2007 Volkswagen Eos

It's 30 degrees outside and the sky is spitting wet snow—perfect convertible weather! Perfect, at least, for part of our road test: the top up, winter-in-the-snow-belt portion. But, we also drove an Eos at a different time in a warmer clime: the traditional weather when open cars are enjoyed. Together, we've logged enough seat time in enough seasons to see how the new VW stacks up as a year 'round, daily driver. And that four-season flexibility is key to what's sparked the recent rash of hardtop retractables like the Eos.

Styling

Though new from the top down, the conversation about Eos starts with the top up. With lid latched, the latest Vdub is essentially a two-door hardtop coupe, with a nicely rounded roofline. The metal lid is soundproof and weatherproof in a way that no soft top can match. Our most recent test-driving was done in the middle of a northeast winter, and the Eos was generally so snug that we'd forget we were in a convertible at all. Only the occasional, c-pillar creak when bouncing over a frozen pothole reminds you that the top is not a fixed unit. But, with the change of seasons (or any momentary, warm weather reprieve), the roof can be quickly razed. The top dropping process is worth watching; a mechanical ballet in about 25 seconds, as it gracefully folds and recedes to its storage spot beneath the rear deck.


The top is fitted with a wide, tinted sunroof. It has a pop-up wind deflector that effectively nudges passing airflows out of the cabin. When the top is down and no one's in the back seat, a wind blocker (standard on 3.2 models) easily installs behind the two front seats. With windows up and windscreen deployed, Eos is draft-free and quiet enough for normal conversation, even at highway speeds.


Eos seats four adults, with a little negotiation between front and back passengers. And if only two are aboard, there's enough legroom for a pair of basketball players. The view from the front row is a handsome one. Volkswagen mixes colors, contours and textures agreeably, and the cabin materials have a quality look and feel. The wedge shaped center stack houses straightforward controls. A heavy brow arches over the main dash display, shielding the gauges from sunshine washout. Seats are bolstered just enough to keep you planted during spirited driving. Options include walnut or aluminum trim, a big screen, center dash navigation system, and an ear-bending, 600-watt, 10-channel, 10-speaker audio system. An auxiliary jack for your MP3 player is standard. If you add the Nav system, you subtract your center console storage (the 6-disc CD changer moves in there).


One benefit of retractable tops is that they store below deck, giving the car a smooth, finished appearance, without the need for a clumsy, vinyl boot. The hard hat really has only two drawbacks. First, the thick c-pillars conspire with the rear seat headrests to hinder the driver's rear visibility. The other ding is common to all retractables. Any time you put the top in the trunk, you compromise your cargo capacity. With top up, Eos can handle 10.5 cubic feet of gear—generous, for a car of this size. Drop the top, though, and the trunk volume dips to 6.6 cubic feet. This works out to be just enough room to handle a weekend getaway, provided that those getting away exercise some serious luggage restraint. Once the top is lowered, the trunk has a mighty small mouth, so remember to pack your gear before doffing the lid.