Volkswagen Eos

2007 Volkswagen Eos

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Shopping for a 2012 Volkswagen Eos? MSRP: $34,350 - $39,585

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While the Eos is the long-awaited successor to the once-popular VW Cabrio, it's actually a more sophisticated model, eschewing the Cabrio's ragtop fun for a more sophisticated, mature experience, including a tight folding hardtop that, when closed, provides all the insulation from noise and weather of a coupe. With five panels, the power-operated roof can open or close in less than 30 seconds.

Though the Eos doesn't look very exciting, its powertrains help deliver satisfying performance. The base engine is VW's common 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder (2.0T), here paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or the excellent six-speed automated manual (DSG) gearbox. A 250-horsepower, 3.2-liter version of the long-running VR6 engine was also available in earlier model years, only with the DSG setup, and while it sounded great and was a bit smoother than the V-6 it didn't feel much faster in real-world driving albeit much thirstier. Handling is also better than the Eos' conservative exterior might suggest; it's a better-tuned, better-balanced setup than all the smaller cars in VW's lineup except for the GTI—though more refined than that hot hatch. Ride quality is also supple and composed for such a short vehicle. Fuel economy is a big plus for the 2.0T, with EPA ratings at 21/30 mpg.

Packaging is quite marvelous in the Eos; it has a reasonably roomy trunk, and the power top won't operate if there's anything in the way. The back seat is, surprisingly, roomy enough for kids—or even shorter adults, for brief stints—and access isn't bad. Wind deflection isn't great at highway speeds though so you'll probably want the top up.

Except for the shuffled trim levels and slightly different standard equipment, and lack of availability of the VR6 engine after 2008, the Eos hasn't changed significantly since making its debut for the 2007 model year. On all versions you'll get a pop-up roll bar plus head and thorax side bags, along with more standard features than you'll find on VW's other small cars. On newer versions Bluetooth has been made standard and larger wheels have helped spruce up the Eos' appearance somewhat. From 2009 on, a Technology Package has offered adaptive front lighting, bi-xenon headlamps, and parking sensors.

2009 Volkswagen Eos

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