint proved popular. The 2015 facelift aimed to modernize the vehicle’s appearance and enhance its appeal to a broader customer base. It’s important to note that the Fox platform itself has a long history, originating as a simple, affordable car designed for emerging markets. The SpaceFox represents a more sophisticated evolution of that original concept.
Engine & Performance
The 2015 Volkswagen SpaceFox 1.6 is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 103 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 153 Nm (112.85 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. This engine is designed to run on both gasoline and ethanol (E85) blends, a common feature in Latin American markets. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 12.1:1. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.9 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 10.4 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 183 km/h (113.71 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.5 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between power and weight for its class.
Design & Features
The SpaceFox (facelift 2015) features a five-door station wagon body style with seating for five passengers. The exterior design incorporates the styling updates introduced with the facelift, including revised front and rear fascias, updated headlights, and a redesigned grille. The interior focuses on practicality and functionality, offering a spacious cabin for passengers and cargo. Key features include a relatively generous cargo area for its size, comfortable seating, and a straightforward dashboard layout. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles sold in North America, include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). 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). Ride height, or ground clearance, is 155 mm (6.1 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | SpaceFox (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (103 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| 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 | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 183 km/h (113.71 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 103 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 2500 rpm (112.85 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CCRA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 12.1:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1140 kg (2513.27 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 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 | 10.9 m (35.76 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 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 combination of wagon versatility, fuel efficiency, and reasonable performance made it a competitive choice in its segment. While not a high-performance vehicle, it provides reliable transportation and a comfortable driving experience for everyday use.
