The Volkswagen Eos just got lost in the shuffle, really. Introduced in 2006, the hardtop convertible enjoyed very modest success and was quickly outshined by the Beetle convertible. Its primary competitor, the similarly priced Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible, bit the dust just three years after the Eos arrived. Since then the Eos has quietly soldiered along as a class of one. It could be a modern Studebaker Lark or Ford Falcon convertible, except it’s less frumpy. No, belay that — the Eos actually is kind of frumpy, in a modern way.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. A quick drive in the Eos served as a handy reminder of just how cheerfully sensible this little car is. Now in its seventh year, the Eos gains a simpler model lineup and new infotainment options for 2014, after a 2012 update that added a mild facelift. This solid little four-place convertible coupe exhibits Volkswagen’s fun-to-drive characteristics, and it’s just the thing for a color tour on a warm autumn day.
So why is it so forgettable? Well, the Eos’ Volkswagen lineage is obvious, but it’s wearing last year’s style in terms of sheet metal. The Golf, Beetle and Jetta all have moved on from the platform they once shared with the Eos. The narrow, chrome-bladed grille and swept-back head lamps look good, providing the Eos with a clean and elegant face. Volkswagen’s typical smooth lines and narrow panel gaps make the Eos look pleasantly upscale.
Top-up, it’s a solid little coupe, with seating for four and handsome leather trim in a choice of four colors. Ebony wood trim decorates the dash, spiced up with satin silver trim around the center stack. Dual-zone climate control, a backup camera and a navigation system are standard; a park assist is available. The front seats are nicely bolstered, providing a lightly sporty mood. Lower the roof and the Eos exhibits a little bit of cowl shake, but not enough to be distressing. The only other ergonomic issue is the hard-edged center console that intrudes on knee space for taller drivers. The Eos is a generation old, after all. The 10.5 cubic foot trunk is large enough for a load of groceries.
Going from open to closed takes only 25 seconds. The Eos is the only hardtop convertible that also offers a full-width panoramic power sunroof, should you be unable to decide whether you want the roof open or closed. The five-piece top stows in the trunk and still leaves 6½ cubic feet of space.
Volkswagen’s new Car-Net system is new for 2014, providing emergency calling, crash notification, stolen vehicle assistance and roadside assistance. It can connect to an iPhone to provide vehicle information, navigation point-of-interest details, and other functions.
Rolling in the Eos Komfort model is an experience in the joy of driving a slow car fast. Volkswagens have great baseline handling, so, when hustled, the Eos talks well, feels poised and is very hard to upset. Push it till it understeers and it’s clear about what’s going on. But for a car that’s not meant to be a sports car, it’s got decent high-speed skills. Struts and lower control arms comprise the front suspension, while the rear features a subframe-mounted four-link setup that provides good sound isolation. On the freeway, it’s stable and comfortable. The hardtop means there’s much less noise than a soft-top convertible would have at speed, making the Eos a year-round companion. The standard anti-lock brakes and stability control ensure comfortable handling in nasty weather as well.
Power’s provided by Volkswagen’s smooth 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and the Eos wields its 200 horsepower with poise and politeness. The available power is generous, but it’s not delivered with haste. The Eos feels confident, but rarely in a hurry, even when it is. Direct fuel injection and electronic throttle control ensure smooth and efficient power delivery. A six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is standard.
The Eos is separated from the Beetle convertible by price. Though it looks older and isn’t nearly as eye-catching, the bottom line’s a good deal higher. The Eos’ $35,195 starting price for the Komfort model is a bit intimidating, no matter how much standard equipment it offers. Even the standard navigation system isn’t quite enough to offset the price walk over a well-equipped Beetle. On the other hand, the curvy, retro Beetle isn’t to everyone’s taste. If you like your VW convertible with all-weather convenience and a bit less attitude, the Eos may be for you.
