This is not a pretty sight.
Automakers have been suffering from a global shortage of microchips for months, causing them to have to sell some parts and discontinue production. Others had to stop production of certain models temporarily, as industry experts predict that the problem will continue until 2022. These problems are not unique to VW, as the Fox is an example.
Brazil’s smallest hatchback is currently sold without any infotainment. No, not one of the monochrome 1990s-style setups that some cars still offer in their entry-level trims. VW claims that the company can’t put the multimedia system back in the car because of the semiconductor shortage. Instead, they are selling the Fox with a plastic covering over the empty space in the center console.
The Fox’s interior is now a shockingly drab place, made worse by the fact that it is an older vehicle. The Fox is one of the few VW Group cars that rides on the PQ24 platform. This platform has been used since the late 1990s for models such as the first-generation Skoda Fabia, and the unusual, aluminum-bodied Audi A2. In a few months, the Fox will be retired. The Voyage sedan will follow. However, the Fox will still be available for purchase without the Composition Touch infotainment.
We reached out to VW Brazil to get their opinion. A representative from the company confirmed that there is no multimedia system. After losing the 6.5-inch display, the Fox is slightly more affordable than it was before. Customers are encouraged to buy an additional infotainment at VW dealers as an option. This means that the wiring is still in place and it is a plug-and-play affair. Four speakers and two tweeters come standard, even if the car does not have an infotainment.