|  The 2007 Volkswagen Eos fills a narrow gap between the Golf and the Passat. The Eos seems designed mostly around its retractable hardtop, with highly visible lines where parts of the roof meet. The technology in the roof is interesting from a mechanical viewpoint: Composed of five pieces, it stows itself away in about 25 seconds. The Eos offers some other interesting options, such as navigation, cornering headlights, and a 600-watt stereo system. Although the Eos was announced with four available gas engines, ranging from 115 horsepower to 250 horsepower, and one diesel engine, it will probably have only the 200-horsepower or the 250-horsepower engine in its U.S. release, which should come in spring 2006.
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 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.
The 2007 Volkswagen Eos is powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder driving the front wheels. After the initial launch, a 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 matched with VW’s excellent Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) clutchless manual transmission may become available.
Fully equipped in a single trim level, the 2007 Volkswagen Eos includes stability control, a pop-up safety roll bar, and side impact airbags as standard equipment. Sixteen-inch wheels and tires also come standard, with stylish 17-inch wheels, a navigation system, a premium audio system with 10 speakers, and Climatronic automatic climate control listed on the options sheet.
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.
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.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 2-door coupe-convertible
- Engine: 200 hp, 207 lb-ft of torque, 2.0-L, 16 valve, DOHC I-4 direct injection turbo
- Opt. Engine: 250 hp, 236 lb-ft of torque, 3.2-L, 24 valve DOHC V(R)6
- Transmission: 6-spd manual (opt. 6-spd auto, 6-spd DSG)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 4.41 / 1.79 / 1.44 m (173.6 / 70.5 / 56.7 in.)
- Curb Weight: 1536 kg (3386 lbs)
- Cargo Volume (roof up/down): 380 L / 205 L (13.4 / 7.2 cu ft)
- Seating Capacity: 4
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