New Volkswagen Eos Coupe-Convertible review

Volkswagen´s strong-selling hard-top convertible Eos range has a choice of five direct injection engine options, four petrol and one diesel.

These are the 1.6-litre FSI 115PS, the 2.0-litre FSI 150PS, the 2.0-litre T-FSI 200PS, the 3.2-litre V6 250PS and the 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS. Depending on the model chosen, either a six-speed manual transmission or VW’s DSG automatic gearbox are available.

Three trim levels are available, again this does depend on the model chosen, Standard, Sport and the very new ‘Individual’ specification. Prices range from £19,710 up to £29,527.

My test car was the expected best-selling variant, the Eos Sport 2.0-litre FSI 150PS, priced at £22,142 on the road. But with the swing to diesel the same model fitted instead with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine costs £22,635 and it would be my choice as well given the better fuel economy for not a lot more money.

The Eos fits in VW’s range between the Golf and Passat models and looks like a coupe version of the mid- sized VW Jetta saloon. The Eos has two doors, a five piece steel and glass folding metal roof, which also includes a sunroof, and this takes just 25 seconds to open or close electronically.

In its roof down mode the five piece roof divides and stacks neatly into the top of the luggage boot. Luggage space is 380 litres with the roof up and 205 litres with the roof down.

The Eos is no saloon or hatchback with the roof removed. It is a purpose-built coupe-convertible and 4,407mm in length. Being purpose-built has two advantages.

It is the roomiest of the new generation C-segment Coupe-Cabriolets or CCs as they are known, and this is especially evident for rear seat passengers where two adults can be accommodated quite easily in nicely supportive contoured seats.

Also it means the car has been designed with strength and rigidity built into it, not strengthening added later to compensate for the redesign of a saloon or hatchback bodyshell. The torsional stiffness and rigidity gives the Eos excellent handling characteristics, there is no body shake with the roof down, and it handles sharply just like a quality sports car. With the roof up the Eos becomes a very solid sleek looking coupe with ample headroom front and rear.

With the roof up there is no evidence of increased wind noise over a conventional saloon or solid roof coupe and, as happened during my test period, wind and rainy conditions have no effect on this car. It can be used all the year round whatever the weather, unlike a canvas top convertible.

All Eos models are fitted with an electronic stability programme, twin front and side airbags, semi automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, radio and CD player, alloy wheels and the all-important parking sensors.

The Sport version gains 17-inch alloy wheels, a firmer sports suspension and aluminium pedals and dashboard inserts. However the test car had lots of added extras and of course that pushes the price up considerably but most would be desirable if you were looking to buy one of these models secondhand.

The add-ons were larger 18-inch wheels, DVD satellite navigation, uprated CD player with 10 speakers, multifunction computer, rear wind deflector, (a definite must have), electrically adjustable and heated front seats, upgraded zoned air conditioning, leather upholstery and leather covered steering wheel, dusk sensor lights and rain sensor wipers.

All these items add over £6,000 to the price so be warned you suddenly end up with a very fine coupe- cabriolet which costs a heavyweight £28,000 plus. There is little point in dwelling on the performance of the engine, it is well liked and well known. The 2.0-litre, 150PS, 148 lbs-ft, normally aspirated direct injection petrol unit is fast and responsive enough for most people although the turbocharged version is highly rated as well.

Top speed for my test model is 130mph, 0-62mph is covered in a respectable 9.8 seconds and you can expect around 34mpg. The CO2 emissions are 198g/km putting it in road tax Band F at £205 per year. Drive to the front wheels is through a slick six-speed manual transmission.

MILESTONES

VW Eos Sport 2.0-litre FSI Coupe-Cabriolet

Price: £22,142 (£28,000 as tested). Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder normally aspirated direct injection petrol, 150PS, 148 lbs ft of torque at 3,500rpm.

Performance: 130mph, 0-62mpg 9.8 seconds, 34mpg (32.1mpg actual), CO2 198g/km, VED Band F £205

Insurance group: 12

For: Clever roof system, rear seat passenger room, up-market image, build quality, adequate performance

Against: Pricey, limited sunshine during my test period

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