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Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TSI DSG (A) Review
30 Aug 2011|15,952 views
In the current Volkswagen line-up, it seems as if the Golf GTI is the only 'fun oriented' model in the family. The Eos on the other hand is also geared towards elevating the fun factor but in a lifestyle sorta way. Being based on the same Golf platform however gives the Eos an added edge in the handling department.
Exterior
This latest Eos is Volkswagen's attempt at refreshing the four year old cabriolet. Visually, the last Eos was a little on the stoic side which isn't the kinda impression you want with a lifestyle vehicle. This the Germans have addressed in the facelifted Eos though only slightly improved.
Updated with the same corporate grille shared with the current Volkswagen line-up, the Eos now sports a cleaner facade that is inoffensive but at the same time not particularly pulse-raising either. Beyond the contoured forward portion, the lines get slightly boxy aft of the doors especially in the trunk area to maximize the Eos's boot capacity.
Exterior
This latest Eos is Volkswagen's attempt at refreshing the four year old cabriolet. Visually, the last Eos was a little on the stoic side which isn't the kinda impression you want with a lifestyle vehicle. This the Germans have addressed in the facelifted Eos though only slightly improved.
Updated with the same corporate grille shared with the current Volkswagen line-up, the Eos now sports a cleaner facade that is inoffensive but at the same time not particularly pulse-raising either. Beyond the contoured forward portion, the lines get slightly boxy aft of the doors especially in the trunk area to maximize the Eos's boot capacity.
 |
Transformation from coupe to cabriolet is by way of the five piece hardtop folding roof. The mechanical transformation does a convincing mimicry of a shape shifting Autobot (think: Transformer). The entire process from coupe to cabriolet and vice versa takes a slightly lengthy 25 seconds to complete.
Like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the Eos now allows the roof to be opened by remote control for the 'wow effect' when your date is close. This is accomplished via the Kessy keyless entry system though it only works if you're standing near the receiver on either side of the doors.
 |
Unlike cabriolets from other German marques, the transformation can only be achieved at a standstill. A bit of a disappointment considering other cabriolets are able to get the transition done at speeds ranging from 30kmh to 50kmh (in the case of the Audi A5).
Completing the exterior façade are the 18 inch multi-spoke alloys that are standard on the Eos. When viewed a few steps back, the Eos actually appears like a Golf with the roof missing and that isn't a bad look to have. It is at least quite a fair a bit more attractive than the oddly shaped Audi A3.
Interior
The Eos features the typical well built and ergonomic fanfare of recent Volkswagen models. Matt chrome trim lines the interior dashboard that avoids an otherwise somber atmosphere in the cabin. The Eos is the only cabriolet out there that on top of a folding hardtop, comes with a sunroof when in coupe mode.
Completing the exterior façade are the 18 inch multi-spoke alloys that are standard on the Eos. When viewed a few steps back, the Eos actually appears like a Golf with the roof missing and that isn't a bad look to have. It is at least quite a fair a bit more attractive than the oddly shaped Audi A3.
Interior
The Eos features the typical well built and ergonomic fanfare of recent Volkswagen models. Matt chrome trim lines the interior dashboard that avoids an otherwise somber atmosphere in the cabin. The Eos is the only cabriolet out there that on top of a folding hardtop, comes with a sunroof when in coupe mode.
This adds to the spaciousness of the cabin and gives the driver the added option of more ambient light in the cabin while still in the cool air-conditioned comfort.
Settled in the driver's seat, one is cocooned in the specially treated Nappa leather that has a coating which reflects the heat of the sun. Keeping the interior leather cool even when the Eos is parked under direct sunlight. This is especially useful in the tropical climate that we experience here.
Announced not too long ago, the Eos like all Volkswagen model these days gets a built in GPS navigation system in the form of the RNS 510. This excellent touch-screen system neutralizes all complaints in the audio department with its large built-in 30GB hard drive for loading your favourite MP3s. If you prefer, the audio system also accepts an AUX-in for your MP3 player.
Settled in the driver's seat, one is cocooned in the specially treated Nappa leather that has a coating which reflects the heat of the sun. Keeping the interior leather cool even when the Eos is parked under direct sunlight. This is especially useful in the tropical climate that we experience here.
Announced not too long ago, the Eos like all Volkswagen model these days gets a built in GPS navigation system in the form of the RNS 510. This excellent touch-screen system neutralizes all complaints in the audio department with its large built-in 30GB hard drive for loading your favourite MP3s. If you prefer, the audio system also accepts an AUX-in for your MP3 player.
 |
Like the Golf, the Eos's rear cabin remains comfortable for at least 2 passengers with adequate legroom even with a tall driver seated up front. While Volkswagen doesn't have official numbers for the boot capacity, the amount of space with the roof cover retracted is decent enough for at least one Samsonite suitcase.
The Drive
The Eos gets its power from the same 2.0-litre TSI unit found in the Golf GTI and coupled with the wet-clutch 6-speed DSG gearbox. Although the GTI's blistering performance is neutered by the rather hefty 170kg folding hardtop roof. Despite that, the Eos manages to feel much faster than its century sprint time of 7.8 secs.
As a cruiser, the Eos's suspension does well in mitigating the bumps and undulations away from the driver. Though the body does suffer from some scuttle shake.
Around the corners, the Eos appears capable though one should expect Golf GTI ability here due to the added weight mentioned above.
The Drive
The Eos gets its power from the same 2.0-litre TSI unit found in the Golf GTI and coupled with the wet-clutch 6-speed DSG gearbox. Although the GTI's blistering performance is neutered by the rather hefty 170kg folding hardtop roof. Despite that, the Eos manages to feel much faster than its century sprint time of 7.8 secs.
As a cruiser, the Eos's suspension does well in mitigating the bumps and undulations away from the driver. Though the body does suffer from some scuttle shake.
Around the corners, the Eos appears capable though one should expect Golf GTI ability here due to the added weight mentioned above.
Steering weight is spot on and provides a good amount of steering feel through the front wheels. Give the throttle a kick and the engine responds with a sporty raspy note that has the potential of being vocalized even further with so many GTI derived exhaust kits available from tuners. Although not as evident as in the GTI, one can still get a hint of that iconic 'pop' when downshifting through the gears.
Conclusion
The latest facelifted Eos takes itself to an all new level with its improved looks that reminds one of a chopped top Golf. While coupled with decent handling performance on the road, it is still no GTI.
But if you're still adamant for a topless GTI or Golf R, Volkswagen has unveiled concepts for both these performance oriented variants at this year's Worthersee aka Golf GTI fan fest. However there is still no official word on when these concepts will be put into production, if ever.
In the mean time, we'll just have to look to the base Eos for some topless fun in our tropical sun…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The latest facelifted Eos takes itself to an all new level with its improved looks that reminds one of a chopped top Golf. While coupled with decent handling performance on the road, it is still no GTI.
But if you're still adamant for a topless GTI or Golf R, Volkswagen has unveiled concepts for both these performance oriented variants at this year's Worthersee aka Golf GTI fan fest. However there is still no official word on when these concepts will be put into production, if ever.
In the mean time, we'll just have to look to the base Eos for some topless fun in our tropical sun…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
In the current Volkswagen line-up, it seems as if the Golf GTI is the only 'fun oriented' model in the family. The Eos on the other hand is also geared towards elevating the fun factor but in a lifestyle sorta way. Being based on the same Golf platform however gives the Eos an added edge in the handling department.
Exterior
This latest Eos is Volkswagen's attempt at refreshing the four year old cabriolet. Visually, the last Eos was a little on the stoic side which isn't the kinda impression you want with a lifestyle vehicle. This the Germans have addressed in the facelifted Eos though only slightly improved.
Updated with the same corporate grille shared with the current Volkswagen line-up, the Eos now sports a cleaner facade that is inoffensive but at the same time not particularly pulse-raising either. Beyond the contoured forward portion, the lines get slightly boxy aft of the doors especially in the trunk area to maximize the Eos's boot capacity.
Exterior
This latest Eos is Volkswagen's attempt at refreshing the four year old cabriolet. Visually, the last Eos was a little on the stoic side which isn't the kinda impression you want with a lifestyle vehicle. This the Germans have addressed in the facelifted Eos though only slightly improved.
Updated with the same corporate grille shared with the current Volkswagen line-up, the Eos now sports a cleaner facade that is inoffensive but at the same time not particularly pulse-raising either. Beyond the contoured forward portion, the lines get slightly boxy aft of the doors especially in the trunk area to maximize the Eos's boot capacity.
|
Transformation from coupe to cabriolet is by way of the five piece hardtop folding roof. The mechanical transformation does a convincing mimicry of a shape shifting Autobot (think: Transformer). The entire process from coupe to cabriolet and vice versa takes a slightly lengthy 25 seconds to complete.
Like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the Eos now allows the roof to be opened by remote control for the 'wow effect' when your date is close. This is accomplished via the Kessy keyless entry system though it only works if you're standing near the receiver on either side of the doors.
|
Unlike cabriolets from other German marques, the transformation can only be achieved at a standstill. A bit of a disappointment considering other cabriolets are able to get the transition done at speeds ranging from 30kmh to 50kmh (in the case of the Audi A5).
Completing the exterior façade are the 18 inch multi-spoke alloys that are standard on the Eos. When viewed a few steps back, the Eos actually appears like a Golf with the roof missing and that isn't a bad look to have. It is at least quite a fair a bit more attractive than the oddly shaped Audi A3.
Interior
The Eos features the typical well built and ergonomic fanfare of recent Volkswagen models. Matt chrome trim lines the interior dashboard that avoids an otherwise somber atmosphere in the cabin. The Eos is the only cabriolet out there that on top of a folding hardtop, comes with a sunroof when in coupe mode.
Completing the exterior façade are the 18 inch multi-spoke alloys that are standard on the Eos. When viewed a few steps back, the Eos actually appears like a Golf with the roof missing and that isn't a bad look to have. It is at least quite a fair a bit more attractive than the oddly shaped Audi A3.
Interior
The Eos features the typical well built and ergonomic fanfare of recent Volkswagen models. Matt chrome trim lines the interior dashboard that avoids an otherwise somber atmosphere in the cabin. The Eos is the only cabriolet out there that on top of a folding hardtop, comes with a sunroof when in coupe mode.
This adds to the spaciousness of the cabin and gives the driver the added option of more ambient light in the cabin while still in the cool air-conditioned comfort.
Settled in the driver's seat, one is cocooned in the specially treated Nappa leather that has a coating which reflects the heat of the sun. Keeping the interior leather cool even when the Eos is parked under direct sunlight. This is especially useful in the tropical climate that we experience here.
Announced not too long ago, the Eos like all Volkswagen model these days gets a built in GPS navigation system in the form of the RNS 510. This excellent touch-screen system neutralizes all complaints in the audio department with its large built-in 30GB hard drive for loading your favourite MP3s. If you prefer, the audio system also accepts an AUX-in for your MP3 player.
Settled in the driver's seat, one is cocooned in the specially treated Nappa leather that has a coating which reflects the heat of the sun. Keeping the interior leather cool even when the Eos is parked under direct sunlight. This is especially useful in the tropical climate that we experience here.
Announced not too long ago, the Eos like all Volkswagen model these days gets a built in GPS navigation system in the form of the RNS 510. This excellent touch-screen system neutralizes all complaints in the audio department with its large built-in 30GB hard drive for loading your favourite MP3s. If you prefer, the audio system also accepts an AUX-in for your MP3 player.
|
Like the Golf, the Eos's rear cabin remains comfortable for at least 2 passengers with adequate legroom even with a tall driver seated up front. While Volkswagen doesn't have official numbers for the boot capacity, the amount of space with the roof cover retracted is decent enough for at least one Samsonite suitcase.
The Drive
The Eos gets its power from the same 2.0-litre TSI unit found in the Golf GTI and coupled with the wet-clutch 6-speed DSG gearbox. Although the GTI's blistering performance is neutered by the rather hefty 170kg folding hardtop roof. Despite that, the Eos manages to feel much faster than its century sprint time of 7.8 secs.
As a cruiser, the Eos's suspension does well in mitigating the bumps and undulations away from the driver. Though the body does suffer from some scuttle shake.
Around the corners, the Eos appears capable though one should expect Golf GTI ability here due to the added weight mentioned above.
The Drive
The Eos gets its power from the same 2.0-litre TSI unit found in the Golf GTI and coupled with the wet-clutch 6-speed DSG gearbox. Although the GTI's blistering performance is neutered by the rather hefty 170kg folding hardtop roof. Despite that, the Eos manages to feel much faster than its century sprint time of 7.8 secs.
As a cruiser, the Eos's suspension does well in mitigating the bumps and undulations away from the driver. Though the body does suffer from some scuttle shake.
Around the corners, the Eos appears capable though one should expect Golf GTI ability here due to the added weight mentioned above.
Steering weight is spot on and provides a good amount of steering feel through the front wheels. Give the throttle a kick and the engine responds with a sporty raspy note that has the potential of being vocalized even further with so many GTI derived exhaust kits available from tuners. Although not as evident as in the GTI, one can still get a hint of that iconic 'pop' when downshifting through the gears.
Conclusion
The latest facelifted Eos takes itself to an all new level with its improved looks that reminds one of a chopped top Golf. While coupled with decent handling performance on the road, it is still no GTI.
But if you're still adamant for a topless GTI or Golf R, Volkswagen has unveiled concepts for both these performance oriented variants at this year's Worthersee aka Golf GTI fan fest. However there is still no official word on when these concepts will be put into production, if ever.
In the mean time, we'll just have to look to the base Eos for some topless fun in our tropical sun…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The latest facelifted Eos takes itself to an all new level with its improved looks that reminds one of a chopped top Golf. While coupled with decent handling performance on the road, it is still no GTI.
But if you're still adamant for a topless GTI or Golf R, Volkswagen has unveiled concepts for both these performance oriented variants at this year's Worthersee aka Golf GTI fan fest. However there is still no official word on when these concepts will be put into production, if ever.
In the mean time, we'll just have to look to the base Eos for some topless fun in our tropical sun…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TSI DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13km/L
Horsepower
157kW (210 bhp)
Torque
280 Nm
Acceleration
7.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Eos
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