Now for the next label: convertibles are for chicks. Another tired misconception. That may be the case if all you remember are the 'cute' convertibles of the late Rabbit and Cabrio days. Admittedly, even the turbo Beetle Cabriolet is sweeter than a pack of Ju-Ju Bees. Fun, cute, and underpowered-these are convertible characteristics that give them effeminate status. And although it's named after the Greek goddess of dawn, the Eos accomplishes everything to dispel the myth about convertibles.
It comes standard with the 150-hp 2.5-liter, but the 200-hp 2.0T engine starts getting interesting, while the 250-hp 3.2-liter is even better. The Eos shares its platform with the Jetta, but it's shorter, lower, and wider-71.3 inches wide-giving the car a less than Jetta-cute styling and a coupe feel.
The hard top is the center of what VW calls its cabriolet-coupe concept, which is the first to integrate a panoramic sunroof within the power roof, for something between top-up and top-down feel. On the coupe side, it fulfills its obligation as a four-seater, with a surprising amount of legroom for rear passengers. Of course, all this tends to reduce trunk space, though with the all-around styling, feel, and best of all, the drive of a coupe, a few things are worth sacrificing.
Ours had an optional DSG Tiptronic option, although without paddle shifters on the steering wheel, shifting through the six speeds is confined to the console-mounted lever. And it's not surprising to experience a little wheelspin when you deliver the power. Still, the urge in this car is a great answer to the call for more power from a VW convertible.
From The Hip
+ Aggressive styling,spacious rear seat
- Wicked wheel spin, and where are the paddle shifters?