2007 Volkswagen Eos

Interior

With a near equal front/rear balance, nicely weighted steering and independent front and rear suspension, the Eos has sporting reflexes. It's nimble handling and the chassis exhibit little in the way of cowl shake. Buyers choose from two fine engines, each with its own, distinctive personality. Standard is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder, optional is a 3.2-liter V-6. As in other VW applications, the narrow angle six has a lot to commend itself. It's a smooth, torquey motor, making 250 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 235 lb. ft. of torque @ 2,500 rpm. Power arrives early and stays late. Low-end pickup is especially evident, and there's ample power available at all engine speeds. VW estimates a 0-60 mph best of 6.9 seconds. Linked to Volkswagen's entertaining DSG six-speed automatic (the only transmission choice), the 3.2 also proves efficient, with EPA mileage ratings of 22 city and 29 highway.


The other choice is equally appealing. Rated at 200 horsepower and 206 lb. ft. of torque, the 2.0T is, arguably, VW's best engine. It's quick off the line and cruises effortlessly at highway speeds. Turbo lag is nonexistent and economy is very respectable. It's a half second behind the 3.2 in the run from 0-60, but returns better gas mileage (EPA rates the EOS at 23 mpg's city and 32 highway). Pick the turbo four and you choose from a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic, with six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. With these transmissions, it's strictly driver's choice. The stick shifts smoothly, and ditto for the DSG. Those who like to shift sans clutch will find that the VW/Audi unit offers the quickest gear-to-gear response of any "manumatic" on the market, this side of an exotic car. If you opt for the DSG you'll also want to grab the Sport Package, as wheel-mounted paddle shifters are part of the package. Absent that, any shifting must be done by flicking the center console-mounted shifter.


Eos quickly draws a line between itself and other, recent VW drop tops. The Cabriolet models that it effectively replaces were pleasant, coed cruisers. The current New Beetle convertibles are cute and comfortable, but not sporting. Eos is edgier than either and more refined than both. Overall, the latest addition to the VW lineup makes a nice first impression. It looks sharp and drives well. And with its snug top, seating for four and front-wheel drive, Eos qualifies as a true, all season driver—not just a fair weather friend. (wwwvw.com)