Volkswagen’s new hard-top four-seater convertible is now available for your buying pleasure.The car, roughly the size of a Jetta, is slotted between the Jetta and Passat and starts at just under $28,000 for the base model. VW has wisely chosen for forego its woeful 2.5L I5 engine and instead offers the Eos with two engine choices: the base 2.0T which puts out 200hp and 207lb-ft of torque, and the not-yet-available 3.2L VR6 which generates 250hp and 235lb-ft of torque. The 3.2L will be available before year’s end.
The major selling point of the Eos is that it is an all-season convertible. In addition to retracting fully, the roof can retract partially to reveal a sunroof for those days when you want the extra light but don’t want to subject yourself to the elements.
The Eos enters a rather empty market segment and its main competition is the Pontiac G6 convertible, which is also a hardtop convertible in the same price range. Others in the market include the Volvo C70, which is priced at least $10,000 more than the base Eos; and the Mercedes-Benz CLK-class, which is priced that you could buy an Eos for yourself and your significant other. This breakdown of the competition will make the Eos attractive for buyers who want a hardtop convertible but have no interest in buying a G6 and can’t afford a C70 or CLK.
Volkswagen is being conservative with the Eos and expects to sell just 3,000 this year and 12,000 in 2007.
Our take? Convertibles are great and hardtop convertibles are even better. The omission of the 2.5L I5 is a smart move and the price is attractive. Expect Volkswagen to up the output due to demand. With luck, a diesel option may become available in the future.
Via Autoweek
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