New Volkswagen Eos Review

The Volkswagen Eos is a four-seat, two-door convertible. Its retractable hardtop design combines the open-air experience of a traditional ragtop with the security and all-season comfort of a coupe's fixed roof. According to Greek mythology, Eos was the goddess of the sunrise, and it's an appropriate name for this smart-looking convertible.

As a new model, the Eos' price can seem hard to justify, as it's typically higher than other mainstream convertibles. But the Eos does come with a lot of standard equipment, its hardtop design and a high-quality interior. Used models will be somewhat hard to find, and you'll want to pay extra attention to model years, as VW has altered content over the years in hopes of broadening the Eos' appeal.

Current Volkswagen Eos
Volkswagen offers just one engine on the front-wheel-drive Eos, but it's a feisty 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to the excellent six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which offers the clutchless ease of an automatic along with most of the advantages of a manual transmission.

The highlight of the Volkswagen Eos is its retractable hardtop. VW calls it the CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) and it employs a unique five-panel roof that transforms the coupe's hardtop into an open-air convertible in just 25 seconds. It includes a surprisingly large sunroof and heated glass rear window.

Intended more as a boulevard cruiser than a sports car, the Volkswagen Eos excels when it comes to occupant comfort and amenities. Even the base Komfort comes loaded with a 12-way power driver seat, heated front seats, Bluetooth and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Sport trim adds 18-inch wheels (versus 17-inch), a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and paddle shifters. The Lux model builds on that list with keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, a navigation system and a 12-way power front passenger seat. At the top of the line is the Executive, which adds an upgraded navigation system, different 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera and a 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

In road tests, our editors have cited the retractable roof, extroverted styling and high-quality cockpit furnishings as the VW Eos' key strengths. Downsides include mediocre handling and a tight backseat. As long as you don't expect the Eos to perform like a roadster, it should make for one of the most satisfying convertible experiences at this price point.

Read the most recent 2014 Volkswagen Eos review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Volkswagen Eos page.