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2007 Volkswagen Eos 2.0T Road Test

The last time I was this excited to drive a Volkswagen was in 2003, the veryyear I started my career in automotive journalism. My editor had told me I would be driving the 2004 New Beetle Convertible and I thrilled, so much so that I even did a little happy dance. Needless to say, I ended up with Mono a couple of days later, which wiped me out for weeks. No dancing involved there! I did end up driving the cute convertible later that year, though, and had tons of fun in it.

The same excitement (and happy dance) came over me - minus the Mono - when I found out the new Eos would be in my possession. I tried to think why this car provoked such strong emotions in me. I mean, there are plenty of great VWs on the market that could stimulate a similar response, like the Jetta GLI or the GTI, or even a New Beetle. Of course, none of these would allow me to drive around topless... with the roof down I mean! And after spending some time behind the wheel, my initial enthusiasm for this latest Vee-Dub was validated, as it's a lot more

Volkswagen's Eos generates excitement... even before you get in. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

than just a stylish coupe cum convertible. It's just plain fantastic! It was everything I dreamt it would be and more. OK, I'll try to contain my enthusiasm so as to put on a more professional front ... On second thought, I won't.

There are so many great points about this 'goddess' of a car (Eos translatesto 'dawn' from Greek, and in Greek mythology is also the name of a Titanic goddess.) For me, this car is extremely visually stimulating. Its bold, chrome grille and assertive VW logo fused with the streamlined body lines make it look modern and instantly classic at the same time. The optional P235/40R18 all-season tires and “Samarkand” 18-inch alloy wheels give it that extra bit of

Even with the roof stowed, there's quite a bit of space available in the trunk. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

bling for only a little extra bling bling ($400) - if the chrome grille wasn't enough -and complement its curvaceous exterior shape. Plus, the Black Uni exterior finish is sophisticated as well as classy, and in my opinion the best looking color for this model.

Moving from the outside in, the Eos impresses with its sumptuous interior, especially if it's equipped with the optional luxury ($4,565) or sport ($3,690) packages with soft hides that really give this car extra points. Instead of the traditional black leather interior (which is also available), it came with a pure beige color, which not only looks classy but also eliminated any butt/back/body burn that would otherwise be associated with getting into the car after parking and leaving the top down in the sun for a prolongedperiod of time.

Interior is standard Volkswagen fare, which means that it's nicely trimmed and beautifully finished. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

The only butt burn I felt was self-induced, when I turned the heated seats to their max position in the evening as I drove around, happy as a clam, enjoying the beautiful summer evenings! I stand firm when I say that these seat warmers are among of the best in the industry. They're so potent, doing wonders for the lower back after a hard day's work. I love them.

Driving the Eos was an out-of-this-realm kind of experience. The engines available are the 3.2L, 24-valve V6, which produces 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque and the 2.0L, 16-valve, turbocharged FSI I-4, which produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque. I had the latter, and what an engine! Despite weighing in at 3,686 pounds, which is significantly heavier than the GTI, base Jetta or Passat 2.0T, also powered by the same engine, the Eos' turbocharger helps for speedy take-offs, giving this goddess some serious punch. Perhaps

It's a little tight back there, but much more comfortable than that other Volkswagen convertible, the New Beetle. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

this was one of my favorite Eos attributes. While I prefer manual transmissions, the optional 6-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox was just great, and like most VWs with this optional transmission, I kept it in “S” or sport mode most of the time for that extra jolt of get-up-and-go. I can'teven begin to explain how fun it was to zip around the city with the top down, the heated seats on, listening to my CDs. The only thing that could've made things better would have been the Dynaudio premium stereo upgrade.

The front MacPherson strut setup with triangular wishbones and rear four-link independent suspension gave the Eos the finesse and charisma of Aphrodite, while its shake free structure grants it the strength and agility of Hercules. It truly is a solid little convertible, with the top up or down.

And speaking of riding around with the top down, going topless requires only the push and hold of a button. Located underneath the center console are two buttons: a silver lever for dropping

The Eos is the smallest four-seater hardtop convertible on the market. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

down and putting up the top and a black button for opening and closing the sunroof. Yes, it also includes a fully functional sunroof. Like I said, the best of all worlds. The top drops in about 24 seconds and takes about 30 seconds to cover up. It's no Guinness Book of World Records holder for fastest top up or down, but it'smuch more impressive to watch than your standard ragtop.

Fuel economy is also fairly decent with an estimated consumption of 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. I filled up when gas prices were relatively low (around $2.80/gal for premium fuel) so it didn't cost me an arm and a leg to top up the tank. That also gave the Eos bonus points in my books. You can thank a small displacement engine and direct injection for that!

Trunk space is limited considering the retractable roof takes up most of it, however, there was a designated area where, even with the top down, items could be stored. And just in case you don't know where that area is, there are plenty of DO NOT PLACE ITEMS HERE stickers throughout to clear up any confusion. Altogether, the Eos can hold 13.4 cubic feet of cargo with the top

Heed the warnings and your luggage won't be turned into a pancake. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

up and 7.2 cubic feet with the top down, enabling enough stuff to fit incomfortably. However, the trunk space is somewhat awkward. Larger items might not be able to fit, like perhaps a large suitcase or a set of golf clubs. Then again, that's what the backseat is for, right?

After spending a week in its company, I could only find a couple of point-losing characteristics about the Eos. First being the rims. I know I mentioned how great they accentuate the already uber-sexy 4-seater, but they protrude out of the tire walls a little too much. So, how is that a bad thing? Well, when parallel parking it's a lot more prone to getting scuffed/chewed up by the curb. And for those who depend on the sidewalk as a measure of parking accuracy, well, I'd suggest investing in an alternate set of rims or a set of oh-so stylish curb finders (little wires that dangle off the side of the car and make noise when they hit a curb, in case you were wondering). Who likes scratched rims? Not me. Also, the seams don't line up seamlessly along the trunk line when the roof is down. It's not necessarily bothersome or aesthetically unpleasing, but dirt, grime and other forms of foreign debris could easily slip between the cracks.

Visibility, surprisingly,

A coupe when it's cloudy and a convertible when it's sunny. The concept isn't just novel, it's practical. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

wasn't that bad. The C-pillars are wide, but not uncomfortably wide and allowed me to back up and park relatively easily. In addition, the optional park distance control system ($350) was helpful when backing up, and as annoying as the beeping can be, I'll take that over the sound of backing into something!

I knew I was driving something special when my passengers remarked to me, “This is probably the coolest car you've ever had,” and “this car really suits you.” But then again, I knew the Eos was something special way before that. I couldn't help but fall more in love with it as the week progressed. My boyfriend even remarked how he thought this car really suited my lifestyle. By 'lifestyle' I'm assuming he meant, young, hip, happening, peppy, cool to be around, etc! I said it could be a permanent lifestyle change for the tune of $34,675, if he wanted it to be. He laughed... I was serious. Either way, it was a fantastic everyday car, whether used for going to work, running errands or attending parties, the whole works.

In the end, the 2007 VW Eos is definitely one of the brighter stars at the 'dawn' of this new retractable hardtop era. It sets a high standard of quality, refinement and pizzazz, all in under one roof, or sky depending on the weather.

Specifications (Eos 2.0T):

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