2008 Volkswagen Eos

(from Volkswagen Press Release) The 2008 Eos comes with a choice of engines: the Volkswagen 2.0T four-cylinder and the innovative Volkswagen 3.2 L narrow-angle V6. Either way you get plenty of power and the innovative hard-top coupe convertible for as little as $28,915 for an Eos 2.0T and $37,990 for the Eos 3.2 L.

The 2008 Eos 2.0T offers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. High-pressure, FSI helps with performance and efficiency. The 2008 Eos 2.0T is EPA-rated at an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 32 mpg in highway driving.

For people who need even more performance, the 2008 Eos 3.2 L V6 cranks out 250 hp and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The narrow-angle six-cylinder engine accelerates the Eos from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds.

The Eos 3.2 L V6 model comes standard with the double-clutch DSG® six-speed transmission with Tiptronic®. This transmission is available as an option for those who wish to replace the standard six-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch that comes standard with the Eos 2.0T. Regardless of powertrain setup, the power transfers to where rubber meets the road via front-wheel drive in all 2008 Eos models.

While the Eos is a two-door coupe, it gives the driver and passengers the feeling and comfort of being in a much larger convertible. At 173.5 inches long overall with a wheelbase of 101.5 in., width of 70.5 in. and height of 56.8 in, the dimensions of the Eos enhance vehicle dynamics. A large track width not only looks good, it helps create extraordinary agility and safe handling characteristics exhibited by the Eos.

The 2008 Eos 2.0T offers a respectable 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the roof closed, and 6.6 cu.ft. with the roof retracted. A lockable, rear seat pass-through allows for transporting some long or bulky items, such as skis.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Volkswagen Eos Review

Introduction
Like a little brother wanting so much to emulate his bigger bro, Volkswagen wants its image to be more like that of its upscale sibling -- Audi. It's certainly not a bad aspiration, but when the company goes hog wild, as it did with the super nice but super expensive Phaeton luxury sedan, VW loses touch with the populace. The 2008 Volkswagen Eos, however, strikes a happy medium between being just the "people's car" and a true luxury vehicle with a luxury price tag.

Introduced just last year, the Eos is a compact hardtop convertible based on a shortened version of the Passat's platform. It starts at around 30 grand and boasts greater refinement and luxury than similarly priced rivals while being priced thousands less than other Euro-bred drop tops. In addition to the added comfort and security that come with any folding metal top, the Eos' retracting roof features a built-in power sunroof. If it's too chilly to drop the roof, you can slide open the sunroof just as you would with a sunroof-equipped coupe.

Although Volkswagen offers both a 200-horsepower turbocharged inline four-cylinder and a 250-hp V6 in the Eos, one needn't upgrade to the six to get brisk performance. That said, this VW isn't geared toward hard-core enthusiasts despite its sporty looks. Volkswagen's hardtop convertible is certainly composed and enjoyable on back roads, but ultimately, the Eos is more grand tourer than sports machine.

This year, the Eos' trim levels are revised. The former base trim is replaced by the Turbo; last year's 2.0T is replaced by the Komfort; the former 3.2L is renamed VR6; and a new Lux trim debuts. The Lux offers the luxury features of the Eos VR6 on the four-cylinder model, resulting in a substantial savings for buyers who care more about amenities than cylinder count.

Equipped with that turbocharged-4, the 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a keen choice in the convertible market, a market that also includes models like the Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang GT, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT, Pontiac G6 and Toyota Camry Solara. The Mustang and Eclipse will beat the Eos in a straight line but fall short in refinement and rear-seat space. The Pontiac also features a retractable hardtop, but its execution is nowhere near as polished as the VW's. The roomy Toyota is a solid choice if you don't mind a cloth top, though its complete lack of athleticism will turn off those who enjoy driving.

© Source: edmunds
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