Volkswagen Eos
Intro
The Eos is a much anticipated release from Volkswagen here in the United States. It will mark the brands first hardtop convertible and will also be the first hardtop convertible in the US market.
Specs
Engine: 200hp FSI or 250hp 3.2L V6 FSI
Release: Early Summer 2006
The car comes will the following:
3 year 60,000miles warranty.
ABS
Rollover protection system
30 Second Hardtop
Electronic seats/windows/etc
Rear LED taillights
Alarm system
Brake pad indicator
Leather knob and stearing wheel
Heated and cooled seats
Side impact airbags
This car has some serious buzz surrounding it. Why? Because it is German, it is a hardtop convertible, and it is priced under $30,000 USD. That combination sure packs a wallop and Volkswagen is hoping consumers see it that way too. The Eos is built on a modified Golf/Jetta platform and has all new body panels. So the feel should be very similar but the look won't be to other VW models. If this drives like a Golf, most people will be happy campers.
Most US buyers will opt for the 2.0L 4 cylinder which pumps out a very ample 200 horsepower. And let me tell you, that is plenty of zip to make this car feel fast. I have only been in the 4 cylinder model, so I can only imagine what the VR6 is like. It must be a real rocket to drive.
For those of you with good memories, yes this cabriolet is indeed built off the Concept C concept car that was featured to much acclaim at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
The name EOS is taken from the Greek goddess of Wind. This car serves as the first sports car for VW since the much loved Corrado. I was quite impressed with the hardtop when I saw it. It takes about 28 seconds (yes I timed it) to go up or down. Very cool. And it is pieced together in 5 separate segments that fold down into the trunk space (which becomes severley limited).
There is also talk of VW's Direct Shift Gearbox being implemented. Clutchless manuals are quite fun to drive and VW has a great one. I sure hope this feature makes it.
How's the styling? Well see for yourself above. It is quite an attractive automobile. It is neither feminine or masculine (smart move on VW's part) and should be able to reach a wide market. It has a great stance, though a bit too much of the cab-forward design going on for my liking. Also, if you get one of these things, you need to opt for the larger alloys, they make for a world of difference. As for the interior styling, it is absolutely what you would expect from a lavish German automaker. Everything is very tight and has nice weight. Everything is of great quality and the leather seats are to die for. I'm a big guy at 6'4" and I fit perfectly.
What we Think
This thing will sell. And it will sell well. Why? Because of the price for one. There is no real competition in this market. Heck the only other hardtop convertible is the Pontiac G6 for under $30k. But of course when consumers are faced with a finely crafted German automobile and the Pontiac, I think we know who will come out on top.
Don't expect the other automakers to stand out in the cold for too long. They will realize the sales potential in this niche and will strike in the next few years. But as far as I have heard, VW has a huge lead in this market.
If you are in the $30k range or so and are thinking about a bland old sedan, I suggest you look here first. Grab one of these things and take it out on a summer's afternoon. You will want to keep it.