|
Publication Date: November 20, 2009 The Scoop
The lines are blurring more than ever in the auto marketplace. From sedans to wagons to utility vehicles, what were once traditional vehicles designs have morphed into crossovers, tall wagons and SUV's. Two categories that have combined into one is the combination of coupe and convertible, the retractable hardtop. The VW Eos is a perfect example of a retractable hardtop and with a starting price of $36,575 is one of the most affordable in the marketplace. When the roof is up it has the clean lines of a coupe and with the flip of a switch transforms into a convertible. This ease of use and this combination-effect helps to make this type of convertible a better year round car and a more appealing purchase.
The Skin
If you think back to the 80s and 90s you might remember the popularity of the VW Rabbit and Golf convertibles with their boxy shape and memorable roll bar just behind the drivers head. These cars are gone but the platform of the current Golf (Rabbit) is used for the Eos, helping it to deliver the same kind of size and ride that buyers enjoy but in a much more cohesive design. The familiar VW front grill and headlight treatment used in their other cars is used, along with a smooth lines and flowing body panels and lack of roll bar makes the Eos a much more stylish machine. The trunk is a good size when the roof is up and is still useful even when the roof is down, which can't be said for many retractable hardtops.
The Cockpit
VW has an uncanny ability to take the same basic dash design from one vehicle to the next and integrate it with the same simplicity that makes them a pleasure to use. Many automakers have fallen into the trap of cluttering their interiors but VW avoids this trap and it's refreshing. Even though the sporty, coupe exterior might look more like a two-seat roadster, the reality is that it is a practical four-seater. I have had the pleasure to ride in the back seat of my neighbors Eos and it is roomy enough for adults and access to the back seat is simple. Forget having to man handle the roof manually, the Eos' roof is electronically operated only requiring the driver to hold a switch in the centre consol.
The Ride
The more expensive retractable hardtops from brands like BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Infiniti use rear wheel drive to put the power down but, just like the Golf that it is based on, the Eos is a front wheel drive car. The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder used in the Eos directs the its 200hp through a slick double clutch automatic transmission to the front wheels. This along with the supple, yet athletic suspension provides a good balance of comfort and performance especially at highway speeds. Off the line acceleration exhibits a small amount of turbo lag, which is limited when the transmission is operated manually or placed in sport mode. As one might expect from a German car, the Eos is most at home cruising on the highway and because the turbo is engaged at higher speeds, passing is lightning quick.
The Good, The Bad
Good:
Retractable hardtops offer the security of a fixed roof, better insulation from noise and cold, making them a better year round car.
The 4-cylinder engine provides excellent fuel efficiency.
Bad:
The base model is attractive but it can climb quickly. My loaded silver test car with red leather interior cost more than $45,000. The front wheel drive layout handles well but isn't as performance oriented as a real wheel drive car. Needs expensive premium fuel.
Zack's verdict
The Eos is well positioned as one of only a few retractable hardtops under $40,000. Others include the Mazda MX-5 and Chrysler Sebring but the Eos has a European flare and useful trunk and interior that makes it a compelling package. The balance of performance and comfort make it a rewarding car to drive but for buyers looking for all-out handling will have to shell out a lot more for a rear wheel drive car. Just like the Rabbit and Golf convertibles of the 80s and 90s, this latest VW convertible is being met with strong sales as men, and especially women, have come to relies that the Eos is a car that is stylish and easy to live with.
The Lowdown
Power: 2.0L 4-cylinder with 200 hp
Fill-up: 9.2/6.6 L/100km (city/highway based on automatic transmission)
Backup: 4-year/80,000km
Sticker price: $36,575
|
|
|
watch now
listen now
