Acceleration

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7	8.1

Eos 2.0T models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in 45-65-mph range. Engine runs out of steam at high rpm, so judicious shifting with manual transmission is required during passing. 3.2 L has ample passing power, but is plagued by low-speed throttle lag. With either engine, SMT can be slow to downshift in standard drive mode, but is alert in sport setting.

Fuel Economy

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	5	4.6

Test manual-transmission 2.0T averaged 21.0 mpg in mostly city driving. Test 2.0T with SMT averaged 21.2 mpg. Test 3.2 averaged 15.3 mpg in mostly city driving. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
6	7	6	4.5

Stable, composed with no float or wallow. Suspension generally compliant, even on rough pavement. Sharp bumps can pound through with Sport Packages' 17- or 18-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6	7	8.6

Communicative steering. Corners with grippy assurance, little body lean. Cowl shake is slight, top up or down, indicating solid structure. Models with sport suspension have slightly sharper moves.

Quietness

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.5

Both engines are smooth, subdued. Tire roar noted on all, especially with Sport Package. Top up, test cars suffered from a few minor squeaks, noticeable wind noise. Top down, wind rush the usual convertible fare, though windshield header screen helps direct air over front occupants.

Controls

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
7	8	8	6.7

Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls. High-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces. Navigation system absorbs some audio controls, complicating their use, but climate controls are separate. Easy-to-use top raises, lowers in about 20 seconds at the push of a button; it includes a heated glass rear window. Large integral power-opening sunroof a unique touch.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.9

Good head and leg room, but some testers say high door sills, low seat position contribute to a tublike feel. Seats are supportive with firm side bolstering for lateral stability, especially those included with Sport Package. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility hindered by head rests, small rear window with top up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
2	2	2	.6

Decent leg room with seats well forward, but head room is bad even for shorter adults with top up. Seats slide quickly forward to ease entry/exit, but getting in or out with top up requires the usual coupe contortions.

Cargo Room

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
2	2	2	2.2

Trunk volume small to begin with, and hardtop folds into trunk, cutting space even more. Enough room with top down for a couple of duffel bags, but thicker suitcases and golf bags won't fit. Eos's cabin would benefit from more small-item storage, the base model and cars equipped with the navigation system especially; base models lack a center console, and choosing the nav system moves the 6-disc CD changer to the console, eliminating its storage capacity.

Value within Class

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	5	5.4

Eos's strengths are a comfortable ride, fine handling, and the choice of open-air driving or hardtop security. Its weaknesses include a tight rear seat and minimal cargo room. Overall, Eos bests its two main retractable-hardtop convertible competitors: It starts at around $8000 less than the Volvo C70 but delivers comparable performance, and it's more solid and fun to drive than the similarly priced Chrysler Sebring and Pontiac G6 convertibles.

Total Score

2.0T w/Spt. Pkg., nav. sys., man.	2.0T w/Lux. Pkg., SMT	3.2 L w/ Spt. Pkg.	Class Average
53	54	52	51.1

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		43
Average Score		51
High Score		63