VOLKSWAGEN

Eos

With its fold-down roof, any motoring experience can be transformed from windproof luxury to open top exhilaration at the press of a button. The Eos delivers outstanding performance and boasts eye-catching good looks too.

The good

Sporty appeal

The bad

Our weather patterns!

Tech Specs

Price from

£26,140

Combined Fuel up to

58.9mpg

0-62 from

7.8 seconds

max speed up to

148mph

co2 from

125g/km

Test Drive

Volkswagen Eos SE 1.4 TSI 160PS

It’s back – the long awaited incarnation of the VW Eos which has to be one of the classiest coupe cabriolet models on our roads today.

Offering the fun and benefits of a full convertible when the weather permits, the Eos is transformed into a hard-top coupe at the press of a button – in less than 25 seconds.

Another unique selling point is the Eos is the only convertible that boasts a tilt and slide sunroof fitted as standard.

First impressions are vital and the Eos immediately captures your attention with its smart alloys, neat streamlining, twin exhaust, body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators, chrome plated radiator grille surround and that ever-impressive five-section folding roof.

In fact, this is one of a few coupe convertibles that looks as good with the roof raised or closed.

The interior is also eye-catching with smart cloth seats, leather multi-function steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip and flashes of matt chromium inserts throughout the cabin.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include a great air con system with dust and pollen filter, electric windows, a multi-function computer which includes a visual gear change prompt to help conserve fuel, an excellent sound system with MP3 compatibility and CD player, front and rear parking sensors and plenty more besides.

In and around town, the Eos handled very smoothly and the all-round visibility was generally very good for a coupe cabriolet model. The six-speed manual transmission was very responsive and the 1.4-litre petrol-powered engine delivered plenty of oomph.

But for me, the Eos really comes into its own when the sun comes out. Within seconds, the roof is lowered and tucked automatically into the boot compartment and the wind-in-the-hair driving experience is at your disposal.

Wind deflectors are very efficient and the drive is fun, fun, fun all the way.

The Eos is fairly spacious and does accommodate rear seat passengers offering ample leg room.

And storage options are relatively good too. With the roof raised, the boot has a load capacity of 380 litres and when open this is reduced to 205 litres.

Elsewhere, there are a couple of alternative storage solutions including a generously-sized glove box and central storage bin area.

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, hydraulic brake assist, numerous airbags, electronic stabilisation programme, traction control, hill-hold, anti-whiplash headrests, an advanced alarm system with engine immobiliser and lots more.

All in all, the Eos is great fun especially when Mother Nature is on your side and with an asking price of just under £24k it is great value too.