Mr. M

By Chris Paukert
Issue #16.0, January 2007



With Michigan’s typically gray late-fall skies hemming in the horizon and winter’s bite at our office door, Volkswagen could hardly have picked a better time or location to release its up-engined Eos 3.2 hardtop convertible than in sun-drenched Scottsdale, Arizona. Needless to say, VW didn’t have to call twice to get our bags packed.

Regardless of engine choice, VW’s Eos is in fact decidedly well suited to most any environ, thanks to its unique five-element hardtop roof mechanism that integrates a large sunroof. Its 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine is teamed with the automaker’s wonderfully responsive dual-clutch DSG transmission with Tiptronic paddles (the sole gearbox paired with the V-6), affording fluid, lightning-fast gear changes regardless of engine speed. Offering 250 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, the drive-train is credibly flexible and adds a modicum of “sport” to an otherwise fine cruiser.

Short of giving the 3.2-liter full throttle, its engine tone remains subdued, but it does make a nice noise when given the boot, especially when the roof is stowed. By most accounts, the 2.0T isn’t short on performance, but the larger V-6 imbues the front-drive Eos with a welcome boost in passing power.

Our tester was equipped with the optional Sport package, which tightens up the suspension modestly and adds eighteen-inch wheels. Its all-season Pirelli P6 tires aren’t exactly what we associate with a sport-branded package, as they protest too much—too early during spirited cornering; otherwise, they ride nicely and go about their business quietly.

While the standard 2.0T model is very well equipped, the 3.2 is packed to the gunwales with kit, including half-inch-wider seventeen-inch wheels, six-disc in-dash CD player with Sirius satellite radio, genuine walnut trim, and power seats with leather—all of which help to justify its nearly $37,000 MSRP. The Eos 3.2 may not be the last word in high performance, but it is a fine cut-price alternative to its fraternal sister, the Audi A4 Cabriolet.

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