19th November, 2007

The new 4-seater Eos coupe/cabriolet is a very welcome addition to the Australian range which now includes Polo, Golf, Beetle, Jetta, Passat, Touareg, Caddy, Transporter (T5) and Crafter. This appealing line-up is not the end to Volkswagen's continuing model range expansion. Next year you can expect to see the local introduction of the Caddy Maxi and the new small 4x4 model, Tiguan. There will, also, be some sporty versions of existing models. It's a case of 'watch this space'. Additionally, at some time, the new sports coupe, Scirocco, will be released. This may be towards the end of 2008 in Europe and, hopefully, not long after that in Australia. And, of course, that is not the complete story. When a company is as successful as Volkswagen is, you can be certain that there will be some surprises along the way. VW has shown some interesting concept cars in recent years. Some, in a modified form, will be with us in coming years. And that has been promised by the German company! That adds a new dimension to the expression "all systems go"!

The new VW Eos arrives in Australia at an interesting time for those who enjoy style in the shape of a coupe/cabriolet. This stylish method of presenting a mid-sized car became popular under Peugeot's leadership with their 207 CC and 307 CC. The market has since seen the introduction of other competitors, such as the Renault Megane and Holden Astra. Next month, the Ford competitor, the Focus coupe/cabriolet, will be released locally. Obviously, European car markers see this segment of the market expanding as more and more people choose a car for lifestyle, rather than transportation.

For this reason, the new VW Eos makes quite a lot of sense. The stylish body is just one aspect. But it is the concept of a coupe and a cabriolet presented as just one car that makes the Volkswagen Eos such an interesting motor vehicle.

The new model gained immediate success upon its release in Germany. The same success is likely here. An interesting aspect of market dynamics is the curiosity of whether the market is big enough to absorb another player. There is no doubt in my mind that the market segment for coupe/cabriolets will expand. With the rush to offer new products, it seems car companies are thinking the same. On that basis, Volkswagen has played right into the market's desire for more lifestyle products. Does that make the new Volkswagen Eos the right car at the right time?

CSC Roof

The unique roof is, of course, the major feature of the new VW Eos.

With the assistance of the German firm Webasto, VW has engineered the world's first five section hard-top.

Using electrohydraulics, the CSC-roof (convertible/sliding/coupe roof) as Volkswagen calls it, can process its opening or closing procedures in under 30 seconds, which is the industry norm for this type of roof action. So the easy to operate retractable roof is the key to the ability to turn this car from a cool coupe into an even cooler convertible in a prompt manner.

The roof provides plenty of daytime light for the interior because of the sliding/tilting glass roof. Additionally, when required, a light-proof blind prevents too much sunlight from getting through.

When the roof is down, the shorter 'A' pillars than the competitors make entry and egress a comfortable process.

A novel feature of the Eos is a pop-up windbreak. It is fitted to the top of the windscreen frame to offer an even more comfortable environment to front seat occupants whilst is down. Interestingly, if popped-up it will pop-down automatically when the roof is closed. How easy is that?

Roll Bars

Eos has, as standard equipment, a roll bar system which is activated if sensors detect a roll-over is happening. This system is also used in the new Beetle convertible.

Price (RRP)

• Eos 2.0 TDI 6 Speed Manual $47,990
• Eos 2.0 TDI 6 Speed DSG $50,290
• Eos 2.0 TFSI 6 Speed Manual $49,990
• Eos 2.0 TFSI 6 Speed DSG $52,290

Options

• Metallic / Pearl Effect Paint $690
• Satellite Navigation + CD changer $2,990
• Dynaudio 600 W Premium Audio System $1,990
• Satellite Navigation + CD Changer with Dynaudio 600 W Premium Audio System $4,990
• Bi-Xenon Headlights With Dynamic Cornering Lights $1,990
• Eos Individual Package $6,990
• Vienna Leather Upholstery (Titanium Black or Corn Silk Beige) $3,290
• Napa Leather Upholstery (Deep Red) $3,890
• Electrically Adjustable Front Seats $1,490
• Walnut Wood Interior Trim $490
• Samarkand 18" Alloy Wheels $2,490
• Chicago 18" Alloy Wheels $2,490
• Anti-theft Alarm System $590

On the road in the new VW Eos

A major delight amongst the wide range of Volkswagen cars is the driving qualities. The Eos fits in well with this scheme. The controls are similar to other Volkswagens and are relatively simplistic in their lay-out. Everything is in easy reach and major controls are accessible for the driver with various functions having steering column stalks or steering wheel controls. Hence, driving the Eos is as easy as easy can be.

The ride quality is typical Volkswagen. And that means it is very good. This car enjoys the road, like other VWs, and, as such, the Eos is a pleasure to drive. Visibility, with the roof up, is good and I'll let you determine the degree of visibility when the roof is down.

VWs have a satisfying level of steering and braking. VW engineers have perfecting manner when it comes to putting everything together. Sound proofing, suspension, quality of interior fittings, panel construction and fit, standard equipment levels and, importantly, performance, all come together as a rather neat and stylish package in the Eos. Little wonder then, that this segment of the market will attract more buyers and thus expand the market for 'lifestyle' cars.

Engine choice

Two four cylinder engines are available in Australia. One diesel and one petrol, both being turbocharged. Overseas, additional engines are offered. In time, perhaps the 3.2 litre V6 may be offered in Australia, although it must be stated that that is based on dreams rather than reality.

2.0 TDI diesel

The standard engine is the well tried and highly economical 2.0 litre diesel. It's 103 kW power rating is achieved at 4,000 rpm. The engine reaches a maximum torque of a very useful 320 Nm at 1,750 rpm to 2,500 rpm. Average fuel consumption is 6.0 litres per 100 km with the standard manual six speed transmission on the combined cycle.

2.0 TFSI petrol

The 2.0 T FSI, first fitted to VW's excessively successful Golf GTI is the only petrol engine available (at this time) in the Australian-spec Eos. Maximum power is rated at 147 kW at 5,100 to 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 280 Nm is achieved at 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. The engine capacity is 1,984 cc. The engine is turbo charged and provides plenty of get up and go.

Transmission choice

Both engines offer the choice of manual or automatic transmission. In both cases the configuration is 6-speed. In the case of the automatic, the transmission is Volkswagen's unique and highly acclaimed DSG transmission.

The Volkswagen Eos is front-wheel drive.

Dimensions

Volkswagen's new Eos is 1.79 metres wide, 4.41 metres long and 1.44 metres high. The wheelbase is 2.58 metres. Accordingly, the Eos is relatively broad in comparison with the length and height.

Standard Equipment

The style of the car and the pricing structure suggests that the VW Eos is well equipped. And that's the way it is, too. The Eos comes standard with power assisted steering, disc brakes on all four wheels (with brake assist and electronic brake-pressure distribution), 4-wheel independent suspension, alloy wheels, power windows, trip computer, rain sensing windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors, audio system with 6-disc CD changer, 8 speakers, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control (easy to operate) and, importantly, 4 airbags.

Numerous options are available for those who want more.

Conclusion