Monday, October 1, 2007

2008 Volkswagen Eos Review

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a 2-door coupe convertible with a sectioned metal retractable roof. It ships in three trim levels, the base, 2.0T, and 3.2L. The Eos base and 2.0T are powered by a standard 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine which develops 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. torque. The Eos 3.2L flies with a 3.2 liter V6 with 250 hp and 236 lb.-ft. torque. The Eos base and 2.0T come with a 6-speed manual transmission standard and the 3.2L with a 6-speed automatic.

Eos sports a sunroof residing in its hardtop convertible roof. With the roof up, the rear cargo space is 10.5 cubic feet, and 6.6 cubic feet with the top down. A special safety feature is the automatic rollover bar system that engages when a rollover is imminent. A pair of safety bars release from behind the rear seat, protecting the occupants. The 2008 Eos sports a DVD navigation system, 4 airbags, and heated leather seats.

The 2008 Volkswagen Eos has the stuff of a fine sports car, with power to spare, wind in the hair, and a fun manual 6-speed that enjoys a romp through the hills. Suspension is well-balanced with minimal lean in the corners and a stable feeling at higher speeds. With the roof up, the car was quiet and solid. Riding top down was pretty remarkable as well with minimal wind sound or turbulence.

In a more practical vein, the 2008 Eos boasts 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the 2.0 liter version, and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for the 3.2 liter version. From the outside the Eos is a clean-looking aerodynamically styled car with a pleasant roofline and balanced stance. Especially attractive are the chrome grill area and the multifaceted headlights. In the automotive market today, a hard top convertible may not sound like a stroke of genius, but gut level, it just feels right.

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