2013 Volkswagen Eos

DYNAUDIO SOUND SYSTEM
The available 10-speaker, 600-watt audio system produces a full, natural sound that's among the best we've heard.

DSG TRANSMISSION
The Eos' handling characteristics make it easy to utilize and appreciate VW's quick- and smooth-shifting dual-clutch transmission.

The interior of the 2013 VW Eos is more intelligently designed and better assembled than cars we've driven costing twice as much. The Lux and Executive trims' premium leather seating and 12-way power-adjustable front seats (including 4-way power-adjustable lumbar) are supremely comfortable, and the new touch-screen audio head unit is among the most intuitive we've tested. As it has to accommodate much of the retractable top's mechanicals, the Eos' rear seat is understandably narrow and not much use for grown adults. With the top in place, the Eos offers a modest 10.5 cubic feet of trunk space, but once the top is retracted – a feat that takes a mere 25 seconds – that space shrinks to just 6.6 cubic feet.

Although, when viewed from the side, the Eos could easily be mistaken for a hardtop coupe, a handful of cut-lines gives away its true identity. Along with new LED taillights, the 2013 Eos is covered in more vivid paint choices and rides atop 17- and 18-inch wheels. Integrated side-mirror turn signals give the Eos a premium-car appearance, as do the chrome dual exhaust outlets and large black-glass sunroof built into the 3-piece retractable hardtop. Safety features above and beyond the obligatory airbags include available swiveling bi-xenon headlights and an active rollbar that, in the event of a potential roll-over situation, pops up from behind the rear-seat head restraints.

The 2013 VW Eos' 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and DSG transmission comprise one of the most highly regarded powertrains on the road. With FSI direct fuel injection mitigating turbo lag, the engine is unusually responsive. The innovative DSG transmission functions as a no-touch automatic in traffic and a quick-shifting, no-pedal manual when you're feeling more enthusiastic.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
200 horsepower @ 5,100-6,000 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg

The 2013 Volkswagen Eos Komfort's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts close to $35,000, jumps to around $38,000 for the nicely equipped Sport or Lux model, and tops out around $42,000 for a loaded Executive. Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price reflects real-world transaction prices close to these sticker prices. The Volvo C70 is the Eos' most kindred competitor in spirit, but it starts over $40,000 and, fully equipped, can approach $50,000. Smaller and less expensive is the Mazda Miata MX-5 Hardtop, with the only other 4-passenger hardtop in this price range being the Chrysler 200 Convertible. In terms of resale value, we expect the Eos to perform nominally on par with the C70 and MX-5 Miata and much better than the 200 Convertible.

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