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2007 Volkswagen Eos 2.0T Road Test

Eos is the Greek goddess of the dawn. That Volkswagen has chosen to nameits new folding hardtop sport coupe after her is really fitting, because the car represents the dawn of a new era for hardtop convertibles. Not only is the technology more accessible to everyday people, but it's the world's first example to employ a built in sliding glass sunroof. Even as recent as a few years ago, cars with folding hardtops were premium models outside the reach and buying power of most folks. No doubt Volkswagen wondered aloud, "Why should rich people have all the fun?" The answer is found in the 2007 VW Eos. Judging by the way the car was received by those who encountered it during its stay with us, it looks like Invidia (the Greek goddess of envy) has touched all those whose eyes poured over her shapely curves.

You'd expect a Greek goddess to look good, and the Eos doesn't disappoint. Its styling is a combination

More than just a girly convertible, the Eos is a great piece of engineering. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

of nicely balanced proportions with a clean streamlined profile. It almost appears to be dainty, leaving some to dub it a “chick car”, but that opinion isnot necessarily shared by those who drove it. The Eos is a nice departure from some of the other cars on the automotive landscape, especially other folding hardtop convertibles which tend to be a little on the tail-heavy side in terms of appearance. We also like that it's pleasingly devoid of sharp angles and other cosmetic warts that would spoil an otherwise enjoyably simple design. Our particular example was finished in black,

18-inch Samarkand wheels are an option. They're worth the cost as they look fantastic. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

which gave the car a classy look thanks to the chrome detailing on the window sills and the grille, not to mention the 18-inch Samarkand alloy wheels.

The interior of the Eos is as easy on the eyes as the outside. Consisting of a familiar blend of shapes, high quality plastics and materials from the Rabbit/GTI and Passat, it has a nice, solid feel that is expected of Volkswagen products. Finished in a light shade of tan, with upper surfaces in charcoal, the interior looked the part of what the inside of a convertible ought to be. We really liked the seats for their all day comfort, and the quality feel ofthe leather-wrapped steering wheel, but thought that the audio system missed

2.0T is torquey and brisk, but doesn't sound particularly lively. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the mark. It sounded somewhat distorted, not acceptable from a car destined to spend most of its motoring life with tunes cranked. We expect a significant improvement from the optional 600-watt Dynaudio premium sound system, but have yet to try it out.

While we're on the subject of audible stimuli, it seems fitting to bring up the subject of the Eos's exhaust note. With Volkswagen's ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder under the hood, it seems reluctant to raise its voice. We've sampled this engine on other products like the GTI, and know that with the right tuning it can be music to our ears. Some of its enthusiasm seems to have been subdued in the Eos, almost to the point of silence, which promotes feelings of luxury, rather than performance. There is a nice amount

Smart design, good execution. Eos feels like an open-top Passat, though it's not as roomy in back. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

of turbo whoosh when you toe into the throttle, but that's about the only part of the soundtrack that gets the enthusiast's juices flowing.

Volkswagen's turbo-four pulls duty in many of the company's products, and no matter the car it's installed in we'restill impressed not only by its output but by its power delivery. It can be had paired to a 6-speed manual or VW's slick DSG sequential-manual gearbox, as on this tester. It functions as a smooth automatic when traffic dictates a snail's pace, yet can zip through the gears in startling speed with a few flicks of the fingers. The engine makes a respectable 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque and supplies more than enough power for most. If that isn't enough to please there's always the option of upgrading the ECU programming, an option that yields significant gains in horsepower and torque but might void your warranty (check with your

Roof divides into five sections including a power sliding sunroof. No other roof, not even Mercedes' best does that. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

dealer first). Volkswagen offers the Eos with a second motor, a narrow-angle 3.2-liter V(R)6 that's paired exclusively to the DSG gearbox to generate 250 horsepower. This engine is also used in the R32 performance hatchback and Audi's sultry TT, though in the case of the open-topped Volkswagen it only drives the front wheels due to space constrictions.

Judging by the stability and the balanced nature of the chassis while cruising, it's apparent that VWengineers worked tirelessly to perfect the Eos platform, one that is comprised of components predominantly sourced from the Rabbit and Jetta, as well as the larger Passat. Where most manufacturers dumb down suspension settings on drop top models, their reasoning being that convertible owners are more into the boulevard cruising scene than actually driving, we appreciate the fact that the Eos isn't a slouch in the corners. Though softer than any of the cars that it is related to, with more body roll, it is nevertheless compliant, with little in the way of float

Trunk space is remarkable roof up, or down. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

and no undisciplined body motions. Road impacts are nicely subdued, and only the really big stuff makes its way up through the chassis in the form of steering wheel and cowl shake. It also produced satisfying levels of grip, never leaving us concerned for safety during quick corners. Perhaps a better set of tires might sharpen the handling just enough. The only really apparent dynamic shortcoming is the brake feel. Stopping distances aren't out of the ordinary, but stepping on the pedal hard is akin to standing on a ball of wet socks.

At least comfort won't be an issue, because the Eos offers excellent protection from undue wind buffeting, and is practically free of draft when the windows and the wind deflector is up. If things get a little chilly, its powerful heated seats and intelligent automatic climate control react quickly to get the temperature right. We also ran the Eos through a carwash during the week and a bit we had it, and were pleased to report no leaks or drips from either the roof or the frameless windows.

Still, the crown jewel of the Eos is its remarkable folding hard top. Why settle for just a convertible

The Eos is as if the classic VW Cabrio grew up, and filled out. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

when you can have two cars in one? Take down the top at a busy intersection and just try to ignore all the people staring in slack jawed amazement; it's simply that cool. Plus, if yourneighbor, with his fancy Mercedes Benz SL 550 (also a folding hard top vehicle) decides to investigate the new kid on the block, proudly point out the fact that your car has a giant power sliding glass sunroof integrated into the top. Then ask to see their sunroof. Through clenched teeth and cheeks beet red with embarrassment, they will probably tell you that it's impossible, because the Eos, a car that costs about a fifth of that big-buck Benz is the only car on the market to do so.

One by one, folding hardtop convertibles are beginning to replace regular cloth topped convertibles and the Eos is facing competition from all across the globe. In terms of feature content, engineering and quality, the Eos is ready to butt heads with the vastly more expensive Volvo C70 and BMW 328i Cabriolet, but from a price-point it's closer to the Pontiac G6 and Chrysler Sebring. With its virtues of comfort, style and jaw-dropping engineering, we're truly captivated by Eos and her multiple personalities.

Specifications (Eos 2.0T):

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