DriveTech

2007 Volkswagen Eos 2.0T is more than just a solid ride

How many cars have a solid roof that retracts into the trunk- but also have a sunroof? Volkswagen felt we needed just that and gave us the 2007 Volkswagen Eos. The first look is very eye appealing with the top up or down.

My tester came from Classic Volkswagen in the Escondido Auto Park. General Manager Dan Gardner is very excited about the all-new Eos and rightfully so. Not only did I fit in the driver's seat, I actually had to slide the seat forward to reach the pedals (and I'm over six feet tall).

The seats are high bolstered on the sides, which gives added support in corners. You need that cushioning because of the standard 2.0-liter Turbocharged four-cylinder front wheel drive engine that produced 200 horsepower and 207 pound-foot of raw torque (only if needed). This is backed by an optional six-speed automatic transmission that allows you to paddle shift (if needed). Nestled behind the steering wheel, the paddles are easy to operate and small enough not to get in the way.

The interior is typical Volkswagen with red and blue illumination of the instrumentation and audio and climate controls. The control layout is good and there's a nice information center between the tachometer and speedometer, keeping you alert to the operations of the Eos.

The first thing I noticed on the road is how solid the car rides. It feels heavy until you mash the gas pedal getting onto the freeway, then it lightens up. At cruising speed it feels solid again and rides like a full size sedan. I have never felt that in a car the size of the Eos. I really liked the feel and handling of the 2007 Eos.

My test vehicle had a "paprika red" exterior with a "titan black" interior. The back seat is very roomy and thanks to the electric "easy entry" front seats, it's a breeze getting into the backseats. There's a twelve-way power driver seat and eight adjustments for the passenger, plus a sliding armrest that's standard on just about all Volkswagens.

What really makes the Eos stand out is its retractable hard top roof. There's a chrome lever between the driver and passenger seat - with a push and hold of the lever, the windows roll down and the top retracts into the trunk. There' s a tray system that must be in place in the trunk for the top to retract but it still has decent storage. Once the top is tucked away, the Eos is a sleek looking convertible that could park next to vehicles that cost twice what it costs and still look good!

Top up or down, the ride is still solid. The way Volkswagen integrated a sliding glass sunroof into the roof system impressed me. It also comes with an interior shade if sun is not your thing.

There are tons of standard features in the Eos, including power windows and door locks, cruise control, a great dual climate control system with a pollen and odor filter, a trip computer with a compass and outside temperature reading. The outside mirrors are not only electrically powered but heated as well. Along with the front seats, you can also adjust the steering wheel up, down, in or out.

You get a set of standard 16-inch alloy wheels but Classic ordered this Eos with the optional Sport Package, which consists of 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, leather sport seating, leather-wrapped multi-functioned steering wheel, brushed aluminum trim accenting the interior, rain sensing wipers, a great sound system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and increasing passenger seat adjustments to twelve-way power with lumbar support.

Fuel mileage is 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 MPG on the freeway. Even though it's a convertible hardtop, the safety features have not diminished. It has front driver and passenger airbags, combined curtain and side airbags for the front occupants, lower anchors for child seats in the rear, rear head restraints and roll over protection, plus a lot more.

On a scale of one to 10 I would have to give the 2007 Volkswagen Eos a solid 10. Gardner has never steered me wrong. The price starts out at $29,990 and the rest is up to you.