2011 Volkswagen Eos Lux: Great retail therapy

Written by Kelly Marcoux and Steven Macoy
Thursday, 15 September 2011 10:14

Editor’s note: Today’s review is by guest writer Kelly Marcoux, followed by remarks by regular automotive writer Steven Macoy.

Your world may feel small, and confusing, so you pray to the gods. Why not Eos, goddess of sunrise? This vehicle is more than the reliable Volkswagen you have come to love; it is a lustrous and sporty hardtop convertible that handles with decision. Yes, decision.

The retractable hardtop is almost as good as therapy. With the touch of a button, the Eos has the ability to keep misbehaving weather and unwanted noises out, or give you the airy feel you want, so your spirit can soar. Finally the freedom to decide, and your decision is never wrong, because this hardtop solution also offers a large, whimsical, built-in sunroof.

Once you’re behind the wheel, you can enjoy the many features this four-seat, two-door convertible has to offer. The driver’s command center is stylish and effortless to use. The heated seats, interior ambiance lighting and dynamic sound system add to the excitement of a “topless” evening.

This solidly crafted machine also protects itself with a backup sensor, which not only warns you of objects behind the car, but also prevents you from operating the roof if any obstruction is in the way. This is just another example of how Volkswagen unshackles you.

In a world of uncertainties, safety shouldn’t be one of them. The Eos is equipped with frontal and side air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and rollover protection. For our Earth, it offers 30 m.p.g. on the highway and is rated a super ultra-low-emission vehicle.

Not everyone has access to this type of rehabilitation. The base Eos Komfort starts at about $34,000. The mid-level Eos Lux test car, with no options and a $770 destination charge, had a sticker price of $38,020. To offset the price, Volkswagen creatively designed a petite trunk space to curb your shopping sprees.

This price point seems reasonable for a sophisticated German-engineered vehicle; however, the price will climb as you add options. Luckily, so will your attitude.

— Kelly Marcoux

* * * *

The Eos isn’t your mother’s Cabrio or your grandmother’s Beetle convertible. Those were entry-level ragtops, designed to provide inexpensive, top-down fun. The refined, luxurious Eos is an emphatic step up into territory once controlled by Saab and Volvo.

Of course, there are tradeoffs, starting with the steep price of admission. The trunk is comparatively spacious (10.5 cubic feet) with the retractable hardtop raised but shrinks dramatically when it’s lowered.

Both test drivers noticed a distinct turbo lag off the line at stop signs and traffic signals, but performance was crisp and responsive the rest of the time.

Rather than succeeding the Cabrio, the Eos supersedes it, asserting itself in a near-luxury zone the Cabrio never sought to occupy. It’s a worthy competitor and a superior value in the hardtop-convertible sector.

— Steven Macoy

Kelly Marcoux of Bethel is a public school teacher in Newtown. Steven Macoy, also of Bethel, is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor.

Price: $38,020

Engine: 2.0-liter inline turbocharged Four, 200 horsepower, 207 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic

Drive: Front-wheel

Weight: 3,569 lb.

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear

Wheels: 17x7.5-in. alloy

Tires: 235/45R H all-season

Seating capacity: 4

Luggage capacity: 10.5 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons

Fuel economy: 22 mpg city, 30mpg highway

Fuel type: Premium (recommended)

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