The top is an electro-hydraulically-operated, five-piece, steel-and-glass roof that looks like a mechanical ballet when it’s in operation. It takes just 25 seconds for the top to go up or down, the five elements forming a compact “sandwich” stacking neatly on top of each other and taking minimal space inside the trunk.
The mechanism is activated from the front seat by a press-and-hold lever beneath the center armrest. The method of operation uniquely allows the roof to open or close in most garages. The Eos comfortably seats four adults and has space for their luggage.
Under the hood
The Eos is powered by Volkswagen’s award-winning 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and inter-cooled four-cylinder TSI gasoline engine. The advanced, technically sophisticated, direct fuel-injection power plant produces 200 hp and has drive-by-wire throttle control and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. One of the key reasons for the engine’s lively, responsive performance is that it produces all 207 pounds-feet of torque from just 1,700 rpm, allowing for easy passing and exits from tight curves.
The front-wheel drive Eos has a DSG six speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard equipment. The fast-shifting automatic enables the Eos to deliver an EPA fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in city driving. DSG combines the comfort and ease-of-use of an automatic with the responsiveness and economy of a manual.
The six-speed, transversely mounted DSG unit features two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the odd gears — first, third, fifth and reverse — while the other operates the even gears.
Exterior design
Essentially it is two gearboxes in one. Top up or down, the Eos has a sleek, elegant profile highlighted by a swept-back windshield, slim roof pillars for excellent all-round visibility, and a bold, muscular body line that starts at the front wheel arch and sweeps back to the taillight. Swept-back headlights flank a prominent, slim grille featuring three gloss-black blades trimmed with a narrow chrome strip.
The front bumper has a deep, restyled air dam with horizontal blades matching the grille. At the edges, halogen reflector-lens fog lights have a corner-illuminating feature.
For 2015, Volkswagen replaced the Sport trim with the Final Edition. Based on the Sport trim, the Final Edition offers more at the mid-level trim with 18-inch Vicenza wheels, unique Cornsilk Beige and black two-tone Vienna leather seating surfaces, contrast stitching, silver net interior trim, a rearview camera and rain-sensing wipers.
Pricing
The base MSRP on the 2015 Volkswagen Eos is $36,145.
[author image=”http://www.samaonline.org/Ron.jpg” ]Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.[/author]
