Volkswagen Eos: The new breed of convertibles

via Chicago Sun Times

Retractable hardtop convertibles used to be found only in the garages of the well-heeled. In recent years they have become widely available and affordable for the masses of mobile sun worshipers. Each year a different manufacturer introduces a new and better version of the all-season convertible. This year both Chrysler and VW introduced hardtop four passenger convertibles.

I recently tested two versions of the VW Eos: a 2.0-liter version and the beefier 3.2 liter six cylinder model.

Arguments eliminated
The biggest drawbacks to convertible ownership used to be noise, weather sealing, theft protection and safety/crash protection. All are eliminated in the Eos with the CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) five-panel roof that converts with the flick of a switch from a hard-top, with integrated sunroof and heated-glass rear window, into an open-air convertible. Another benefit is that a hardtop will not shrink, crack or fade noticeably.

How it works
The Eos' panoramic, tinted glass power sunroof is integrated into the folding roof. The externally guided, tilt-and-slide sunroof with automatic pinch protection gets "sandwiched" between roof panels as the hard-top is lowered via eight hydraulic cylinders with mechanical linkages. For about 25 seconds the top performs a mechanical ballet until it is completely lowered. The vehicle must be stopped and the ignition on for the top to be raised or lowered.

One of the test vehicles came with the optional Trunk Lid Assistance program featuring integrated bumper sensors that monitor up to 20-inches behind the vehicle and prevent the roof from operating if any object or obstruction is detected. Preserving the limited storage area (10.5 cubic-feet top up, or 6.6 cubic-feet top down) is a cargo cover that must be in place and latched for the roof to be lowered.
What really puts this car over the top is the highly integrated sliding glass roof panel that was great for letting fresh air and sunlight in during short hops.

Exterior has its charms
The short and fluid bodylines are accented nicely with chrome trim pieces and attractive alloy wheels. The Eos has a high "C" factor as in cute. My wife, numerous friends and passersby indicated that they thought the Eos was a "cute little convertible".

Open up to a nice interior
Spending time in both versions of the Eos was a pleasurable experience. A nice assortment of gauges and controls are handsomely displayed in the attractive dash and bordered by either chrome, walnut wood or simulated brushed aluminum trim. I liked the twelve-way power sport driver and front passenger seats. I was very impressed by the high quality of the materials used, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the soft touch interior surfaces. There is also a high level of standard equipment in both models. Seating comfort is good and well bolstered. There is a decent amount of rear seat leg and shoulder room however this is not a four-door sedan and the high beltline of the Eos can make some feel like they're riding in a tub.

Two powertrain options
The test period began with the Eos 2.0T featuring 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2.0T is EPA-rated (2007) at an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. If you want to step up the performance level the Eos 3.2-liter V6 delivers 250 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates this engine at 22/29 (2007), not too shabby for a V-6.

A six-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch comes standard with the Eos 2.0T. The Eos 3.2-liter V6 model features the double clutch DSG six-speed transmission with Tiptronic. The automatic is smooth, crisp and the gear ratios are nicely spaced, especially for the 3.2-liter models.

Drive response
Eos comes with a front McPherson strut concept with triangular wishbones and self-leveling shock absorbers. In the rear is a fully independent, four-link suspension.

You would naturally assume that the 3.2 out powers the 2.0 and it does, but off the line the 3.2 is a dog. Both versions are front wheel drive and torque steer is muted pretty well. Curiously the 2.0 model came with 18-inch alloy wheels and tires and the 3.2 had 17-inch wheels and tires. Available driver/safety aids include: four-wheel ABS (anti-lock braking system) and an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with brake assist and brake-disc wiper system, Anti-slip regulation (ASR) and an electromechanical power steering setup. The ride was very smooth and predictable, the body remained tight and the suspension damped out the rough stuff without deleting road feel.

Top goes down; price goes up
The 2.0-liter Eos starts at $28,000 and $37,000 for the Eos 3.2-liter. The test car topped out at $31,700 and $40,000 respectively including destination charges. These figures are competitive with the Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible, the Volvo C70 and the hardtop Chrysler Sebring.

So will hardtop convertibles completely replace soft top convertibles-no. The old school charm of a ragtop may appeal to some, however I would only consider a retractable hardtop convertible for the reasons outlined earlier.