Every effort was made to stress that the Volkswagen Eos was far from a Golf Convertible and added an extra layer of exclusivity. The car was designed as a completely new model and although it does share some parts with the Golf, the design has an individuality of its own. It was more expensive than others in its class, but then its design, build and equipment levels do well to justify that. The roof is a particularly sophisticated 5 piece folding hardtop with an integrated sliding glass sunroof to give you an additional option. The VW Eos fills the gap between premium convertibles and those from the mass market.
The Volkswagen Eos 1.4 TSI comes as some surprise to drive as what sounds like an engine too small for this solid family sized convertible turns out to be really quite lively. The combination of turbo boost and low front end weight makes this perhaps the most entertaining to drive car in the Eos range. The only drawback is that there remains a lag at low revs so power is always instantly available.
The Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TSI is a very capable car and with power throughout the rev range has a more grown up feel compared to the 1.4. Ride quality is good even with the sports suspension package and it remains refined, comfortable and quiet to travel in. After the V6 was discontinued this was the only engine option offered to North American customers.
Diesel convertibles remain a bit of a compromise but the Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TDI is one of the best. While not quick it has ample performance is remains quiet and composed at low speeds as week as when cruising. It is a genuinely practical convertible and with the roof up could easily be mistaken for fixed head coupe both in looks and ride quality.
The Volkswagen Eos 3.6 litre V6 and DSG gearbox added a dose of excitement but was dropped in 2010. It is wonderfully smooth and refined but doesn’t feel as responsive as the cheaper 2 litre TFSI engine and certainly isn’t as frugal.
I’ve had one for one month,LOVE IT! great to drive, love the economy, the roof down experience is what I’ve dreamed about for forty years, brilliant. The big plus; the 2.0l diesel Blue Motion toes my 1.5 ton touring caravan effortlessly and returns 30mpg.
I bought a new fully loaded (new car so only fully optioned vehicles available, which suited me) VW Eos in 2006 and its been great. The only problem was within a few weeks the gearbox gave trouble ( on a vw!?) which it crunched going up (yes, up!) from 1st to 2nd. At first the dealership tried to fob me off with the usual thoroughly annoying and irritating “no problem found” reply!!!!!
Being a retired car salesman ( I prefer to be known as a closer as cars sell themselves) I made a fuss (contact MD and all that) finally had it fixed. Ever since it has been great. I hear of other owners having problems, like the roof leaking (with the top up !!) but mines been fine.
Dislikes – none really. Advice – tyres, mine had Bridgestone Portenza which were so noisy my local garage thought the wheel bearings were shot! When news ones were needed I went for Uniroyals which transform the car, now being much quieter.
Options on mine inc napa leather seats – steering wheel with controls – that all important rear wind deflector -18 inch wheels (not necessary!!) – and the best of all electric seats .
The worst thing about the car – rubbish dealership / useless salesmen – in over 6 years no one has contacted me about changing it. The only contact was from VW and all they wanted to know was how good the dealership was (which I told them but that changed nothing) no mention of “how do
You like your new car?”. Great car – crap dealer and rubbish customer care.
Scuttle shake is common in many convertibles and not usually a sign that anything is wrong with your car. If it is pronounced or wasn’t there before, it is worth getting checked out. Otherwise it is just a characteristic of the car and nothing to worry about.
I’ve owned an Eos from new for the last five years, LOVE IT. Now considering replacing it with another Eos!! I’ve had no issues whatsoever with the car.
I am considering buying a 2013 Volkswagon Eos Komfort but am a little worried about the few comments from people regarding the roof breaking and / or leaking. Have you heard of many of these types of problems? Would I be better getting a BMW 1 series 2013 model or a used BMW 3 series model?
I have a vw eos and no problems whatsoever apart from the navigation system that needs update (still working but rather slow and maps outdated). Mine still comes with the 1.6 engine which is suitable for a car of this type – silent, responsive at mid revs – but not really fast. The new 2.0 engine is quite a good choice with the DSG. IF you prefer manual the 1.4 TSI Is an excellent alternative. From the alternatives mentioned by Trish only the 3 series is really comparable to the EOS. The 1 series is a soft top – smaller and not as versatile as vw
I bought my Eos Exclusive [2.0tdi] Auto in Jan 2012, it was three months old. The car has been faultless in the three and a half years of ownership. I love the design and the colour.
I’m going for my 1st convertible and not sure whether to get an EOS, Audi A3 or BMW? Can anyone help, the more I read the more confused I’m getting! I’ve more or less stuck to Ford in 15 years of driving, thanks.
I have a 3.6 Individual . This size engine is rare as the standard engine for the V6 was 3.2. Love the power of the engine, but it can be juicy averaging around 30 mpg (uk). Big car and distinctive looks. The roofs can leak if not looked after but it’s still a proper 4 seater with a hard top.
By submitting a comment you grant Convertible Car Magazine a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate and irrelevant comments will be removed at an admin’s discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only, it will never be shared.
I’ve had one for one month,LOVE IT! great to drive, love the economy, the roof down experience is what I’ve dreamed about for forty years, brilliant. The big plus; the 2.0l diesel Blue Motion toes my 1.5 ton touring caravan effortlessly and returns 30mpg.
I bought a new fully loaded (new car so only fully optioned vehicles available, which suited me) VW Eos in 2006 and its been great. The only problem was within a few weeks the gearbox gave trouble ( on a vw!?) which it crunched going up (yes, up!) from 1st to 2nd. At first the dealership tried to fob me off with the usual thoroughly annoying and irritating “no problem found” reply!!!!!
Being a retired car salesman ( I prefer to be known as a closer as cars sell themselves) I made a fuss (contact MD and all that) finally had it fixed. Ever since it has been great. I hear of other owners having problems, like the roof leaking (with the top up !!) but mines been fine.
Dislikes – none really. Advice – tyres, mine had Bridgestone Portenza which were so noisy my local garage thought the wheel bearings were shot! When news ones were needed I went for Uniroyals which transform the car, now being much quieter.
Options on mine inc napa leather seats – steering wheel with controls – that all important rear wind deflector -18 inch wheels (not necessary!!) – and the best of all electric seats .
The worst thing about the car – rubbish dealership / useless salesmen – in over 6 years no one has contacted me about changing it. The only contact was from VW and all they wanted to know was how good the dealership was (which I told them but that changed nothing) no mention of “how do
You like your new car?”. Great car – crap dealer and rubbish customer care.
I have a EOS sport when the roof is down the car shuttles is this a problem with the car or part of the hardtop
Scuttle shake is common in many convertibles and not usually a sign that anything is wrong with your car. If it is pronounced or wasn’t there before, it is worth getting checked out. Otherwise it is just a characteristic of the car and nothing to worry about.
I’ve owned an Eos from new for the last five years, LOVE IT. Now considering replacing it with another Eos!! I’ve had no issues whatsoever with the car.
I am considering buying a 2013 Volkswagon Eos Komfort but am a little worried about the few comments from people regarding the roof breaking and / or leaking. Have you heard of many of these types of problems? Would I be better getting a BMW 1 series 2013 model or a used BMW 3 series model?
Thanks
I have a vw eos and no problems whatsoever apart from the navigation system that needs update (still working but rather slow and maps outdated). Mine still comes with the 1.6 engine which is suitable for a car of this type – silent, responsive at mid revs – but not really fast. The new 2.0 engine is quite a good choice with the DSG. IF you prefer manual the 1.4 TSI Is an excellent alternative. From the alternatives mentioned by Trish only the 3 series is really comparable to the EOS. The 1 series is a soft top – smaller and not as versatile as vw
Just recently purchased a 2012 convertible – great , quiet ride
Could not be happier -plenty of head & leg room even tho I am 6-5
Love the lines
I bought my Eos Exclusive [2.0tdi] Auto in Jan 2012, it was three months old. The car has been faultless in the three and a half years of ownership. I love the design and the colour.
I’m going for my 1st convertible and not sure whether to get an EOS, Audi A3 or BMW? Can anyone help, the more I read the more confused I’m getting! I’ve more or less stuck to Ford in 15 years of driving, thanks.
The Volkswagen Eos boasts a strong engine lineup and decent handling, but ultimately it s hampered by weight of its roof
I have a 3.6 Individual . This size engine is rare as the standard engine for the V6 was 3.2. Love the power of the engine, but it can be juicy averaging around 30 mpg (uk). Big car and distinctive looks. The roofs can leak if not looked after but it’s still a proper 4 seater with a hard top.