Had the pleasure of test driving a Fox 1.2. My brother knew I wanted a go and kindly arranged it for me. Got to Citygate Colindale pretty late, just before closing and didn't think they'd have time for us but the salesman was happy to see us and had the car waiting.

First impressions? Looked horrid in non-metallic dark blue paint and had massive unpainted bumpers. Was surprised at the interior quality considering what I'd heard - no way near as good as the Lupo but better than a lot of small cars I've been in. However, the door cards were disgusting - but the multi-coloured seat upholstery looked great. Upon starting it up and maneuvering it out of the car park I immediately noticed the steering was a lot lighter than the Lupo's.

Once we got on to the city roads I realised how much higher this vehicle is than most others on the road. Great for visibility and gives you a slightly better view of the road ahead, which isn't a bad thing considering the amount of MPVs and 4x4s around town. The gearbox was ever so slightly notchy but had the same reassuringly firm feel as the Lupo's.

Then we hit the open road. Thought I'd do a bit of acceleration testing, redlining it in every gear I noticed that it's more nippy then my 1.0 and pulls in 5th gear in situations where my car wouldn't. Heading back in to down I got a feel for the brakes when a car did a surprise U-turn in front of me, which were pretty reassuring and felt fine. I do not know whether the car I drove was fitted with ABS.

It was only when I got back into the dealership and noticed the car had a total of seven miles on the clock after a six mile journey, that I realised I'd been ragging the hell out of a brand new car The salesman hadn't even said a thing!

Overall, I think it's a perfectly adequate little car. There is no doubting that it doesn't do it for me like the Lupo does, not because I love the Lupo but because the quality simply isn't the same and that's one characteristic of the Lupo I adore. However, the Lupo is no longer available. Although I'd have no hesitations in purchasing a Fox at the right price on the second hand market after a couple of years, I think I'd feel much more comfortable sinking my

every new car has got ABS now.

pretty much echoed my comments on it

tidy, cheap run around... but not a Lupo replacement!

I'd echo those comments too. I was at behind one today (in Red) and those unpainted bumpers look horrible. The Lupo is (was) so much nicer to look at , and in Sport or GTi form is supposed to be a real fun car to drive , and IMHO it is a real shame that VW didnt leave the Fox for the South American market only , and give us another Lupo!

I had a Lupo Sport before my Fabia, I still miss it lol

i was looking at the Fox myself due to the 6.5k asking price. not really convinced though and i feel a nearly new second hand fabia mk1 for the same price would be a much better option.

Took a mate to look at one when she was looking for a car and I have to say the fox was ok, the urban fox much better.

The 1.2 is a pretty good engine for a 1.2, but she went for a fiesta in the end as she was getting more for a lot less cash.

I was looking at the fox too but I ended up with a 107xs sport. I know its