Eos was the ancient Greek goddess of the dawn, known for her daily ritual of opening heaven's gates to welcome the sun. The 2012 Volkswagen Eos does much the same thing with its retractable hardtop convertible roof or unique built-in sunroof. Yet unlike its goddess namesake, the VW Eos doesn't get a lot of respect -- and we're not talking about offerings of wine and goat meat.
The Volkswagen Eos tends to be forgotten among the convertible ranks despite its many advantages. Besides its innovative roof, the Eos has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine (shared with the GTI, among others) that delivers punchy power and high fuel economy, and a quick-shifting DSG automated manual transmission. The impeccable cabin is built to a standard that exceeds similarly priced convertibles, and offers abundant standard features that help justify its price premium over other competitors like the Chrysler 200, Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper.
With its size and front-wheel-drive layout, the Eos claims a middle ground between those cheaper models and luxury drop tops like the Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series, and is a must-look for buyers considering convertibles on either end of the price spectrum.
So why hasn't the Eos enjoyed better success? We can only think of a couple of reasons. For one, its backseat is small (although you weren't expecting palatial rear space in a convertible, were you?). And perhaps the Eos' pedestrian styling, which despite being updated for 2012, doesn't really stand out in a segment where looks are prized. Finally, the Eos doesn't move with any particular verve, although it's an adept and comfortable cruiser. Ultimately you'll decide whether these are deal-breakers, but we encourage you to give this little convertible a chance -- and maybe some needed respect.
Inside, not much has changed, but chrome trim has been added around power window buttons and light switches. Uplevel versions of the Eos get real walnut wood trim as well as Vienna leather upholstery. For 2012, the base model now gets a standard, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, which incorporates trip computer and audio controls. In addition, an intelligent key system will now be offered, as is HD radio in U.S. models.
The Eos's clean and nicely equipped interior is only slightly modified, with revised gauges and a new HVAC control panel. In Europe, VW will offer a few more options, including an automatic high-beam function and a self-parking assistant, and a keyless entry and start system�including convertible-top control�is available for the first time. It's not quite clear, however, how many of these options will be available in the U.S., where our obsession with pre-packaged, take-it-home-right-now vehicles�instead of individualized, custom-ordered cars�makes a longer options list a greater liability for dealers.
The new Eos should continue to be offered in Comfortline and Highline trim levels. The equipment list, standard or optional, includes adaptive bixenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, a touch-screen navigation with USB port, SD media card slot and hard drive, a 12-way power driver�s seat and Bluetooth connectivity.
Eos, the Titan goddess of dawn, is reborn: At the Los Angeles auto show, Volkswagen is unveiling a heavily face-lifted version of the Golf-based folding-hardtop convertible. The Eos is the latest VW to receive the company's new signature look, with a wide, horizontal grille�instead of the chrome tongue conceived under former chief designer Murat G�nak�and a general cleaning up of stylistic clutter. The cutesy, round headlights of the early Eos are now replaced by rectangular units that house VW�s characteristic U-shaped LED daytime running lights, and the LED taillights lose their glitzy white circle for an M-shaped look. There's now a rear diffuser, presumably to allow higher cornering speeds, should you track your Eos on weekends.
Gone are the teardrop headlights, replaced by slimmer units with more detailed clusters. The chrome grille is disappearing from VW products, replaced by a conventional bumper and a black three-bar grille with subtle chrome accents.
The car�s hindquarters also got some changes, with a redesigned bumper that incorporates an air diffuser as well as new LED taillights. In general, the Eos now looks more than ever like a Golf, which makes us wonder why VW is selling a Golf convertible in Europe.
That's also why, for the U.S. market, the Eos keeps a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI as its only engine. This engine, derived from the EA888 engine family, makes 200 hp and is coupled to a six-speed "wet" dual-clutch transmission. (No word yet on whether the six-speed manual will remain available in the U.S.) We suspect that top speed remains limited to 130 mph, and 0�60 times should stay below seven seconds. In Europe, the Eos will enjoy a vast lineup of engines, ranging from a 122-hp 1.4-liter to a 210-hp 2.0-liter TSI that can propel the Eos up to 147 mph. There also will be a 140-hp, 2.0-liter diesel. The sweet, 260-horse, 3.6-liter VR6 model sold in Germany is gone.
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, pop-up rollover bars and front side airbags that extend upward for head protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the VW Eos earned the top rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving Impressions
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos is for drivers who want a relaxed touring convertible. On models without the sport suspension, there's too much body roll and vague steering for serious twisting fun. But on the boulevard or a coastal highway, the Eos is perfectly pleasant thanks to its soft yet composed ride. The Eos' turbo four-cylinder contends with more weight compared to VW's GTI, for example, but it's still torquey and capable. And when the weather prevents top-down motoring, the retractable hardtop provides coupelike isolation.reference:www.auto123.com,www.caranddriver.com,www.edmunds.com
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