What It Is:
Written off by consumers carrying Y chromosomes combined with delicate egos, the Volkswagen Eos (view photos) is a four-passenger convertible with a power retractable hardtop and German DNA. Based on the Golf platform and equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Eos is actually really fun to drive, blending performance, handling, comfort, and practicality in a single four-season convertible package. It’s like an Audi, without the Audi price tag.
The information that follows is derived from press releases and images that pertain to other markets in which the Eos is sold, and may change once the car officially debuts to U.S. customers at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.
What’s New for the 2011 Volkswagen Eos?
- Restyled: Styling was never an Eos strength, and likely had plenty to do with the reason men avoided buying them. With its chrome nose, drooping eyes, and sparkling rear lights, the Eos looked a little like an aging, bejeweled suburban housewife gussied up for a night on the town. The restyled 2011 Eos resolves this situation by grafting 2011 Jetta design cues onto the existing Eos. That means a redesigned front end, LED headlight elements with an available Adaptive Front Lighting System, and new red-lens taillights. Volkswagen also adds 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. The effect is dramatic, though men are still likely to choose a Camaro or Mustang instead.
- GTI Engine: Many initial reports are saying that the updated 2011 Eos will be equipped with the same turbocharged, direct-injected, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the GTI. Got news for everyone: the Eos already has this engine, and will continue to have it. It makes 200 horsepower between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm, but the torque is the real story. This stellar powerplant generates 207 lb.-ft. of twist across a broad range between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. This means that despite its unimpressive numbers, the Eos delivers a surge of steady acceleration across the engine’s entire powerband, making it feel much livelier than expected. A six-speed manual is likely to be available, but good luck finding one in dealer inventory. Most will be equipped with VW’s excellent Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automated manual.
- Leather is Standard: In an effort to simplify and add value to the Eos, Volkswagen is making Vienna leather standard for 2011. Heated front seats will also be part of the standard package when the car goes on sale.
- New Hill Start Assist: Volkswagen is also planning to make Hill Start Assist technology standard on the 2011 Eos. When parked or stopped on steep hills, this feature keeps the Eos from rolling back when taking a foot off the brake pedal and launching the car. Comes in handy in places like San Francisco.
- Power Retractable Hardtop with Sunroof: One of the best things about the Eos is its power retractable hardtop. In the winter, it seals the cabin tightly, in a way soft-top convertibles cannot. On the highway, a hardtop also contributes to a quieter cabin. But what we like about the Eos is that it has a glass power sunroof embedded into the retractable hardtop. The sunroof can be opened separately for those times when fresh air and sunshine are desirable but putting the top completely down is not. At a minimum, front seat occupants can enjoy the panoramic glass panel over the two front seats.
- Revised Colors: Perhaps in an effort to man this car up, Volkswagen adds fresh colors to the 2011 Eos paint palette. Official images show a car dressed in a rich mocha brown metallic. Nothing says “dude” like mocha brown metallic.
The Vehix View:
Look, as fun to drive as an Eos (view photos) is, unless Volkswagen GTI-ifies this car with stuff like big Detroit-style alloys, a body kit, fog lights, a decklid spoiler, and some Recaros, guys just aren’t gonna buy one unless it’s a gift for a wife, a daughter, or a girlfriend. And even then, it would be a tough sell to men who would rather own a Mustang or the soon-to-arrive Camaro drop-top. Rather, the Eos is an outstanding alternative to something like a Chrysler 200 convertible (the car formerly known as the Sebring), or the more expensive Volvo C70. Hey, once a chick car, always a chick car.
