The 2009 Volkswagen Eos is a convertible with just enough performance flair to make it fun to drive and just enough interior styling to make it comfortable as well as the great advantage of being one of the cheapest retractable hard-top convertibles on the market. On top of that it is a head-turning fashion statement that screams summer all year-round. This year the Eos loses its V6 engine to make just one engine available, and the navigation system has been redesigned for easier and more functional use.
2009 Volkswagen Eos Performance
With the demise of the V6, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is now the only engine available for the Eos and produces 200hp and 207lb-ft of torque. As long as you are not expecting sports car performance, this front-wheel drive provides stable and strong acceleration with enough power even for highway overtaking, but probably not enough to throw it through serious cornering with flair. It reaches the 60mph mark in around 7.8 seconds. The six-speed manual transmission gives great responsiveness and avoids the tardy downshifting of the six-speed automated-clutch manual transmission. This DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automated transmission drives as a manual in “Drive” mode, yet with the steering wheel mounted paddles allows for quick shifts. This is the only transmission available on the Lux trim.
Suspension is tuned at the comfort end of the spectrum rather than sporty performance so does tend to roll a little in corners. Body shake at speed with the top both up and down is minimal, which is a testament to the superior engineering of the retractable hard top. Wind rush with the top down is also minimal thanks to the windscreen header that deflects the air over the car. The three-piece hard top retracts with the press of a button in 23 seconds, and requires 16 inches of rear clearance to achieve this. A rear sensor detects when this space is insufficient with a warning alarm. Even with the roof up, there is a glass sunroof that gives an open-air feel and makes the Eos almost as attractive with the top up as it is down.
Fuel economy on the 2009 Volkswagen Eos stands at 21/29 mpg city/highway which is not bad considering the weight of this convertible and the fact that even the compact Volkswagen Rabbit only manages an extra two or three mpg more.
2009 Volkswagen Eos Interior and Features
The 2009 Volkswagen Eos comes in two trims, the Komfort and the Lux and both feature two-doors and seat four passengers. The overall appearance inside the Eos is one of high-class luxury with stylish beige coloring and soft touch panels. The seating is well-bolstered and comfortable, with plenty of leg and head space in the front seats. The two rear seats are less adequate, especially with the front seats pushed back, and while two adults will fit, with the top down head space is seriously limited and better designed for the kids.
Standard features on the Komfort trim include 16-inch wheels, 12-way powered driver seat and heated front seats, vinyl upholstery, 8-speaker stereo system, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and satellite radio. The Lux trim adds 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, real wood walnut interior, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel audio controls and power-folding heated side rearview mirrors. Optional extras include the Technology Package that adds rear obstacle detection system and adaptive bi-xenon headlights. The Navigation Package adds a new and much improved touchscreen navigation system, iPod adapter and 30GB hard drive. An upgraded sound system is available for the Lux model with 10-speakers and 6-disc CD changer.
Cargo space is obviously seriously limited with the top down, leaving just 6 cubic feet free, but even with the top up there is only a little more than 10 cubic feet available. Perhaps one of the most annoying features on a car that we have ever experienced is the announcement as you turn on the car that you must promise the ever-present Volkswagen lawyers that you will not allow the radio to distract you from driving. Only by pressing the “I Agree” button are you then allowed to change the radio station. What is that about?
2009 Volkswagen Eos Safety
The 2009 Volkswagen Eos does well in Insurance Institute safety testing, earning a “Top Safety Pick” rating for convertibles. Electronic stability control, ABS, traction control and brake assist are standard to help prevent the car from losing control and avoid accidents, and roll bars automatically engage if rollover situation is detected. Full airbags are included, with front, side impact and side curtain airbags that dispatch from the doors.
Safety features:
- Stability control, ABS, brake assist and traction control
- Automatic roll bars
- Front, front side and side curtain airbags
- Tire pressure monitor
- Daytime running lights
The 2009 Volkswagen Eos is a brilliant hard-top convertible that achieves everything that you would expect from a convertible at a reasonable price. It looks great, is solidly built, performs well, and will impress both those travelling on the inside and watching from the outside. This is not a sportscar, and if that is what you are looking for perhaps the new BMW 128i will suit you better, but for sophistication and refinement the Eos beats the likes of the Chrysler Sebring and Pontiac G6 hand-down.