Thoughts on the Eos

[TurboDan]

I like this car... a lot. I've always wanted a convertible, but I've never been a fan of ragtops. I've always loved hardtop 'verts but they tend to be pretty expensive, especially once you get into the German category. Also, while I love the SLK-Class, I do like the option of having the ability to fit more than one passenger in my vehicle should the situation arise.

The Eos really seems to hit the mark on what I've been looking for: a small, German convertible that handles well and doesn't break the bank. It also comes with my favorite 4-banger on the market (2.0 TSI, 200hp). I'm not sure what the reviewers said about it, but I think I will seriously consider this car when I'm shopping around next time, especially if I've moved back to Florida as planned.

Thoughts?

[CALL_911]

Supposedly, it's too soft.

It's a shame, it could've been a topless GTI.

[Vinsanity]

yeah it seems pretty much like a German Solara/Sebring

[CALL_911]

yeah it seems pretty much like a German Solara/Sebring

Whoa, whoa, whoa, it can't be THAT bad.

At least it looks quite good. Can't say that about the Solara and the Sebring. That and the 2.0T. That engine....

[TurboDan]

yeah it seems pretty much like a German Solara/Sebring

Ouch, really? I wonder if Eibach springs would help that issue?

[Vinsanity]

oh it's much better than than the Solara/Sebring for sure. What I meant was that those were VW's "inspirations" when designing the car, albeit much better executed

[cawimmer430]

I've got a friend in the US who drives a VW Eos. He's in the Marine Corps (so he's definitely not gay  ) and he loves it. It's much more spacious than an SLK inside and out. Most German reviews say the Eos is a decent car with no real weaknesses. FWD shouldn't be a problem since its engine aren't really overpowered or performance oriented. It makes a great cruiser for two people (for short journeys though with the "rear seats" filled up). Do you and you girlfriend have any kids? A kid should be fine in the rear. Styling is subjective. I'm not a fan, personally.

The only problem with the Eos is the stigma associated with it: girl / gay car, but then again that's thankfully just an Internet rumor for the most part put forth by really retarded and clueless people. 

[nickdrinkwater]

It must be due for an update soon.  Something to consider.

[TurboDan]

It must be due for an update soon.  Something to consider.

That means used one will be cheaper. As far as the girl car thing, eh, in black it doesn't look girlie in the least.

[Colin]

I think it's a pretty decent car - far nicer than the hideous 308CC that you are spared in the US,a nd also better looking than the rather ungainly Focus CC.

I also rather like the Volvo C70 - see here for a test report: http://www.themotor.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53:2009-volvo-c70-24i-ch&catid=1:road-tests&Itemid=11

[MX793]

I think it's a pretty decent car - far nicer than the hideous 308CC that you are spared in the US,a nd also better looking than the rather ungainly Focus CC.

I also rather like the Volvo C70 - see here for a test report: http://www.themotor.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53:2009-volvo-c70-24i-ch&catid=1:road-tests&Itemid=11

I was going to recommend the C70, then I saw the price difference.  The Eos starts at around $33K.  The Volvo starts at $40K (granted, the US only gets the T5 version of the C70, but that's still a big jump in price).

[CJ]

Pre-owned C70 is what I would go with.  I prefer the looks and the interior. 

[Madman]

For the money, I think the Eos is the best four-seat cabrio you can get.  Sure, it's more cruiser than bruiser, but so is nearly every other four-seat cabrio out there.  Drive it the way it's intended and I'm sure you'll come back with a smile on your face.


Madman of the People

[the Teuton]

For the money, I think the Eos is the best four-seat cabrio you can get.  Sure, it's more cruiser than bruiser, but so is nearly every other four-seat cabrio out there.  Drive it the way it's intended and I'm sure you'll come back with a smile on your face.


Madman of the People

For the money, it is...new. There are some used convertibles that are so much cooler for $30k, though.

[Madman]

For the money, it is...new. There are some used convertibles that are so much cooler for $30k, though.

Of course, I'm taking new.  Used is a whole different ball game.  With $30K on the used market, the world is your oyster.


Madman of the People

[Vinsanity]

If you can get a V6 Mustang convertible with the new motor and premium interior package for the same price, I'd probably just go for that if I were looking for a droptop cruiser.

[Raza]

It looks great and drives relatively well, but it is too soft and the steering lacks the feel of the Jetta and GTI/Rabbit.  I'd consider one as a second or third car, were I to buy a boulevardier, but I'd look at a 9-3 Aero V6 convertible first. 

[Raza]

Of course, I'm taking new.  Used is a whole different ball game.  With $30K on the used market, the world is your oyster.


Madman of the People

E46 M3 cabrios and 996 cabrios are available for well under 30K on the used market, for example.  But you're rightm, on the new market, it is a great value compared to most four place convertibles. 

[Raza]

Ouch, really? I wonder if Eibach springs would help that issue?

One thing to consider is that the suspension and steering is sourced from the Passat, while the rest of the car is pure A series.  So, take a top of the class compact hatchback/sedan, remove the suspension, and put in the (top of the class, in my opinion) family sedan's suspension, and then chop the top off.  

You'd have to drive it for yourself.  They are lovely and I do still want one.  2.0T six speed with some new springs and a bit of ECM tuning should do the job...





Actually, one as a daily driver with something more hardcore in the garage does sound quite attractive indeed.

[BimmerM3]

Guys, he basically said no soft tops, which rules out the Mustang, E46s, Porsches of all varieties, and the 9-3.

The only other 4 seat, hardtop convertibles that were in this price range were the Sebring (shit) and the G6 (probably shit).

Also, holy balls - the E93 starts at $45k?

[Raza]

I'd take an Eos over an IS250 convertible too; no manual in those, I think.

[Vinsanity]

theoretically, you can get an IS250C with a manual...for under $40k, even. actually finding one at a dealership is another story.

[nickdrinkwater]

One thing to consider is that the suspension and steering is sourced from the Passat, while the rest of the car is pure A series.  So, take a top of the class compact hatchback/sedan, remove the suspension, and put in the (top of the class, in my opinion) family sedan's suspension, and then chop the top off. 

You'd have to drive it for yourself.  They are lovely and I do still want one.  2.0T six speed with some new springs and a bit of ECM tuning should do the job...





Actually, one as a daily driver with something more hardcore in the garage does sound quite attractive indeed.

I have to admit, it looks pretty damn good from that angle.

[Pommes-T]

The Eos is an awesome car. I haven't driven one, yet, but my parents considered buying one when we were shopping for the Golf. It has won many comparisons, also against cars like the 3 series convertible. It has a lot of space for a convertible and is the best looking car in this price range IMO (the French cars all have massive trunks, becauase of their cheap roofs, just like the Focus convertible and the (old) Astra).

It might be softer than the Bimmer for example, but it's still a sportive car. And what do you want from a convertible? You won't take it to racetracks where you would need Eibach or K&W or whatever suspensions. You want a ralxed and cool car that is good for some nice drives on countryroads. The Eos should be absolutely perfect here.

[MX793]

The Eos is an awesome car. I haven't driven one, yet, but my parents considered buying one when we were shopping for the Golf. It has won many comparisons, also against cars like the 3 series convertible. It has a lot of space for a convertible and is the best looking car in this price range IMO (the French cars all have massive trunks, becauase of their cheap roofs, just like the Focus convertible and the (old) Astra).

It might be softer than the Bimmer for example, but it's still a sportive car. And what do you want from a convertible? You won't take it to racetracks where you would need Eibach or K&W or whatever suspensions. You want a ralxed and cool car that is good for some nice drives on countryroads. The Eos should be absolutely perfect here.

Keep in mind that the American market car is likely using a softer suspension than the German/European market car.  Even our GTI didn't have the same suspension setup as the Euro model (ours had a higher ride height, at least for the first year or two of years of the MkV).

[S204STi]

Americans and our soft suspension...

I seriously had a guy bring his G6 in equipped with the FE5 sport suspension and thought it was riding too rough. I was like, dude, if you wanted a softer ride why did you buy the GT with the FE5 suspension?

I guess the mere fact that you have the choice is a good deal, but obviously that got Pontiac nowhere.

[Raza]

theoretically, you can get an IS250C with a manual...for under $40k, even. actually finding one at a dealership is another story.

Ah, I was going on what I read in Car; apparently the manual isn't offered in the UK, but it is here.

It'll still be slower than the Eos.

[TurboDan]

It looks great and drives relatively well, but it is too soft and the steering lacks the feel of the Jetta and GTI/Rabbit.  I'd consider one as a second or third car, were I to buy a boulevardier, but I'd look at a 9-3 Aero V6 convertible first. 

I could potential be masochistic enough to go through another Saab story if the deal was good enough, but I'll be looking for a smaller car next time around. I'm greedy in the sense that I'd love to pick up any of the Boxster, Z4 or SLK for their small size, but a two-seater isn't necessarily practical as a daily driver as my back seat is filled with crap and occasionally I have to need to haul a second passenger. I'm not ruling out two-seaters, though.

The Eos seems to fill an interesting niche in that it's smaller than the mid/full size cabrios out there but just large enough to cram in a back seat for when it's needed. I don't like what I'm hearing about the ride being too soft, though. Granted, my Passat is a little bit softer than my old Saab but it's fine for me. Am I going to have to cringe taking a sharp turn in the Eos (like I would in a Sebring, for instance) or are we talking the fact that it's just a little bit softer than other VW offerings? I've actually never driven the present Jetta, so I'm not sure how it compares to the Passat - I assume it's a little bit more sportier in terms of handling since it's a smaller car.

[Colonel Cadillac]

You guys get a Focus convertible in Europe! This is news! I guess Ford wants us to buy the Mustang instead, but I'd be down for the Focus convertible.

[TBR]

I don't know what's the pricing like, but G37c?