Volkswagen EOS 2012 Review

From the front it looks just like a Golf. But sharper, more aggressive lines should make Volkswagen's EOS sports couple-convertible more appealing especially to male buyers.

Launched in 2007 the hard-topped, Golf-based coupe-convertible has just been updated, with cosmetic changes and more standard equipment.

But in terms of performance things remain pretty much the same, with engines that carry over from the update in September.

PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

Priced from $49,990 it's an alluring proposition, a premium offering with plenty of `look at me' appeal. EOS is well equipped with leather and climate controlled airconditioning standard. Bluetooth, an alarm system and media device interface (MDI) for an iPod have been added. You also get rain sensing wipers and rear parking sensors. A space saver spare wheel is included.

Options include a more advanced self-parking system for $900. As well as reverse parking it can slide you into a car parking bay in a shopping centre carpark with 40cm of clearance either side without hitting a pylon. The system doesn't need to be activated, it is constantly on the lookout for parking spaces.

The folding metal roof takes 25 seconds to deploy, offering the benefits of a convertible with the security of a coupe.

SAFETY

EOS comes with the usual range of VW safety systems, including electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution. But with four airbags, it scores only a four-star rating for safety. The side airbags offer protection for front seat occupants only. not rear seat passengers.

DESIGN

Volkswagen is hoping the changes it has made will boost the fortunes of the four-seat coupe-convertible with its folding metal roof. Built in Portugal, sales have fallen markedly since the model's introduction. Cosmetic changes including new front and rear lights, a redesigned front grille and sharper boot line bring the car into step with the current family look.

ENGINES AND MECHANICAL

Buyers can choose between a 2.0-litre turbo diesel or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 155kW/280Nm turbocharged engine is the same unit that is in the Golf GTI, while the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel will be familiar to VW enthusiasts.

Both are paired with a six-speed DSG style transmission -- a twin-clutch, robotised manual gearbox -- which of course means no more manual. As 85 per cent of buyers chose DSG, normally a $2500 option — this is not going to worry too many people.

Volkswagen has managed to trim the fuel economy of the car. The diesel is good for 5.9 litres/100km (was 6.1) while the petrol model now returns 7.7 litres/100km (was 7.9).

DRIVING

After driving the two cars back to back, we reckon the petrol engine is the pick, although it will set you back another $2000. It feels the sportier of the two and makes all the right noises in all the right places when driven enthusiastically.

Mid-range performance is strong but the car is slower off the line than the GTI because it is a bigger and heavier car. The transmission has sport mode or you can change gears manually via the shift lever, but surprisingly VW does not offer shift paddles with this model.

As a convertible EOS exhibits a small amount of body flex, even with the roof up — but that's the price you pay for sunshine. If you rarely venture off major thoroughfares, you'll probably never notice.

VOLKSWAGEN EOS

Price: From $49,990
Engines: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (103kW/320Nm), 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (155kW/280Nm)
Transmission: 6-speed DSG, front-wheel-drive
Thirst: 5.9L/100km (diesel), 7.7L/100km (petrol)
Crash safety: 4 stars