DriveTech

Don't keep the Volkswagen Eos a secret any longer

The 2007 Volkswagen Eos 2.0-Turbocharged has to be one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to convertible hardtops. Volkswagen has produced a car that fits just about anyone's lifestyle and provides the best of both worlds - a convertible and a hardtop for under $40,000.

The Eos could be considered a "chick" car, which isn't a bad thing except that guys wouldn't be as interested in it. But thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual transmission, boys will love this car as well. If you're not into turbocharging, opt for the 3.2-liter 250 horsepowered V6 with the six-speed automatic that has paddle shifting (which I enjoyed on the back roads of East County).

Another unique feature of the 2007 Volkswagen Eos is the retractable hardtop that incorporates a sliding sunroof. I don't know of any other manufacturer that offers a hard top, convertible top and a retractable sunroof.

The backseat has plenty of legroom for adults as well as a center armrest. The interior is pretty simple but very functional. The bucket seats are very supportive and comfortable, and climbing into the back seat is a snap. The dash is well laid out and easy to read. The climate control is easy to operate as well and my tester came with heated seats. There's a nice armrest and under it is the handbrake and the controls for lowering and raising the top.

The handbrake is a little difficult to engage unless you raise the armrest. It's not a big thing but you might just forget about using the handbrake with this obtrusion in the way. It's the only thing on the Eos that bugged me a little, although it wouldn't keep me from buying the car. The gas mileage is good, with 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the open road.

The Eos is a front-wheel drive car with electro-mechanical power steering, independent front suspension, multilink independent rear suspension, electronic stabilization program, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, antilock brakes and 215/55HR 16-inch all season tires. All that is standard, but Classic Volkswagen ordered this Eos with the upgraded Sport Package, which includes leather sport seating, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and brushed aluminum interior trim. The package also has rain-sensing wipers, six-disc in dash CD changer, satellite radio, 12-way adjustable passenger seat with lumbar adjustments, six-speed automatic paddle shift transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels and park distance control to keep you off items you can't see.

The Volkswagen Eos is a fun car to drive. It would make a great second car for the family or a student going to college. The warranty on the Eos is a good one, with four years/50,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty and five years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty. The rust perforation warranty covers the Eos for 12 years, plus it has roadside assistance for four years/unlimited miles. Sounds like a good college car to me.

Because the Eos is a convertible, you may wonder if it's safe. Volkswagen prides itself in building safe vehicles and the Eos is no exception. Safety features in the 2007 Eos include front driver and passenger airbags, curtain and side airbags for the front passenger and driver, three-point seatbelts at all seating positions, lower anchors for kid's seats, daytime running lights, fog lights, very bright LED taillights, optimized head restraints, rear head restraints and roll over protection, side protection door beams, four-wheel disc brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system. Because it's a convertible, Volkswagen put an alarm in the radio so it won't work again if it gets stolen. Plus, there's a complete alarm system in at no extra charge.

My test vehicle came with a "candy white" exterior with a "moonrock gray" interior. Not only did it drive well, but it handled great on all roads. I'm not much of a convertible person but when I get the itch to drop my top, I would be happy to own a 2007 Volkswagen Eos, especially from Classic Volkswagen in the Escondido Auto Park. They truly treat you like family.

Next week, I'll review a Ford from Lake Elsinore Ford.