2007 Volkswagen Eos First Steer

A convertible with a sunroof, it almost defies logic. But – in a world first – the new Volkswagen Eos features a five-section hard top with an integrated sliding/tilting sunroof. The idea is that the sunroof is used when it’s not hot enough for the roof to be down – these are the hard decisions that convertible drivers are dealt, it’s a hard life isn’t it?

Launching the new Volkswagen Eos was reserved for one of the most picturesque parts of Australia – The Great Ocean Road. Lorne housed Volkswagen’s media launch which contained over 40 vehicles and an array of Volkswagen paraphernalia.

Despite dreary and wet weather on the second day of the launch, there was ample time to test out the new Volkswagen Eos in a range of conditions. One thing that all drivers agreed on was the impressive level of grip available. The Eos remained on its best behaviour when punted through several corners on the test route, proving that the Eos isn’t simply a Golf with its roof chopped off. The Eos was developed from the ground up as a convertible, and it certainly shows.

The Eos range is available with two engines. Potential buyers face a hard task choosing as both engines offer exhilarating performance and satisfying agility. Leading the torque line-up is the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-Diesel engine. The oil burner produces 103kW and a mighty 320Nm of torque.

The other engine is the fire-breather of the bunch. The ever popular Golf GTI engine is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Turbo FSI. With 147kW of power on tap, the engine produces a spritely 280Nm of torque.

The two transmissions on offer are the 6-speed manual cog box and the awesome 6-speed DSG (Dual Clutch) gearbox. Fuel consumption is extremely modest – especially in the Diesel model. The manual Diesel achieves 6.0-litres/100km, whilst the DSG Diesel achieves 6.9-litres/100km. The petrol powered manual on the other hand sips 8.4-litres/100km, whilst the DSG achieves a meagre 8.2-litres/100km.

Aside from firing an airbag and deploying the rollover protection bars, Volkswagen assured the constituent of journalists that the convertible roof had been tested through 10,000 cycles in varying heat conditions, ranging from freezing cold, right through to boiling hot.

Pricing begins at $47,990 for the 6-speed manual turbo-Diesel, whilst the Turbo FSI model is available from $49,990 in 6-speed manual form. The DSG gearbox is available at a $2,300 premium. An array of options are available, ranging from active Bi-xenon headlights, right through to an “Eos Individual” kit which comprises of 18” alloy wheels, lowered suspension, black and beige Nappa leather upholstery and a flurry of additional inserts and stitching.

The Volkswagen Eos bucks the trend of convertibles designed around sedans. After experiencing equally exhilarating power, torque and agility from both engines, it was honestly difficult to pick a preferred engine variant. If you’re a fuel-miser, go for the Diesel. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the sound of a spooling turbo and rev-happy engine, head for the Turbo FSI. Either way, you’re sure to be damn impressed with the new Volkswagen Eos. With over 200 orders already placed (even prior to official release), be sure to check out the VW Eos before queues start building.

- Paul Maric

CarAdvice Rating (out of 5): 

Tech Specs:

Technical Specifications
2.0 TDI			2.0T FSI
Engine
Type	4 cylinder inline turbo diesel			4 cylinder inline turbo petrol
Installation	Front transverse			Front transverse
Cubic capacity, litres/cc	2.0 / 1968			2.0 / 1984
Bore/stoke, mm	81.0 / 95.5			82.5 / 92.8
Max power, kW @ rpm	103 @ 4000			147 @ 5100 – 6000
Max torque, Nm @ rpm	320 @ 1750 – 2500			280 @ 1800 – 5000
Compression ratio	18:1			10.3:1
Fuel system	Bosch EDC 16 with unit injectors (Pumpe Düse)			Bosch Motronic MED 9.1 FSI injection system
Ignition system	Compression			Electronic
Exhaust emission control	Exhaust gas recirculation and oxidising catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter			Two 3 way Catalytic Converter with Lambda Probe
Emission level	EU IV			EU IV
Fuel type (Recommended)	Diesel 51CZ			Premium unleaded 98 RON
Transmission	6 Speed Man	6 Speed DSG		6 Speed Man	6 Speed DSG
Driven wheels	Front wheel drive			Front wheel drive
Performance
0 – 100km/h, seconds	10.3	10.3		7.8	7.9
Top speed, km/h	206	203		232	229
Fuel consumption*
Combined, L / 100km	6.0	6.9		8.4	8.2
CO2 emission g/km	158	182		200	194
Fuel tank capacity, litres	55	55		55	55
* Fuel consumption figures according to Australian Design Rule (ADR) 81/01.The driving style, road and traffic conditions, environmental influences and vehicle condition can in practice lead to consumption figures which may differ from those calculated with these standards.

Further Technical Specifications

2.0 TDI

2.0 Turbo FSI

Running Gear

Suspension

Front axle

Independent, MacPherson struts with lower A-arms. Anti-roll bar.

Rear axle

Independent, four-link with coil springs. Anti-roll bar.

Steering

Electro-mechanical power assisted rack & pinion steering

Brake systems

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist

Brakes

Front

Ventilated Discs

Rear

Discs

Turning circle (m)

10.9

Weights

6 Speed Man

6 Speed DSG

6 Speed Man

6 Speed DSG

Tare Mass Kg

1556

1581

1546

1571

Towing Capacity kg

Braked

1500

1500

1500

1500

Unbraked

750

750

750

750

Drawbar load limit kg

75

75

75

75

Interior Dimensions

Number of seats

4

Front entry, width/height mm

1109 / 1287

Legroom front mm

703 / 1013

Elbow width at front/rear mm

1435 / 1070

Exterior Dimensions

Overall length mm

4407

Width mm

1791

Height mm

1443

Wheelbase mm

2578

Track mm

Front

1545

Rear

1553

Luggage Area Dimensions

Volume L

Roof raised

380

Roof folded

205

Floor length mm

839

Maximum width mm

1373

Width between wheel arches mm

792

Height mm

537