By Donna Vissing
Contributing Editor
The Auto Channel
Have you heard about the Volkswagen Eos? If not, you will soon! Last fall 2006 Volkswagen introduced a first of its kind, sporty, hard-top convertible certain to become a favorite among convertible enthusiasts! From the very minute I was introduced to this car it became an attention-grabber among men and women. Set up for a test drive and while I was being introduced to the vehicle’s features, the attention began with a gentleman who spotted the car. We spent the next 30 minutes sharing his enthusiasm for the Eos. I knew then I was in for a unique driving experience.
Men might not know this about women, but we also enjoy looking good in our “ride”. But make no mistake, we are not willing to trade comfort to look good; driving the Eos, I didn’t have to make any trade-offs. The Eos offers 4-passenger capacity including 12-way power driver and 8-way manual passenger seat adjustability. Optional features include lumbar support and heated seating, both of which make driving comfortable with extra back support and customized heating comfort. Spacious leg room in the front and adequate leg room for the back takes the sports convertible stereotype of limited interior space and redefines it.
At the touch of a button, the Eos transforms from a hardtop coupe into a sleek open-air convertible sports car. With the hide-away roof the finished look is “hot”, as one of my girlfriends exclaimed while we were enjoying a Sunday afternoon ride! The Eos is already the top-selling retractable hardtop convertible in Europe and stands poised to hit the same benchmark in the U.S.
The luxury of spacious trunk space is something sacrificed when you own an Eos. Limited trunk space is available when the top is up and when the top is down you need to count on just minimal trunk space, only considering the back seat for luggage. Due to the electronic capability of the roof folding and sandwiching into the trunk, the space once available isn’t anymore. There are warning instructions placed strategically throughout the trunk to warn where you can safely place items. It is a small sacrifice to make with all the other features and benefits, but one that must be considered if you are purchasing the Eos as a primary vehicle.
The most precious cargo for both women and men are children, making safety a #1 priority. The Eos comes equipped with a standard safety system including lower anchors for Child Restraint Systems, driver and passenger airbag supplemental restraint system and a combined curtain & side air bag system for front seats. Safety features also include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), optimized front seat head restraints, side protection door beams, the Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and the Electronic Stabilization Program hailed by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety as being responsible for decreasing fatality accidents by 50%.
Women look for both purchase and long-term value. One source of value is through the choice of engines: the Eos offers a 2.0T four-cylinder and the 3.2L narrow-angle V6. The 2.0T has 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, plus Fuel Stratified Injection improving both performance and efficiency. The 2007 Eos 2.0T is EPA-rated at an estimated 23 city mpg and 32 highway mpg – providing long-term value in fuel efficiency. For purchase value the base price for the 2.0T is $27,990 and starts around $36,850 for the 3.2L.
The Eos is available with numerous features and options. Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control, cruise control, heated front seats and power window, seats and key locks, in-dash CD player with the MP3 format readability insures the driving experience will be very comfortable. If you wish to add a little more spice to your enjoyment, the Sports Package can be added for approximately $3,700. This includes leather sports seating and wrapped steering wheel, 6 disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio, lumbar support in your seating, and other extras. With other optional packages to choose, you can create the car of your dreams.
The 2007 Eos is already running ahead of the competition winning awards and accolades along the way. Recently named the 2007 Best Resale Award winner, along with the Volkswagen GTI and Passat wagon, the Kelley Blue Book’s annual recognition highlights automakers for design, engineering and production achievements of vehicles best retaining value five years after market introduction.
The 2007 Eos was also awarded “2006 Best of What’s New” from Popular Science’s automotive category; recognizing products that have made significant steps forward in development. Chosen after thousands of products were evaluated the Eos represented innovations impacting both today and the future. Entitled to be known as the world’s first and only four-seat, hard-top convertible with an integrated glass sunroof, the CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) is totally revolutionary in its design.
If you are looking for a way to revolutionize your driving experience, maybe its time to visit a Volkswagen dealership and check out the 2007 Eos.
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