Engines
197-hp 4-cyl.;
247-hp 6-cyl.;
138-hp diesel
Transmissions
6-speed automatic;
6-speed manual |
The Eos is a four-seat retractable-hardtop convertible that will be priced above Volkswagen's New Beetle Convertible. The car will go on sale in Europe in spring 2006 before spreading to other continents. No specific time is given for its North American arrival.
Exterior
Unlike the retired VW Cabrio, which was a soft-top version of the Golf, the Eos isn't based on any existing model, though it does share a platform with the small VW models. It has a clean, sporty look with design cues seen on current new VW models, including a plunging grille and taillights similar to those on the Jetta. As equipped in Germany, the Eos offers 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Like other retractable hardtops, the Eos looks like a coupe when the top is up. Its rear window and roof panel — which also is a glass pane — retreat into the trunk, leaving a neat appearance and uninterrupted lines. An active roll bar that remains out of sight unless needed helps to minimize the visual clutter. VW says the powered top's operation takes about 25 seconds.
Interior
The Eos offers VW's storied interior design and materials quality. A relatively low windshield is said to grant an exceptional open-air feeling, even for front occupants. The power front seats are designed to motor forward to enable backseat access and then return to their original position. Typical of retractable hardtops, the Eos loses trunk capacity when the top is down, but it has a pass-thru to the cabin, which remains a rare feature in convertibles.
Under the Hood
Eos models sold in Europe will offer a range of four gasoline power plants and one diesel engine. We in North America often get the most powerful engines offered overseas, which would be a 197-horsepower four-cylinder and a 247-hp six-cylinder.
The 138-hp diesel option is almost certain to come, too, equipped with a particulate filter for clean operation on the low-sulfur fuel we're scheduled to get in 2006. Look for six-speed-automatic and six-speed-manual transmissions.
Safety
Standard safety features include the active roll bar, an electronic stability system and side head-thorax airbags that deploy from the front seats but are designed to protect occupants' heads in the absence of roof-mounted curtain-type bags, which can't be installed in a convertible. Bi-xenon headlights that aim in the direction of a turn will be optional. |
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