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2007 Volkswagen Eos Full Review
Date Published: 12/13/07
2007 Volkswagen Eos Review
Volkswagen introduces a new 4-passenger convertible for 2007 with a power retractable hardtop that includes an integral sunroof. Based on the Jetta/Passat sedan architecture, the Eos shares the Jetta's wheelbase but is almost 6 inches shorter, has two doors, and weighs almost 300 lb more. Eos is offered in base, 2.0T, and 3.2 L models. Base and 2.0T have a turbocharged 200-hp 4-cyl, the 3.2 L a 250-hp V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the 4-cyl and a 6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT) is optional. The SMT is the only transmission offered with the 3.2. ABS, traction/antiskid control, and front side airbags are standard. Also standard are automatic rollover bars designed to deploy from behind the rear seats in the event of a tip or collision. The available Luxury and Sport Packages add leather upholstery, upgraded trim, and larger wheels and tires; the Sport Packages include a firmer suspension. A navigation system and rear obstacle detection are also offered.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series and Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jaguar XK Series and Volkswagen Eos.
News
The V6 model, known as the 3.2L, was not made available immediately. Only the base Eos and 2.0T were offered during its September release. VW said it planned to have 3.2L models in dealers by the end of 2006. The 3.2 V6 was last seen in the 2005 GTI R32.
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2007 Volkswagen Eos Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Cargo room
Steering/handling Wind noise
Interior materials
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
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2007 Volkswagen Eos Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/23/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door convertible, manual $28,110 $26,144 $640
2.0T 2-door convertible, manual $30,110 $27,994 $640
2.0T 2-door convertible, SMT $31,185 $29,067 $640
3.2 L 2-door convertible, SMT $36,970 $34,337 $640
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, automatic roll bars, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, cupholders, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power-retractable hardtop w/power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, compass, variable-intermittent wipers, cooled glovebox, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
2.0T adds to Base:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 12-way power driver seat, center console, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Heated washer nozzles, wind deflector.
3.2 L adds to 2.0T:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
12-way power passenger seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45HR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Luxury Pkg.
2.0T SMT
$3,490
$3,188
Leather upholstery, 12-way power passenger seat, wood interior trim, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, 235/45R17 tires.
Sport Pkg.
3.2 L
$650
$595
Leather upholstery, front sport seats, aluminum interior trim, steering wheel SMT controls, sport suspension, 235/40R18 tires.
Technology Pkg.
3.2 L
$1,400
$1,236
Rear-obstacle-detection system, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
2.0T
$350
$310
Requires Luxury Pkg. or Sport Pkg.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.0T, 3.2 L
$1,800
$1,589
Deletes 3.2 L in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. Deletes MP3 capability. Includes console-mounted 6-disc CD changer or iPod adapter.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
2.0T
$550
$486
Includes satellite radio.
Upgraded sound system
2.0T, 3.2 L
$1,000
$883
2.0T requires Luxury Pkg. or Sport Pkg.
iPod adapter
2.0T, 3.2 L
$199
$179
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45R17 tires
2.0T
$400
$353
235/40R18 tires
2.0T
$400
$353
Requires Sport Pkg.
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2007 Volkswagen Eos Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Volkswagen Eos 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 101.5
Overall Length, in. 173.5
Overall Width, in. 70.5
Overall Height, in. 56.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3505
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 10.5
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.5
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.7
Rear Head Room, in. 35.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 32.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  Turbocharged dohc I4 dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.0 /121 3.2 /195
Horsepower @ rpm. 200 @ 5100 250 @ 6300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 207 @ 1800 235 @ 2500
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed manual 23/32 --/--
6-speed SMT 23/31 22/29
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Volkswagen Eos 2-door convertible
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 12/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Portugal
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Volkswagen Eos
Trim Level:  2.0T
Arrival Date:  12/07/2006
Engine:  Turbocharged dohc I4
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  6-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $29,990
Price as Tested:  $36,110
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  4795
Mileage at End of Test:  5008
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  10.144 gals.
 

Major Options:  Sport Package, DVD Navigation System

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  21 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
John Biel While this driver was waiting with an immobilized vehicle, he overheard several passersby remark favorably about the EOS, including one "carhead" who stopped to talk about it. Too bad they had to see it towed away from its parking spot all because the battery cable is free to wiggle itself free of the battery post, which then requires that a dealer clear the various system sensors.


Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Volkswagen Eos
Trim Level:  3.2 L
Arrival Date:  02/08/2007
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  6-speed SMT
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $36,850
Price as Tested:  $39,930
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  7253
Mileage at End of Test:  7407
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  10.07 gals.
 

Major Options:  DVD Navigation System, Sports Package (leather wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with Tiptronic controls for DSG automatic, brushed aluminum trim, sport suspension, 18" alloy wheels with all season tires)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  15.29 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Jennifer Glowicki This coupe is a steal compared to other hard tops, and it's comfortable, more-than-adequately powered, and easy on the eyes.

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