Acceleration

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
7	7	7	8.2

Turbocharged Eos models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65-mph range. The engine runs out of steam at high rpm, so judicious shifting with the manual transmission is required during passing. VR6 versions have ample passing power but are plagued by low-speed throttle lag. With either engine, the automatic can be slow to downshift in standard drive mode but is alert in its sport setting.

Fuel Economy

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
6	6	4	4.1

In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Turbo averaged 21.0 mpg in mostly city driving. A test Lux averaged 21.2 mpg in city/highway driving. A VR6 averaged 15.3 mpg in mostly city driving. VW recommends premium-grade gas for both engines.

Ride Quality

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
7	7	6	4.3

Stable and composed with no float or wallow. The suspension is generally compliant, even on rough pavement. Sharp bumps can pound through, particularly on the VR6 with its 18-inch wheels.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
6	6	7	8.7

Communicative steering. Eos corners with grippy assurance and little body lean. Cowl shake is minimal with the top up and only slightly worse with the top down, indicating solid structure. VR6 is slightly sharper all around.

Quietness

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
4	4	4	4.1

Both engines are smooth and subdued. Some testers complain of rear-tire roar on coarse pavement. Top up, test cars suffered from noticeable wind noise. Top down, wind rush is the usual convertible fare, though the windshield header screen helps direct air over front occupants.

Controls

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
7	7	7	5.5

Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls. 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. The large integrated power-opening sunroof is a unique touch.

Details

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

High-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces. Some test examples suffered from a few squeaks near where the top connects to the windshield.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
6	6	6	5.7

Good headroom and legroom, but some testers say high door sills, low seat position contribute to a tub-like feel. The seats are supportive with firm side bolstering for lateral stability. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility is hindered by the head rests and a small rear window with the top up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
2	2	2	.6

Decent legroom with the front seats well forward, but headroom is very cramped even for shorter adults with top up. Seats slide quickly forward to ease entry and exit, but getting in or out with the top up requires the usual coupe contortions.

Cargo Room

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
3	3	3	2.6

Trunk volume is small to begin with, and the hardtop folds into the trunk, cutting space even more. There's enough room with the 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.

Value within Class

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
6	6	5	5.2

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 Pontiac G6 convertible.

Total Score

Turbo, manual	Lux	VR6	Class Average
61	61	58	55.9

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		55
High Score		64