Vehicle Review

While the cloth-top convertible won't be going away anytime soon (the New Beetle being a perfect example), the recent proliferation of retractable hardtops shows no sign of slowing. Not to be outdone, Volkswagen has taken the trend a step further by integrating a glass sunroof into the top of its latest four-seat convertible, the 2010 Volkswagen Eos. Hardtop advantages include a more finished, more coupe-like look and feel inside and out, while the downside is generally limited to a reduction in cargo volume when the top is stowed. Named after the Greek goddess of dawn, the Eos is helping to usher in a new era of versatile and practical convertibles.

The 2010 Eos gains Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity, a Premium 8-speaker audio system with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer and a new multi-function steering wheel. New options include a choice of red or teak leather seating surfaces.

If you'd like the freedom of a convertible but need a practical, comfortable daily driver, you'll be happy to know that you can also have an excellent powertrain, athletic handling and even a sunroof in the 2010 Volkswagen Eos.

The Eos' attractive but understated styling might not deliver the look-at-me factor some convertible buyers seek. And, as with most four-seat convertibles, the rear seating area is narrow.

The front of the 2010 Volkswagen Eos is dominated by Volkswagen's now-familiar, U-shaped grille flanked by large, expressive headlamps. Viewed from the side with the top up, a handful of cut lines give away what might otherwise pass as a fixed-roof coupe. Other exterior points of interest include turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, a wheel lineup that ranges in size from 16 to 17 inches and dual exhaust outlets. Adaptive, swiveling bi-xenon headlamps are optional, while trunk-integrated antennae add to the Eos' clean look. In a potential rollover situation, an active roll bar pops up from behind the rear-seat head restraints.

The Eos' interior is more attractively designed and better put together than those of some cars we've driven with sticker prices twice as much. With the top stowed away – after a 25-second mechanical ballet – luggage space shrinks from 10.5 cubic feet to 6.6 cubic feet. For something between top-up and top-down, the Eos' wide sunroof is just the ticket. Typical of four-seat convertibles, the rear seat is somewhat narrow as a result of having to accommodate the top's mechanicals. Interesting features include an adjustable, cooled glove box and dual-zone climate control that maintains separate settings for top-up and top-down driving.

The 2010 Volkswagen Eos comes equipped with electronically controlled air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, 12-way power adjustable front driver's seat with four-way power lumbar, heated front leatherette seats (dubbed V-Tex), Bluetooth connectivity and the Premium 8 eight-speaker six-disc CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack and a six-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability controls, front airbags and combination head/thorax side airbags. Lux models add power folding and auto-dimming driver's side mirror, auto dimming interior mirror, 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a power passenger seat and leather seating surfaces.

Available features include a navigation system, Dynaudio Premium Sound System, iPod adapter, Park Distance Control, rear wind blocker and trip computer.

The 2010 Volkswagen Eos' Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts close to $33,000 with the manual transmission and approaches $34,000 with the six-speed DSG automatic. A fully loaded Eos Lux tops out around $42,000. We expect our New Car Blue Book Values to reflect real-world transaction prices close to these sticker prices. The Volvo C70 is the Eos' most kindred competitor in spirit, but it starts over $40,500 and, fully equipped, can approach $50,000. Smaller and less expensive is the Mazda Miata MX-5 Hardtop, with the only other four-passenger hardtop in this price range being the Chrysler Sebring Limited. In terms of resale value, we expect the Eos to perform nominally on par with the C70 and MX-5 Miata and much better than the Sebring Limited Convertible.

The 2010 Volkswagen Eos is one of the sturdiest four-seat convertibles we've ever driven, with ride and handling characteristics closer to those of a fixed-roof coupe than a typical longer-wheelbase drop-top. We most appreciated the Eos' chassis rigidity in the curvy sections of our test drive, through which our Eos 2.0T test vehicle carved with more confidence and enthusiasm than we expected. Out on the open highway the ride was controlled but comfortable, and the 2.0T engine was so smooth that on more than one occasion we were surprised to find ourselves cruising along with the six-speed transmission in fourth gear. Front-seat passengers are well protected from wind thanks in large part to a tall front deflector that deploys manually from the top of the windshield frame.

Dynaudio Sound System
The optional 10-speaker, 600-watt audio system produces a full, natural sound that's among the best we've heard.

DSG Transmission
The Eos' handling characteristics make it easy to utilize and appreciate VW's quick- and smooth-shifting dual-clutch transmission.

The Eos' 2.0T engine and DSG transmission comprise one of the most highly regarded powertrains on the road. With FSI direct fuel injection mitigating turbo lag, the 2.0T is unusually responsive. The innovative DSG transmission functions as a no-touch automatic in traffic and a quick-shifting, no-pedal manual when you're feeling more enthusiastic.)

2.0-liter in-line 4, turbocharged
200 horsepower @ 5100-6000 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 (manual), 22/29 (automatic)