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30/05/2011
Car Review by DEREK OGDEN
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Volkswagen has lifted the lid on the latest version of its Eos convertible/coupe, making it sharper in looks and performance than the original launched in Australia in 2007. Built in Portugal alongside the Sirocco coupe – no doubt to the advantage of that country’s ailing economy – the Eos comes with petrol or diesel engines mated solely with the DSG automatic transmission.
Of the 5500 original models sold, 60 per cent were petrol and 85 per cent DSG, hence the new car comes only with the double clutch auto. Eos, named for the Greek goddess of the dawn, is designed to take full advantage of the weather with a metal folding roof incorporating a tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, unique in a present-day convertible.
Retracted in 25 seconds when the car is stationary, the five-piece roof stows away in the boot area leaving 205 litres of luggage space, enough to take two airline cabin bags. When it is closed there is 175 litres of extra room. The boot lid contours have been reworked giving it a sharper edge than before, while there are now two-part LED rear lights and redesigned rear bumper with diffuser. Twin tailpipes top off the added attractions.
The front has retained the VW design DNA, with a radiator grille consisting of three shiny black struts, each trimmed with a narrow chrome strip. New headlights are standard halogen or optional bi-xenon, the latter incorporating 14-LED daytime running lights. Also standard are front fog lamps featuring integrated cornering lights.
In profile the Eos enjoys smart new wheels - 17x7.5 Michigan alloys with 235/45 R17 tyres – and there’s a space-saver spare and low tyre pressure indicator. Inside are four leather upholstered seats, the front ones heated, and new dashboard and door trim - dark aluminium accents with chrome edging. A Media Device Interface has a USB connection cable and auxiliary input socket, and there’s Bluetooth phone connectivity. A quality touchscreen sound system includes MP3 compatible six-disc CD changer and SD card.
The petrol engine on offer is the 2 litre TSI turbocharged direct injection unit developing 155kW and maximum torque of 280Nm, the latter from just 1700rpm. Mated with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox, according to the maker, it uses 7.7 litres of fuel per 100km and emits 179g/km of carbon dioxide on the combined highway/urban cycle.
The 2 litre TDI turbo-diesel wins its fuel efficiency stripes with 5.9 litres/100km (156g/km CO2), 0.2 litres less fuel than its predecessor. Maximum torque of 320Nm comes up at 1750rpm and sticks around right up to 2500rpm.
On a run around Adelaide and the surrounding hills, the TSI petrol showed itself to be slick and totally responsive, the TDI diesel ponderous by comparison, but still relatively quiet all the same. Talking of noise, a retractable wind deflector on the upper windscreen frame can be deployed by a single touch. When in use on the drive, it did not add much to cabin occupant comfort. Indeed, increased wind noise was the most noticeable feature.
As with all Volkswagens, the Eos comes with a long list of standard safety features including Electronic Stability Program, ABS anti-skid brakes with Brake Assist, front and front side/head airbags, front head restraints and active rollover protection system, and Hill Start Assist. Options, apart from the aforementioned bi-xenon headlamps with daytime driving lights, are satellite navigation, sports package and Park Assist 2.
The last is the second generation parking aid that now not only seeks out and performs parallel parking but parking at right angles to the driving direction. The system is activated at speeds up to 40km/h by pressing a button on the centre console. The driver indicates the side of the road for parking by activating the turn signal for that side.
Park Assist 2 now enables parking in short spaces - vehicle length plus 80cm; previously plus 140cm, on curves, at kerbs and between trees and other obstacles. The upgraded park assist system is claimed to seek out even the most snug parking bay. So much so, there may not enough space conveniently to open the doors. No matter, the driver has only to flip the lid and leap out of the car like chaps did in days gone by.
The Eos 103 TDI six-speed DSG sells for $49,990, the 155 TSI six-speed DSG $51,990. Both are on sale now. |
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