Volkswagen Eos Reviews

Gary Cooper is very happy with his 2012 Eos 155 TSI auto. It is well finished and comfortable, and he likes the roof and the fact that it has a back seat, even though there isn't a lot of room for anyone sitting in the rear. He is happy with the 6.0 L/100 km he gets on the highway, although having to use Premium

From the front it looks just like a Golf. But sharper, more aggressive lines should make Volkswagen's EOS sports couple-convertible more appealing especially to male buyers.Launched in 2007 the hard-topped, Golf-based coupe-convertible has just been updated, with cosmetic changes and more standard equipment.But in terms of performance things remain pretty much the same, with engines that carry over from the update in September.PRICING AND EQUIPMENTPriced from $49,990 it's an alluring proposition, a premium offering with plenty of `look at me' appeal. EOS is well equipped with leather and climate controlled airconditioning standard. Bluetooth, an alarm system and media device interface (MDI) for an iPod have been added. You also get rain sensing wipers and rear parking sensors. A space saver spare wheel is included.Options include a more advanced self-parking system for $900. As well as reverse parking it can slide you into a car parking bay in a shopping centre carpark with 40cm of clearance either side without hitting a pylon. The system doesn't need to be activated, it is constantly on the lookout for parking spaces.The folding metal roof takes 25 seconds to deploy, offering the benefits of a convertible with the security of a coupe.SAFETYEOS comes with the usual range of VW safety systems, including electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution. But with four airbags, it scores only a four-star rating for safety. The side airbags offer protection for front seat occupants only. not rear seat passengers.DESIGNVolkswagen is hoping the changes it has made will boost the fortunes of the four-seat coupe-convertible with its folding metal roof. Built in Portugal, sales have fallen markedly since the model's introduction. Cosmetic changes including new front and rear lights, a redesigned front grille and sharper boot line bring the car into step with the current family look.ENGINES AND MECHANICALBuyers can choose between a 2.0-litre turbo diesel or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 155kW/280Nm turbocharged engine is the same unit that is in the Golf GTI, while the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel will be familiar to VW enthusiasts.Both are paired with a six-speed DSG style transmission -- a twin-clutch, robotised manual gearbox -- which of course means no more manual. As 85 per cent of buyers chose DSG, normally a $2500 option — this is not going to worry too many people.Volkswagen has managed to trim the fuel economy of the car. The diesel is good for 5.9 litres/100km (was 6.1) while the petrol model now returns 7.7 litres/100km (was 7.9).DRIVINGAfter driving the two cars back to back, we reckon the petrol engine is the pick, although it will set you back another $2000. It feels the sportier of the two and makes all the right noises in all the right places when driven enthusiastically.Mid-range performance is strong but the car is slower off the line than the GTI because it is a bigger and heavier car. The transmission has sport mode or you can change gears manually via the shift lever, but surprisingly VW does not offer shift paddles with this model.As a convertible EOS exhibits a small amount of body flex, even with the roof up — but that's the price you pay for sunshine. If you rarely venture off major thoroughfares, you'll probably never notice.VOLKSWAGEN EOSPrice: From $49,990Engines: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (103kW/320Nm), 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (155kW/280Nm)Transmission: 6-speed DSG, front-wheel-driveThirst: 5.9L/100km (diesel), 7.7L/100km (petrol)Crash safety: 4 stars

VW has just updated the EOS giving it a slicker, edgier appearance. The update builds on and expands upon the first model launched here for the first time in 2007. The new more aggressive look should curry favour with blokes, because they weren't very enamoured with the original which was a bit of a chick's car. Sales have fallen markedly since the model's introduction.VALUEEOS is well equipped with leather and climate controlled airconditioning standard. Bluetooth, an alarm system and media device interface (MDI) for an iPod have been added. You also get rain sensing wipers and rear parking sensors. A space saver spare wheel is included. Options include a more advanced self-parking system for $900.TECHNOLOGYBuyers can chose between a 2.0-litre turbo diesel or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 155kW/280Nm turbocharged engine is a lift from the GTI, while the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel has seen service in many models. Both are paired with a six-speed DSG style transmission.As a convertible it exhibits a small amount of body flex, even with the roof up - but that's the price you pay. The folding metal roof takes 25 seconds to deploy, offering the benefits of a convertible with the security of a coupe. The security aspect will appeal to female buyers.DESIGNCosmetic changes including new front and rear lights, a redesigned front grille and sharper boot line bring the car into step with the current family look.Think Golf.SAFETYOnly four stars. EOS is equipped with an extensive list of safety features including stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, an electronic differential lock for better traction as well as front and side head airbags - but rear passengers miss out. It also has an active rollover protection system.DRIVINGDriving the coupe-cabriolet is just like driving a Golf, at least with the roof up. With the top down however it's difficult to ignore that feeling of wind in your hair (for those who have hair).We prefer the petrol model, but there's nothing wrong with the diesel. It offers strong mid-range performance and of course superior fuel economy. The transmission has sport mode or you can change gears manually via the shift lever, but it doesn't have shift paddles. The diesel is rated at 5.9 litres/100km for fuel economy, but we were getting 7.0 over close to 400km.VERDICTThe thing I don't like about this car is that it's just too good. They need to build in a few flaws just to give the EOS some character.

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is one question that really needs answering: would you buy one?What is it?This is Volkswagen's style-meister small coupe cabriolet complete this time around with a sunroof in the retractable hard top. Pretty clever stuff. It's version two of Eos with the new corporate VW style to front and rear and is arguably an even more handsome beast than the original model. Our drive car this time around is the 155kW 2.0 TSi turbo petrol model.How much?$51990 plus depending on what you specify. Satnav adds a hefty $2500 and the sports pack is $2600, but gauged against the direct competition, Eos is still an attractive proposition especially with the more powerful engine and six speed DSG manumatic as standard equipment.What are the competitors?You are looking at the stylistically challenged Peugeot 308CC, Renault's forgettable Megane Cabrio, possibly the Volvo C70.What's under the bonnet?This one gets the same underpinnings as the current Golf GTi, one of our favourites. It means a turbo petrol four pot with direct injection and a healthy 155kW/280Nm output. A lovely engine to drive - strong, sounds great and even has an exhaust "pop" on the upchange to please you ears.How does it go?Extremely well, not race car quick but sporty and satisfying. You don't need any more go than this in the real world. Strong off the mark and throughout the engine rev range. Accentuated by excellent six speed DSG but no wheel paddles to play with, just the stick shift in "S" mode.Is it economical?Impressive here too capable of returning 7.7-litres/100km in mixed driving, better again on a highway cruise.Is it 'Green?'Good - rated at four stars by the Australian Government's green car guide.Is it safe?First model was a four star car but this one has more safety stuff and would rate higher.Is it comfortable?Good, has leather as standard four seats plenty of luxury kit, dual climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio, rain sensing wipers auto headlights. Has an excellent audio, no electric seats though - they're optional. Roomy interior with the roof on, quickly retractable roof, decent boot even with roof off.What's it like to drive?A lot like the Golf GTi but not as sharp because it's heavier with a less sporty calibration. Fun to punt through the twisties though.Is it value for money?Pretty good compared with the competition. More features sweetens the deal this time around at $51,990.Would we buy one?We'd definitely consider the Eos but would wait and see what the new Golf cabrio soft top is like and how much it is first.

It was a good little hardtop convertible before, and now the Volkswagen Eos has more to offer with a new facelift and extra goodies in the cabin.VALUEThe new Eos comes at a $500 premium to the existing models, putting the 103kW/320Nm turbodiesel at $49,990 and the 155kW/280Nm petrol donk at $51,990. Standard gear includes an alarm system, leather upholstery, dual climate-control, airconditioning, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors. And now also Bluetooth and multimedia connectivity.TECHNOLGYVW says it takes the electro-hydraulic roof system just 25 seconds to raise or lower. The Eos was the first car to feature a five-piece hardtop with an integrated tilt/slide glass sunroof, and in day-to-day use it gives owners the choice of near sedan comfort with the roof up, or going all the way and dropping the top - but the in-between with just the sunroof open can be noisy so go for either one extreme or the other.DESIGNThe Eos front is unmistakably VW, with the wide, three slat grille running into wrap-around halogen headlights. It has a refined arched-roof coupe look with the roof up without being overtly sexy, but the convertible look has too many flat planes, even if that is the latest trend. The chrome strip around the waist helps break up the look a little - and advertises to 5500 existing Eos owners that you've got the latest model.SAFETYThere's only four airbags on the Eos. It's a bit hard to pack too many into a car where the roof comes off, but it still misses out on the knee bag that is available on the VW Golf. The Eos does have the latest software, though, with ABS brakes backed by brake assist and hill start assist, ESLP and an electronic diff lock (the system brakes the inside wheel when it detects imminent spin). A pair of rollover protection barriers are hidden behind the seats and the active head restraints are designed to minimise whiplash.DRIVINGThe Eos flexes enough to be unmistakably a convertible, but the chassis still sits flat on the road. The petrol engine is well ahead of its diesel counterpart, posting 7.8 seconds from 0-100km/h against 10.3 seconds. The tradeoff comes at the bowser where, while both engines are down by 0.2litres/100km on the previous model, the petrol still 7.7litres/100km against the diesel's 5.9litres/100km.The manual version has vanished in the update. VW spokesman Karl Gehling said only 15 per cent of buyers had opted for a clutch, so it was tossed out. That makes the six-speed DSG semi-automated transmission the only choice, but it's not a bad one. The ride can bash over larger bumps, but at highway speeds it's unlikely you'll shake up the chardonnay on that picnic drive.VERDICTFor those who like the occasional run in the sun but don't want the compromise to comfort that comes with a cloth roof, the Eos will continue to be a breath of fresh air.

But the really important question is: what do women want in a car?Finding the answer keeps carmakers tossing and turning at night, because they are well aware that women choose more than half the vehicles sold in Australia. There are all the ones they buy for themselves, as well as the deciding vote on most of the ones bought by households.Sorry, fellas. It’s true. No matter how much you want that souped-up sports car, unless the head of household finances agrees you may as well back away from the vehicle now.One of the earliest attempts to deliver a car for women was the mid-1950s Dodge La Femme. It was actually a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer under the skin, but the Detroit designers camouflaged that skin as thoroughly as a make-up artist doing Vogue covers.The car was decked out in pink paint, with an interior covered in pink vinyl, set off by pink rosebud tapestry. And to show that this was not merely a cynical marketing exercise, Dodge kitted the car with accessories they thought reflected the growing independence of post-World War II women moving into meaningful career paths - a pink handbag complete with office essentials like a matching powder compact, lipstick case and comb.Sales estimates run as low as less than 1000 cars. And the pink panderer was quickly dropped from the Dodge range at the end of the following year.Australia’s own Carla Zampatti tweaked a Ford specifically for women in the 1980s, but whether it won women - with accessories including a hanging hook for handbags - is still open to question.However, Dodge and Ford weren’t completely on the wrong track. Women want a car to be stylish, but also practical. Luckily, these days there are quite a few vehicles that fit the bill – without playing the pink paint card. These are the best style picks for women today, from a woman's perspective, with the figures for the basic car.Don’t agree with these? Let us know what YOU think women want in a car in our poll at left.LIGHTMazda2Price: from $16,030Engine: 76kW/137Nm 1.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 6.4L/kmEmissions: 152g/kmThe baby 2 has cute and slightly edgy looks, is compact with usable space, and the long doors make it easy to get in the back seat. The auto will be preferred by most, but it adds to the weight of the little car.Close calls: Ford Fiesta from $16,990; Peugeot 207 from $22,490.SMALLBMW 1-SeriesPrice: from $38,900Engine: 160kW/270Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.2L/kmEmissions: 190g/kmA pocket-sized entry in German prestige – without breaking the pocket. Looks stunning, an amazing amount of room, and great to drive.Close calls: Mazda3 from $21,330; Hyundai i30 from $20,390.MEDIUMFord MondeoPrice: from $31,990Engine: 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 9.5L/kmEmissions: 227g/kmThe best thing Ford has brought to Australia in … ever, possibly. Enough space to make you wonder if you’ll ever need a larger car, elegant design and well built.Close calls: Mazda6 from $31,834; Audi A5 Sportback from $78,400.LARGEAudi A6Price: from $74,500Engine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 5.8L/kmEmissions: 153g/kmThere’s not a high chic quotient in this class - where the homegrown Falcon and Commodore lean more to aggressive styling - so the Audi’s restrained elegance makes it a clear winner.Close calls: Honda Accord from $36,381Mercedes-Benz E-Class from $80,900.PEOPLE MOVERHonda OdysseyPrice: from $46,166Engine: 132kW/218Nm 2.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.9L/kmEmissions: 212g/kmIn a class that’s dominated by lumpy boxes, the Odyssey is a sleek stand-out. It's low-slung, car-like and leading with a fashionable face.Close calls: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso from $39,990; Chrysler Voyager $60,990.SPORTYBMW Mini Cooper ClubmanPrice: from $36,600Engine: 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.8L/kmEmissions: 163g/kmA bonsai wagon with go-kart street cred and revamped retro lines, this one will get admiring glances from everybody.Close calls: Kia Cerato Koup from $23,690; Audi S3 from $69,100.CONVERTIBLEVolkswagen EosPrice: from $47,990Engine: 103kW/320Nm dieselTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.0L/kmEmissions: 158g/kmThe EOS is streamlined and sophisticated, looks equally good with the roof open or closed – and has enough room in the back to get a couple of extra friends in for short trips.Close calls: BMW Z4 from $86,200; Lexus IS250C from $80,150. SUVHyundai ix35Price: from $26,990Engine: 122kW/197Nm petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.5L/kmEmissions: 201g/kmThere’s heaps of practicality but precious little style in the SUV paddocks. But Hyundai’s new compact ix35 proves you can have both. Ultra-modern lines, trim shape and space to spare.Close calls: Jeep Wrangler (medium) from $31,590; Land Rover Range Rover Sport (large) from $99,900.

Convertibles are great when the weather is fine and you can drop the soft-top, but they have their issues that make them a compromise for everyday useThey're not very secure, or particularly refined. It's easy for a would-be thief to slash a gaping hole in a fabric roof and make off with your mobile phone, GPS, laptop computer or any other valuable item left inside, and a soft-top simply can't provide the same noise isolation a solid steel roof can.Car designers have been trying for years to come up with a folding metal roof that could deliver the wind-in-the-hair driving experience of a convertible with the security and refinement of a coupe or sedan.As far back as the 1950s they were playing with steel roofs that could be lowered out of sight into the boot, but they were clunky mostly unreliable things that could only be lowered when the car was parked on a flat, level surface.The breakthrough really came in the 1990s when efficient folding metal roofs began to appear. At first it was only more expensive cars that had them, the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SL/K sports car, which had a folding roof that worked a treat, but like all new things they have worked their way down the price scale and can be found on more affordable cars like the VW EOS.MODEL WATCHVW was producing convertibles almost since its inception. The Beetle cabriolet was a popular little soft-top, and still is with the classic crew, and the ragtop Golf was an equally popular car.  Arguably it still is, but the EOS took the VW convertible to a whole new level of sophistication with its folding metal roof.Like its soft-top forebears the EOS was a four-seater with a metal roof that delivered the security of a coupe or sedan when in the raised position, but at the touch of a button it could become an open- top car ready for that special wind-in-the-hair driving thrill.With the roof raised the EOS is a stylish coupe with pretty lines; when the roof is lowered and tucked away out of sight it becomes a sleek convertible with a rakish stance.  On the road the EOS was nicely balanced and responded quickly to steering inputs, while its ride was comfortable and compliant.VW offered the choice of two engines, a 2.0-litre FSi turbocharged four-cylinder that put out 147 kW and 280 Nm, and a 2.0-litre four- cylinder turbo diesel that boasted peaks of 103 kW and 320 Nm.The Transmission choices were a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG automated manual 'box.  The list of standard features was comprehensive, and included auto climate-control air, cruise, central locking, power windows and mirrors, six-CD sound, leather steering wheel, fog lamps and park assist.IN THE SHOP VW build quality has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and that's reflected in the relatively few complaints that come to Cars Guide.  Mechanically they are generally robust and reliable, the bodies are well finished and stand up well to the Australian conditions, and the interiors are durable.The most common complaint Cars Guide receives about VWs concerns brake wear, and owners are often shocked to find they are facing a hefty bill for new disc rotors and pads even though their cars have done relatively few kays.At this stage the earliest EOS's have clocked up less than 50,000 km and are not showing any sign of serious flaws.  Make the usual checks for dodgy crash repairs, and make sure of a regular service routine.IN A CRASH ANCAP gave the EOS a four-star rating, which is a solid result, particularly for the time it was released.  It's packed with active and passive safety systems, including ABS antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and electronic stability control for crash avoidance, with the backup of dual front airbags and side front airbags for when the steel began to crumple.AT THE PUMPBoth the petrol and diesel models are quite economical. VW claimed a combined fuel economy of 8.4 L/100 km for the FSi petrol engine, and 6.9 L/100 km for the turbo diesel.LOOK FOR . Classy coupe, sassy soft-top. Coupe security. VW reliability. Fun driver. Diesel economyTHE BOTTOM LINE . VW EOS offers all the fun of a ragtop with none of the downsides.RATING80/100

And, given the push-button convenience of the latter these days, the car's upper garb often comes off quicker.Spring is also, of course, the time when Carsguide preaches to the convertible.It's a task made easier by the ever-expanding range of topless four-seaters _ cars that combine a decent degree of utility with a goodly serving of desirability _ so that now ever more are converting.The facility to have it off and on at will (most such lids fold up or down in around 20 seconds and some can do it at 30km/h) is worth a lot more as a selling point than all the kilowatts and cornering force figures in the world combined. Otherwise, just buy a coupe.Not that BMW's 125i (priced from$63,755) lacks a means of propulsion or is in any way reluctant to address bends.Even detuned to 160kW/270Nm, this three-litre jobbie is a classic example of the Bavarian's trademark in-line six _ which, combined with rear-wheel-drive dynamics, is unique among current compact convertibles.Contrary to the hairdryer image of this genre, the only thing soft about the 125i is its roof which, in a world increasingly given to folding metal numbers, is of fabric construction.For a car that, even by the compromised norm of this type, is knee-crushingly cramped in the back, it's starting to get bloody dear _ though even that's relative, given it's $30K easier on the wallet than the identically engined 325i.Equally, the Volkswagen Eos TFSI (from $49,990) offers value _ indeed, allure _ that would necessitate spending maybe $40K extra on a more prestigious badge.The VeeWee also boasts the best top of all these sometimes-roofless Germans: one with a number of variations, all of which enable it to be completely convincing as either a convertible or as a coupe. In either guise, it looks great.The TFSI shares the Golf GTI's platform and drivetrains: a slick, six-speed manual or a twin-clutch auto driving that sublime two-litre, direct-injection turbo four-potter.If you tick the optional sports suspension with 18-inch tyres box, it can do a fair dynamic imitation of this now-ubiquitous warmish hatch.So can Audi's A3 2.0 TFSI Cabrio (from $54,900) _ as it should, given that it has the same underpinnings and go bits as the allegedly humbler Eos.But although perceived prestige badges can have a disorienting effect on some punters' sense of proportion, the Eos's trick roof is enough to see it shroud out its soft-topped cousin.It used to be that to go topless in traffic, you had to be Swedish; time was, indeed, that Saab's 9-3 was synonymous with this sort of behaviour.But that was 10 years ago. Today, a 9-3 Convertible is an unreliable and outclassed alternative to simply wearing a T-shirt that reads: “Clueless”.Fortunately for Scando enthusiasts, there's Volvo's C70 T5 (from $79,950). No, it doesn't get up and go anything like those mentioned above (despite a worthy 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo), much less handle.But it does have visual presence, GT composure, a smart folding metal roof and _ perhaps more to the Swede-lover's point _ a perceptible quality of having been hewn from something extremely solid and ever-so safe.Just as Lexus's IS sedan chucked a spanner into the compact prestige segment by doing a rear-drive/six-pots-up-front package that undercut the Germans for value, so too will the Lexus IS250C coupe/convertible.Seen at the Sydney motor show, this folding-aluminium-roof number is due in these parts in the second half of 2009 _ no doubt priced at a point to cause the Europeans maximum discomfort.The IS250C has a rear overhang some 50mm longer than the sedan, and Lexus claims class-leading boot space even with the lightweight, three-piece lid folded.Roof up, it looks better still, with a coupe sleekness that becomes the IS more than the four-door shape.The IS250C shares the sedan's 153kW/252Nm 2.5-litre V6 and six-speed, paddle-shift automatic.At $1.19 million, the ultimate convertible costs 20 times more than the least expensive car here, but the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is quite possibly the world's best car _so this seems only right and proper.We mention it mainly to have an excuse to run its exquisite likeness, because next to none of us is ever going to get into one.But it somehow helps to know that those who do have the wherewithal aren't wasting their dough on rubbish.Besides, as the stock market goes at the moment, a Rolls is probably a better investment than shares. 

Both attract glances from all angles and leave you feeling good about yourself from behind the wheel. Volkswagen's latest offering provides the best of both worlds in one package, a hard-top convertible and a coupe. And it's an affordable one at that.The new Eos has a convertible, sliding coupe roof and is priced between $47,990 and $52,290, depending on whether you want to stick to the traditional petrol or give the diesel a try. And with a 2.0-litre turbo on offer in both modes, the Eos, which is named after a goddess, is competitively priced for the segment. On a first drive, there even seems to be more on offer for your money than with the more expensive Volvo C70, which starts at $69,950 and the diesel Saab 9-3 for $67,400. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the entry-level model for the range, with 103kW developed at 4000rpm and 320Nm from as low as 1750rpm to 2500rpm. It's priced at $47,990 for the manual, and $50,290 for the DSG gearbox. While the DSG gearbox is impressive, and allows you to drive in three modes, manual shifting with a light touch of the gear lever, Sport or the easier Drive option, the manual is a more enjoyable drive. With tall gearing, it was a quick shift into third as we easily tackled the winding Great Ocean Road in Victoria. The diesel is a good ride and it doesn't seem to possess past diesel traits, such as a noisy engine.During our test, mother nature wasn't so kind, so unfortunately we couldn't test it with the roof down. But when driving with the roof closed, you barely notice you're in a diesel in terms of noise.The alternative is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol model, with 147kW from 5100rpm to 6000rpm and 280Nm of torque delivered at 1800rpm to 5000rpm. The petrol has a price tag of $49,990 for the six-speed manual and $52,290 for the DSG. This is a little more expensive than the Holden Astra Twin Top at $45,490 and the Peugeot 307cc at $47,990, but its performance also exceeds those models. The turbo has the benefit of responsive and smooth acceleration, the torque always on hand.The bad weather held off long enough to test the topless option in the petrol model.The car has to be stationary to remove the roof, which takes 25 seconds to retract and folds into the boot. With the roof down, there's still 205 litres capacity (enough for two bags). It has 380 litres when the roof is up.The Eos is the first car to have a sunroof fitted into a retractable hard top, so you can still pull back the inside of the roof to reveal the glass top and the beauty of the sky, storm or no storm. And the design of the car is in line with its goddess origin. She's a good-looking model, with the smooth shape and space-like encapsulated shell.The Eos borrows some attributes of other Volkswagen models, including the suspension based on the Golf and Jetta and the petrol engine, which was first deployed in the Golf GTI. But its platform is new.The back surprisingly has decent head and leg space, even with the roof up. The suspension felt light on the road when we were testing the petrol model, not quite taking the corners with the firmness you'd like. But the problem was solved when we stepped into the diesel model, fitted with the optional 18-inch wheels and sports suspension, which comes at an extra $2490. It's well worth it for that extra grip and a more dynamic ride.The Eos comes standard with a rollbar system, ABS, ESP, four airbags working as six, parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer with eight speakers, rain-sensing wipers and that first-of-a-kind five-piece Convertible Sliding Coupe roof. Leather interior is extra.In Greek mythology, the Titan goddess of dawn, Eos, rose from the edge of the ocean to awake her brother, Helious the sun. So perhaps jumping in your Eos at dawn and stretching her legs on the road would ensure the rising of the sun, allowing the full benefits of her convertible form. It didn't really seem to work for us, but then again, there was no getting up at dawn for these journalists, even if a goddess was awaiting.

Except, perhaps, Sydney.If ever there was a Volkswagen conceived with our country's climate (and roads, for that matter) in mind, it's the Eos — a car which, at the press of a button, reverts in 25 seconds from as chic a metal-roofed coupe as you'd wish to see to an even more chic open-top.A star of last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, where this unique CC was memorably unveiled amid a sea of sunflowers, the Eos will be a local heroine when it reaches our shores early next year.It combines the excellent engines, transmissions and chassis that have made the Mark V Golf the leader in its class and the most successful VW in this country since the old Beetle.It's a superior car in every respect to the New Beetle cabrio — more of a spiritual successor to the classic Karmann Ghia of decades past.Perhaps more important, in a segment that's hardly defined by practical requirements, the Eos is possessed of a subtle "I want" quotient.For VW Australia — which has doubled its passenger-car market share with the addition this year of the Jetta and Passat — the Eos will be something of a halo model, a glamorous figurehead on top of a range that is becoming a byword for value and quality, but hardly sexiness.It reaches Australia early next year with a two-litre turbo diesel engine (yes, an oiler-powered drop top), direct injection petrol, and a turbo version.The likely starting price will be in the mid- to high-$40K range. If that's not enough to frighten Peugeot, Renault and Saab, the 3.2-litre V6 FSI version, soon to go into production, surely will.That folding metal roof has been engineered to the nth degree and is apparently able to withstand torrents of high-pressure hosing without dampening the occupants.It's mounted on a long-wheelbase version of the Golf platform with Passat architecture — proven builds to match the aforementioned working bits. But in terms of perception and appeal, the Eos is about as departed from those cars as anything so grounded in the tried and true can be.The lid is properly known as a Convertible Sliding Coupe (CSC) roof.With top up, the front section, which is encased within glass, becomes a sun portal by sliding back a ceiling shutter. It can be opened completely or tilted upwards at the rear.In coupe mode, the Eos's stance is muscular but streamlined, sophistication oozing from its every pore.When you want to expose your own pores, the centre console-mounted button folds the roof into the boot in the time it takes to wind an old-fashioned car window down and up again.Buying a convertible is what marketing people are wont to call a "lifestyle decision", but practicality is not sacrificed at the altar of Eos.Top up, the luggage volume in the boot is a hatchback-like 380 litres. Down, it's a respectable 205, with goods and chattels protected in a covered enclave.Weighing in from around 1400kg, up to 1500-plus for the diesel and turbo petrol variants, the Eos is almost 10cm longer than the Golf.That translates to marginally better than average room in the back, although the lanky wouldn't enjoy a prolonged period there.But that, in turn, translates to a superb driving position — one that's even more malleable than in other recent VeeWees, which is saying something.Once settled in behind the wheel, you discover that no matter which powerplant is in front of you, the Eos is an assured and accomplished cruiser rather than a B-road basher.The test route took Sunday CARSguide from the outskirts of Athens through Marathon and Attica to a particularly pretty promontory on the Aegean coast.It included freeways, Australian-comparable back tracks and some uniquely Greek winding hill roads.Most of this was spent in the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 FSI. A brief exposure to the turbo petrol version confirmed our feelings that, rather than being a topless Golf GTI, it's dynamically akin to a conventionally suspended Golf or Jetta.On those narrow stretches of tarmac that have been scraped from the semi-arid Attican mountainsides, front-wheel-drive understeer came readily to the fore. With minor adjustment of stop and go pedals, and the full raft of electronic safety features providing back-up, this was easily tameable.Despite the build being extraordinarily rigid for a drop-top car, the Eos's ride was compliant and bump absorption proved to be excellent.The six-speed manuals on all models sampled (DSG autos will be available come local release) were slick-shifting and decisive in the VW manner.The Eos won't engage drivers in the fashion of a tautly toned roadster, but it's not meant to. What it does is provide comfortable open, semi-open and closed-top motoring in a stylish and comparably affordable package.And it will look even better breezing across the Harbour Bridge than passing the Parthenon.The writer flew to Athens courtesy of Volkswagen