VOLKSWAGEN is not only expanding the range of models it has on offer - it's also expanding the size of them.
Take the new entry level model, the Fox. This has replaced the Lupo but there is a vast difference in the space inside the two cars.
The Fox is longer, wider and taller than the Lupo - it's even wider and taller than the Polo - and this combined with a very clever interior design means a dramatic boost in space for rear seat passengers over the previous car.
In fact despite being the smallest car in the VW line-up the Fox somehow manages to offer a vast amount of space in both the front and rear and will easily accommodate four large adults.
Viewed from the outside it's very deceptive and perhaps should have been called the VW Tardis rather than Fox.
The range starts with the 1.2-litre Fox and Urban Fox, but my test car was the higher powered version of the Urban Fox, which boasts the larger 1.4-litre, 75bhp engine. But even with the bigger power plant the price has been kept under £8,000 - and you get a lot of car for your money.
The Fox and Urban Fox are only available with three doors but the wide openings of both driver and passenger doors combined with an easy slide action of the two front seats makes getting into the rear exceptionally easy.
There is a decent amount of luggage space too and this can be increased when necessary thanks to the sliding rear bench seat which moves through 15cm. The seat backs are split 50-50 so you can boost the luggage area and still carry a rear seat passenger. Alternatively if you want even more space the whole bench tips forward to give you more than 1,000 litres of luggage space.
Useful storage spaces include a drawer under the driver's seat for hiding valuables and well as storage pockets in the doors.
The car has electric front windows with one shot action and side opening windows in the rear.
The dashboard is neat and functional with a central semi-circular speedometer which is clear and easy to read. Surprisingly for a car in this price range it comes with a rev counter, all be it a diminutive one.
What I had a problem with, however, was the lack of clarity of the digital readout clock and trip meter set in the middle of the speedometer. I found I often had to switch the lights on even in daylight to read them.
The new car is made at VW's plant at Curitiba in Brazil and the build quality is very good, although the driver's door and rear hatchback do need a hefty shove to get them to close first time.
On the road I found the Urban Fox feels surprisingly quick considering its 0-62mph time and the fact that it's not designed as a hot hatch.
In city traffic it always feels lively and willing and I was pleasantly surprised at its performance. I expected to pay the penalty when I moved to motorway driving but again the little car proved me wrong, handling high speeds just as well and never feeling lacking in power. There is some road noise but that is the only criticism.
The electro-hydraulic power steering on the Fox is exceptionally light and the car is highly manoeuvrable. In fact its one of just a handful of cars I have found in which I can turn around at the end of the cul-de-sac where I live in one movement. Add to that a superbly creamy gearbox and this little car has an awful lot going for it.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Fox 1.4 Urban 3dr
Price: £7,995
Mechanical: 75bhp, 1,390cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 104mph
0-62mph: 13 secs
Combined mpg: 42.2
Insurance group: 2
CO2 emissions: 163g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust