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While the cloth-top convertible won't be going away anytime soon (the Volkswagen New Beetle being a perfect example), the recent proliferation of retractable hardtops shows no sign of slowing. Volkswagen has taken the trend a step further by integrating a glass sunroof into the top of its new four-seat convertible, the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. Hardtop advantages include a more finished, more coupe-like look and feel inside and out.
Named after the Greek goddess of dawn, the Volkswagen Eos is helping to usher in a new era of versatile and practical convertibles. If you'd like the freedom of a convertible but need a practical, comfortable daily driver, you'll be happy to know that you can also have an excellent powertrain, athletic handling and even a sunroof. New trim-level names are Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. A power 12-way driver seat becomes standard equipment, as does a leather-covered steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake boot.
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is one of the sturdiest four-seat convertibles, with ride and handling characteristics closer to those of a fixed-roof coupe than a typical longer-wheelbase drop-top. Front-seat passengers are well protected from wind thanks in large part to a tall front deflector that deploys manually from the top of the windshield frame. With the top stowed away—after a 25-second mechanical ballet—luggage space shrinks from 10.5 cubic feet to 6.6 cubic feet. Still, that's three times the cargo volume of a Pontiac G6 Convertible with its top lowered. For something between top-up and top-down, the Eos' wide sunroof is just the ticket. Typical of four-seat convertibles, the rear seat is somewhat narrow as a result of having to accommodate the top's mechanicals. Interesting features include an adjustable, cooled glove box and an available dual-zone climate control that maintains separate settings for top-up and top-down driving. |
