Volkswagen Eos (named after the Greek god of dawn) is a cleverly-designed and attractive coupe-convertible that’s been on sale in Australia since March 2007 when it replaced the popular Golf Cabriolet.
While the Golf convertible had a conventional soft top, Eos was the first Volkswagen to have a retractable hardtop roof, a feature that provides the styling and security of a coupe with the driving enjoyment of a convertible.
Interestingly Volkswagen unveiled a new Golf Cabriolet at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and we drove it in France shortly afterwards. It will go on sale here late this year.
For 2011 Eos has been given a minor facelift and equipment upgrade. It’s now joined Golf and Polo in getting the latest family frontal styling with its three horizontal bar grille as well as revised headlights. Changes to the rear include a new bumper and two-part LED taillights. Our jury’s out on the styling changes, we did like the previous wedge-shaped grille on the outgoing Eos but standardisation is very much the fashion at the moment.
The previous manual gearbox is no longer available with all models now fitted with Volkswagen’s six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. These automated manual units combine faster shifts than are possible from even the best driver with a full manual gearbox.
While dropping the manual option no doubt makes economic sense, given the Australian preference for automatic transmissions (around 5 to 1 in the previous Eos), it’s disappointing for the driving enthusiast who prefers to make their own gear change decisions. We understand that the upcoming Golf Cabriolet is likely to be available with a manual gearbox.
One advantage that Eos does have over its growing number of coupe-convertible rivals is that it has a tilt and slide sunroof built into the roof thus offering an alternative open air facility.
As with all coupe-cabriolets, boot space is restricted due to it having to be able to house the folded roof. Boot capacity ranges from 205 litres to 380 litres depending on whether or not the roof is folded. But limited space is a fact of life for the owners of sporty cars and something that they’ve learnt to adapt to over the years.
Likewise interior space has to managed. There's good head and leg room in the front seats, although the space between the side bolsters can be a bit tight for the broad-buttocked. Being a two-door, access to the rear seats can be awkward for adult passengers but is easy enough for children – although they are likely to be less satisfied with the lack of vision out of the small rear windows.
Nevertheless, for the typical two-person crew in a car of this type, Volkswagen Eos provides good space.
Naturally both the roof and sunroof operate electronically with the roof taking 25 seconds to open or close. Some other coupe-cabriolets allow roof raising and lowering to take place at low speeds, not something that we’d recommend. We prefer the requirement, as in the Eos, for the car to be stationary.
Out test car this week was the turbo-diesel Eos 103 TDI. There was a time when the idea of a car with any sort of sporting credentials powered by a turbo-diesel engine would have been scoffed at. Not so nowadays with the continuing refinement in diesel powerplants meaning that the twin benefits of extra torque and fuel economy can now be added to the enjoyment of sports car driving.
The 2.0-litre 103 TDI engine generates 103 kW of power (hence the name) and peak torque of 320 Newton metres between 1750 and 2500 rpm. There’s plenty of pulling power throughout most of its rev range. While it does have that distinctive diesel clatter from outside the car but it’s barely noticeable when under way, even with the roof folded.
There is a minimal amount of turbo lag but demanding drivers who like instant response may not like the feel of the engine.
On the road Eos has that reassuringly solid feel that we expect from Volkswagen, helped by the fact that Eos is a separate model rather than a modification of an existing body, and so has extra underbody strength. There was some minor scuttle shake when we hit a few bumps but, again that’s largely unavoidable in a car without the reinforcement provided by a fixed roof.
The suspension is nicely balanced, being firm but not uncomfortably so and it feels safe and solid when cornering.
Fuel consumption in the Eos 103 TDI is listed at 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined city/highway cycle. We logged 6.2 L/100 km on our commute from Sydney to the Central Coast and 7.1 L/100 on a more challenging circuit.
The only other model in the Volkswagen Eos range is the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine 155 TSI, with 155 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque from 1700 rpm.
New standard features for the 2011 Volkswagen Eos include Bluetooth connectivity for both telephone and audio, upgraded alarm system and Media Device Interface (MDI) infotainment system.
Options include Park Assist 2, an upgraded automated parking system ($900), Satellite Navigation ($2500), Bi-Xenon headlights ($2100), powered front seats ($1500), Dynaudio Premium Audio ($2000) and a $2600 Sports Package with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted LED tail lights and adaptive chassis control.
At around $50,000 the 2011 Volkswagen Eos combines practicality and driving enjoyment at an affordable price. It will be interesting to line it up alongside the upcoming Golf Cabriolet when that car arrives later this year.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Eos 2.0 103 TDI 2.0-litre diesel two-door convertible - $49,990 (DSG automatic)
Eos 2.0T 147 TSI 2.0-litre two-door convertible - $51,990 (automatic)
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in both models
Automatic Transmission: DSG standard in both models
Cruise Control: Standard in both models
Dual Front Airbags: Standard in both models
Front Side Airbags: Standard in both models
Electronic Stability Program: Standard in both models
Rear Parking Sensors: Standard in both models
Reversing Camera: Not offered
USB/Auxiliary Audio Inputs: Standard in both models
Satellite Navigation: $2500 in both models
Bluetooth: Standard in both models
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls: Standard in both models
SPECIFICATIONS (Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TDI 2.0-litre diesel)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.968 litres
Configuration: Transverse, four cylinders in line
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 18.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 81.0 x 95.5mm
Maximum Power: 103 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Front
Manual Transmission: Six-speed
Automatic Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive Ratio: NA
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4407mm
Wheelbase: 2578mm
Width: 1791mm
Height: 1443mm
Turning Circle: 10.9 metres
Kerb Mass: 1556kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
Towing Ability: 750kg (1500kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, lower A-arms, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Independent, four-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes: Disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 10.3 secs
Standing 400 Metres: 17.6 secs
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 6.0 L/100km
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000km |
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