2008 Volkswagen Eos - Review

The Basics:

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a four-seat, folding-hardtop convertible that's named for the Greek goddess of the dawn. While its body isn't quite as sexy as "goddess" implies, the Eos has a dynamic look to it, especially with the top down. It's a little too matronly for its capabilities. Inside, though, the Eos's cabin sports GTI style and enviable Volkswagen materials, and room enough even for adult males in back.

Two engine choices are available in the 2008 Volkswagen Eos: a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with plenty of available torque, ample thrust, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds with a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen's brilliant dual-clutch automatic is available--it can be shifted like a manual without the clutch pedal. There's also a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6, with a choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmissions. Fuel economy is strong at 21/30 mpg with the four, to 19/26 mpg with the dual-clutch V-6. Handling is one of the Eos's best features; it's relaxed enough so that you enjoy the convertible experience, but firm enough to charge around your favorite roads.

The convertible roof in the 2008 Volkswagen Eos uses eight electric motors to unlatch from the windshield header and flip and fold under the metal trunklid in 25 seconds. The cargo area is a manageable 6.6 cubic feet with the top stowed, larger than that in the Pontiac G6 and Volvo C70 hardtop convertibles, but it's still kind of small. The convertible roof also has a setting that opens the front section like a sunroof.

Sixteen-inch wheels and an active, pop-up roll bar are among the standard features on the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. Options include a navigation system and an upmarket audio system.

Stability and traction control are standard on all Eos convertibles, as are head/thorax airbags that deploy from the front seats. The 2008 Volkswagen Eos gets a rating of "good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front and for side impacts.