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While most of the nation shivers this time of year, we get to drop our tops. Sunshine, blue skies, light jacket and a cool little convertible turn a routine drive into a slick cruise. Here’s the latest generation of Volkswagen convertible, Eos. Named for the Greek goddess of dawn, Eos is the first VW to employ a retractable hardtop in place of a classic ragtop. Folding hardtops have become all the rage for convertible builders everywhere, ranging from such pricey numbers as Mercedes-Benz SL-Class to more down-to-earth craft such as Volvo C70, Pontiac G6, even the Mazda MX-5 (Miata), which gained a retractable roof for 2007. The advantages of a hardtop convertible should be obvious: With the top up, the vehicle turns into a cozy coupe with less wind roar and road noise; unlike a softtop, a hardtop doesn’t wear out and have to be replaced; and it takes more than a sharp pocket knife to break and enter. The retractable hardtop on the Eos is a nice piece of work, folding into the trunk with a mechanical ballet of hinges and motors. Plus, the hardtop includes a gigantic glass sunroof that opens for a full-width skyward view. That’s a lot of roof features to pack into a little car, and VW does it with style and a spirit of playfulness. Eos drives with VW’s usual sporty precision, with strong power, excellent steering response, decent handling and good brakes, so even the most demanding drivers can enjoy the sunny climate.

PERFORMANCE: The turbocharged four-cylinder base engine cranks out plenty of power for this little car. Actually, the performance feels stronger than the 200-horsepower rating would indicate. Gas mileage is above par, though premium is recommended. There’s also a 250-horsepower VR6 version that comes only with the automatic and costs nearly $9,000 more than the base model. It hardly seems worth it. The test car came with a six-speed manual transmission that shifted with precision and worked well with the engine’s mild turbo lag. DSG six-speed automatic with Tiptronic is also available.

DRIVABILITY: With sharp handling and quick steering, Eos drives as responsively as most sports cars. The car feels solid and well constructed, similar to the vaultlike vehicles from Mercedes or BMW. The ride is very compliant, firm but comfortably absorbing bumps.

STYLING: VW ditches the cutesy look of past Golf and Rabbit convertibles, with Eos appearing more purposeful and sporting. It’s still cute, though, and not likely to appeal to the muscle-car crowd. Top up, Eos looks like a nicely styled coupe but with a blunt and boxy rear. Top down, it takes on a sleek wedge shape.

INTERIOR: Surprisingly roomy up front, with loads of space for the big and tall behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. The back seat is tight, though, and fairly unusable when the big and tall have the front seats pushed back. The dashboard and trim are rather businesslike for such a fun car but with VW’s usual quality feel and attention to detail. The trunk is good sized with the top up, just marginal with the top down.

BOTTOM LINE: With the lowest-priced model at $27,990, and the midrange test car above $36,000 with options, Eos seems a bit pricey for its youthful target audience. But when the top’s down and the wind is whistling past, the monthly payments should be quickly forgotten.

VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0T

Vehicle type: Four-passenger, two-door convertible, front-wheel drive. Engine: 2-liter inline four, 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, 207 pound-feet torque at 1,800 rpm. Transmission: Six-speed manual. Wheelbase: 101.5 inches. Overall length: 173.5 inches. Curb weight: 3,505 pounds. EPA rating: 23 city, 32 highway.

HIGHS: Great roof design, nimble performance, nice interior. LOWS: Tight back seat, pricey with options, still too cute for the macho.

Pricing

Base price: $29,900.

Price as tested: $36,110.

OPTIONS

* Sport package, including leather seats, multifunction leather steering wheel, aluminum trim, rain-sensing wipers, six-disc CD player, satellite radio, power passenger seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, $3,690. * Navigation system, $1,800. * Shipping, $630.