The bloated Fox is nothing new for South American customers. It has been sold under the names SpaceFox or Suran since 2006 and, like its sister hatchback , it is definitely not going to retire. In fact, on the contrary, because its modernized form will be shown at the upcoming motor show in Sao Paulo .
At first glance, the changes place the station wagon or mini MPV among the latest models of the Volkswagen brand. Most of the European and North American models are decorated mainly with the main lights and the associated radiator grille. The front bumper received larger air intakes and, in the Highline equipment, more chrome elements, the rear bumper, on the other hand, is equipped with plastic, which may remotely evoke a diffuser. The rear part at all has undergone a significant change with completely new headlights, according to the Brazilian media it even resembles a large Touareg SUV . The overall transformation is completed by larger mirrors, new roof rails and a refreshed range of alloy wheels.
The interior is also visually much more reminiscent of the brand's newer models. The new steering wheel , the more legible instrument cluster and better materials with a more pleasant surface make their mark. From the second Highline equipment, it is possible to get the illustrated multimedia system with a 5.5-inch display, integrated radio, Bluetooth/MP3/USB/WMA connectivity, CD player and built-in navigation for an additional fee. Even the basic Comfortline equipment does not lack air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, electric mirrors, power steering, radio or on-board computer. The already mentioned second level Highline adds a multifunction steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors or tinted rear windows.
Following the example of the current trend of pseudo-terrain specifications , Volkswagen also offers a modified SpaceFox under the designation SpaceCross . Already at first glance, you can distinguish it with plastic fender and bumper protection, a chrome strip in the radiator grille, a new front bumper , 15-inch alloy wheels, darkened rear lights and a larger rear spoiler. Ground clearance also went up. The interior is dominated by new plastic surfaces, specially modified for off-road specification, unique seat covers and aluminum decors. In terms of equipment, the SpaceCross is based on the Highline specification , but in contrast to it, it also has, for example, cruise control or a light and rain sensor.
By far the most interesting part of the modernization is the engine compartment, where a completely new 16-cylinder petrol MSI EA211 series has moved in with an output of 120 hp with a torque of 165 Nm when powered by ethanol, or 110 hp and 155 Nm when powered by gasoline. The engine is exclusively intended for the SpaceFox Highline and SpaceCross, in both cases it cooperates with the new six-speed manual transmission MQ200-6F or the optional automatic I-Motion with the possibility of sequential shifting. The basic SpaceFox Comfortline has to be satisfied with the older version of the MSI 1600 engine with a power of 104 hp and a torque of 153 Nm, which works with a manual five-quart MQ200-5F or an automatic I-Motion .
Even the Brazilian market was not spared modern safety assistants , with which the SpaceFox can be "crammed to the roof." Traction control (standard for Highline and Cross), stability control (extra charge for Highline), hill start assistant, brake assistant and for SpaceCross there is also a special Off-road mode, adjusting not only the ABS function, but also adding stabilization to the equipment for the best possible ride on unpaved surfaces.
Source: Volkswagen
