Did you notice the glimmer of sunrays a few days ago? Immediately uplifting my spirits I promptly went and booked a string of the coolest cabriolets on the market today. What better way to kick starting the season than VW’s contribution, that of the Eos.
Typical of German engineers, however, they always have to go that one little step further. We have seen innovative two piece roofs, extraordinary engineering in three piece roofs, but oh no, the Germans have to invent a five piece steel and glass roof which also sees a sunroof incorporated, just in case one is not in the mood to go topless. Known as CSC, the Eos can transform three ways, either being a hard top coupe, a neat saloon with a tilt or sliding glass sunroof, to a full-blown convertible.
The name Eos is taken from the Greek goddess of the dawn but also means 'Nightingale' in Welsh but will it be music to our ears? Definitely if you opt for the Dynaudio sound pack with 10 speakers and highline multifunction computer, but at a cool £2,130. Two trims are available, Standard and Sport and all models feature semi- automatic air conditioning, electric windows, electric and heated door mirrors, radio /CD, alloy wheels and parking sensors.
The parking sensor - now, this is quite essential as when operating the roof, all five sections neatly fold into each other but overhang the rear of the car so if you are parked, say against a brick wall, the parking sensors will alert you that there is not enough room to operate the roof and you need to move forward. This also means you cannot operate the roof whilst the car is moving but because of the neat dimensions, you can operate it say in your garage - providing of course, there is room to the rear. Once folded down, luggage space is still pretty good easily accommodating the shopping or two small suitcases. The Sport model goes on to gain larger alloys, sport suspension, a splash of extra aluminium, useful tyre pressure warning and upgraded audio.
Five engines are of offer, four petrol’s and one diesel, but on launch we had the 2.0 FSI petrol that did the job perfectly. This FSI technology is VW’s baby whereby fuel is injected directly into the cylinder combustion thus improving efficiency and fuel economy. This results in a top speed of 113 mph and 34.0 mpg on a combined cycle.
The driving dynamics of the Eos are superb with electro mechanical power steering breezing you in and out of the parking bays and a braking system second to none. ABS with ESP is standard but the ESP is exceptionally sophisticated having Adaptive Engagement Model, ASR traction control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Differential Lock, Extended Stability Brake System and Hydraulic Brake Assist. Phew! The six -speed manual gearbox gives precise and accurate gear changes however automatic transmission is available on four variants.
Keeping the occupants safe are driver and passenger airbags, curtain and side impact airbags for front passengers, active roll over protection system, whiplash -optimised head restraints for the front and securing the Eos is remote central locking, electronic engine immobiliser and an alarm. Thus the 2.0 Sport falls into insurance group 12E. The price tag on the model I was testing, stands in at £23,750 but prices start at £19,695 for the basic 1.6 Standard, rising to £28,400 for the Sport 3.2 V6.
Running costs are kept to the minimal thanks to The Longlife variable servicing times which sees an on-board computer busy working out when the oil needs changing or the brake fluid is low thus determines exactly when a service is actually needed. VW claim it is possible to drive up to 19,000 miles on a petrol model without a major service. This has the added benefit of not being ripped off by unsavoury car mechanics.
I simply love driving coupe cabriolets and never tire of them. There is something about open top motoring so exhilarating and exciting and each model from various manufacutrers has at least one unique characteristic. In the case of the Eos, it has to be the roof. The Eos is the only car in the world to convert from a coupe to a cabriolet or simply settle for the glass sunroof. Talk about options for the customers, this car is an all year rounder without a doubt and for those readers who dream of owning both a summer and winter car, look no further.
Jackie Violet FemaleFirst Correspondent