Introducing the Eos, a Convertible Both Sexes can Enjoy

May 23, 2006 – 9:01 am by Matt Radel
Filed under Volkswagen Eos

There’s been a void in the VW line for quite some time. While they have offered great products that hit the various appropriate niche markets over the past several years(with the exception of a few – yes Phaeton, I’m talking about you), they’ve failed to deliver on a convertible that appeals to the male gender as a whole. I’m sorry, but I could never see myself in a New Beetle or Cabrio. They’re truly, in my opinion, chick cars. And don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against chick cars, as it’s nice to know that generally when I see a New Beetle or Carbio the occupant is going to be worth a glance (am I right guys?).

But what about us guys? We love our dubs, but if we NEED a convertible, we’re going to go outside the line. We want something sleek and fast, something that’ll draw some looks from the ladies. And if we’re rollin’ in a New Beetle, it most likely isn’t going to be the type of look we want.

Enter the Eos.

Available this fall and starting at $27,990 for a 2.0 liter 200 horsepower supercharged four-cylinder, we can get into a rockin’ convertible for some decent scratch. To coin some of the old adages from the 1980’s commercials, it’s sleek, sexy and…er…freakin’ quick. It rocks all the way up to a $41,600 3.5 liter, 350 horsepower VR6, just in case you feel really saucy. And what’s really unique about it? The freakin’ hardtop, that borrows abit from the Lexus SC (which I’ve always dug by the way). Granted, it may take 25 seconds to open and close, but it looks so damn cool I don’t think I’d ever get tired of it. I love the stance too – it leans forward a bit, ready to leap forward. It fits very well with the new VW aesthetic, and looks very sturdy.

But I’m not sure if I dig it with the top up.

It reminds me of the Chrysler Sebring, with too much junk in the trunk. It just feels a bit unnatural, especially for a VW. I’m glad that they’ve allotted decent space for the back seat, but it looks as though the doors are too far from the rear wheels. I’m also a bit concerned with the cost of ownership as well. Convertibles can be extremely expensive to fix, and given VW’s recent reputation of craftsmanship, I’d be a bit weary of buying one of the first ones off the line. Hopefully they’ve truly corrected the err of their ways though, and will build sound products.

All in all though, I gotta give ‘em a high five for this one. This is more of a man’s convertible, and will hopefully draw some fellas back to the line. Even some of the promotional photos show a dude groovin’ on a lady – ya know the kinda things us men wanna see (ha – is this guy talk too over the top? Nahhhh…).

Is it the ultimate guy convertible? Not really. Is it really even being marketed towards men specifically? No. But the fact that VW finally has a convertible that both sexes can dig is huge. I gotta say, I’m a fan. I can’t wait to see one on the road!

Introducing the Eos, a Convertible Both Sexes can Enjoy
May 23, 2006 – 9:01 am by Matt Radel