2007 Volkswagen Eos Review

Next Summers Must-Have Accessory

It was about eighteen months ago that Volkswagen went on a spree introducing concept cars at every major international auto show. In 2003 it produced stunning prototype after stunning prototype, including the likes of the simple but elegant Concept C Coupe-Convertible, the Porsche Boxster-challenging mid-engined Concept R, and the all but forgotten Concept T dune-buggy. Despite all odds, and the rather conservative nature of Volkswagen (having defaulted on its promise to build the retro-styled Microbus), the Concept C was confirmed as a future model, and was shown in production form, complete with stunning styling and folding hardtop roof, for the first time at last months Frankfurt Motor Show.

Eos, VWs selected name for this retractable hardtop, continues on a tangent that breaks away from winds (Vento, Bora, Scirocco, Passat) and nomadic tribes (Touareg, Beduin) for something with a little more mystery - Greek Gods. Like the Phaeton luxury sedan, named after the great chariot pilot, Eos is an important mythical character believed to rise from the sea in her chariot and bring people daylight every morning. Eos is also the mother of wind (so VW hasnt left its wind name scheme completely behind), and of the evening and morning star. According to Volkswagen the name, “evokes associations with an idealized cabriolet driving situation in the early minutes of a summer day.” It also rates high for marketability, being that its short, simple and easy to pronounce in all markets (unlike Touareg).

One of the most important things to note about the Eos is that it rides on an all-new platform. Called the PQ45, it uses modern platform architecture allowing for a uniquely new type of platform sharing scenario, bridging the gap between the compact Jetta and midsize Passat. As you may already have heard, VWs short-term goal is to diversify its product lineup via unique niche models, and the PQ series allows for this. Set components, such as front and rear suspension systems, electromechanical steering and transverse engine fittings were created, and then applied to the size-flexible chassis. The Golf/Jetta ride on the compact PQ35 which uses a narrow track and smaller wheelbase, while the PQ46 found under the Passat features a long wheelbase and wide track.

Unofficially speaking, the PQ45 architecture is the specialty platform which will underpin three vehicles, a sports car, a sports sedan and a sports utility vehicle, all of which should appear within the next year or so. The Beduin compact SUV has already been reported on (see automotive news section for Jun 15, 2005: Automotive Crystal Ball: VWs Beduin Compact SUV on the Way), and has since been confirmed for production, while two potential names have been registered for the third vehicle, a swoopy, Mercedes-Benz CLS-like four-door coupe. What characterizes any of these vehicles as sporty is that each makes use of the best traits from the platform - the width and track of the PQ46, with the shorter length and wheelbase of the PQ35. With an extremely rigid underbody, highly responsive independent suspension systems and a wider footprint on the road, the Eos will banish VWs reputation of building hairdressers cars - no offense to hairdressers intended.

Matching its dynamics is a body that can be described as nothing less than stunning. As stereotypical as it might sound, the Eos is VWs escape from association with the teenage bubblegum-pop crowd; the new model exposing a more mature, dare I say sexy side of the brand. Virtually unchanged from the Concept C, the Eos earns an image of its own - away from the Jetta and Passat - through special headlamps and a more tapered version of the chrome bib. Around back, jewel-like LED tail lamps mark the only eye-catching feature of a very clean design. Planned from the start to be a convertible, its flawless figure makes everything else on the market appear dated.

The focus and highlight of the Eos is the new CSC five-piece folding convertible roof; innovative mechanically even when compared to many in what has recently become a flood of such retractable hardtops. The roof consists of five components, including separate steel frames, and glass panels, that when working in unison retracts in 25 seconds to occupy just 6.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The roof itself is an integral part of the cars visual appearance when upright; it is unusually long to create a flowing, coupe-like roofline which means that the car looks just as good with the roof up, as it does when its down. The second advantage of the lengthy roof is that it allows the windshield pillars to be shorter and more steeply raked, keeping the cars profile sleek, while making entry and exit for front seat passengers easy. Thirdly, because the roof folds up in such a compact way, it enables the Eos to have a short tail, unlike many competitors frumpy, boxy looking rear ends.

Keen to stress that the Eos is more upmarket than its compact length might suggest, VW has opted to use its up-level transverse powertrains. European models will start with the lowly 115-horsepower 1.6-liter FSI engine, but most sales are expected to come from the 150-horsepower 2.0 FSI and 136-horsepower 2.0 TDI engines. In North America, the storys a little bit different, with the starting point at the 200-horsepower 2.0T FSI engine, followed by the 250-horsepower 3.2-liter V(R)6 unit. Multiple gearboxes will be available, from a six-speed manual to a six-speed automatic, plus VWs now famous twin-clutch DSG gearbox.
 
With a car as style-driven as the Eos, you just know that the interiors going to be good: from these photos few will find need to argue. A two-toned theme will be available, pairing plastics and seat trims to create a more vibrant ambience, offset by sporty mock-aluminum trim. Simple yet intelligent controls from the Jetta are featured on the console, with optional upgrades like Climatronic digital climate control and premium stereo expected to make the cut.

More impressive is the interior room: thanks to PQ35s longer wheelbase (than that of the Mk.IV Cabrio and New Beetle) prospective occupants wont need to toss coins to avoid the back seat. Critically improved over the old ragtop models are visibility and noise levels when the roof is up; here the steel roof and glass panels allow light in, helping to create a light and airy atmosphere while reducing wind noise, not to mention the risk of break-ins.

Now that the Euro-market VW Sharan/Seat Alhambra/Ford Galaxy minivans are being phased out, and Fords 50 percent stake in the Palmela, Portugal plant transferred to VW, the Portuguese assembly plant has been selected for production of the Eos, and subsequent vehicles on the PQ45 chassis.

So how does it fit into todays auto market? In many ways, you can think of the Eos as being VWs version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK - open-topped beauty, style and substance without the $50,000 price tag. So what will it cost? Pricing and a confirmed sales date have yet to be announced, but educated guesses peg it at around $25,000 for a base 2.0T model, topping out at just under $40,000 for a fully-loaded V6. The first shipments should arrive for May or June of next year, just in time to make the Eos next summers must-have accessory.