Used 2016 Volkswagen Eos

With the 2016 Volkswagen Eos convertible, you’ll get two cars for the price of one. That’s because with its retractable hardtop in place, the Eos looks and feels like a sporty coupe. The top even has a built-in sunroof. Press a button, and the top automatically disappears into the trunk to create a sporty, 4-passenger open-air convertible. And while it’s true that you can find hardtop-convertible versions of the BMW 4 Series, Lexus IS and Infiniti Q60, you won’t find a sub-$33,000 price tag on any of the aforementioned cars. You can get into a smaller and less powerful Mazda MX-5 Miata or Mini Cooper convertible for considerably less money, and get a manual-transmission car with better handling and a more youthful attitude.

Regardless if driven with its top or down, Volkswagen’s convertible Eos for 2016 never feels jittery or rattle-prone. The solid build structure comes from the Eos’ Jetta/Golf roots, which also contribute to this little drop-top’s sedan-like ride and handling. Although not as nimble and tossable as a Fiat 500 or Mini Cooper, the Eos has a kind of solidity and stability you won’t find with many of its smaller rivals. Even with the top down, the Eos interior is devoid of wind buffeting and obnoxious road noise, thanks in part to the tall front deflector which can be manually engaged from the windshield’s edge. The Eos’ 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers up 200 horsepower for quick acceleration and passing, and the 6-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission can be manually shifted or left on its own.

The 2016 VW Eos’ 4-passenger cabin is nicely appointed in imitation leather (V-Tex) seating. Audio and climate controls are simple to see and use. The 12-way-adjustable driver’s seat conforms to a variety of body shapes and sizes. Legroom for the two rear seats is on the tight side but not insufferable for adults. The rear seats do not fold, but there is a lockable storage compartment between them. Top up, the trunk offers a good 10.5 cubic feet of storage space. Top down, there is an adequate 6.6 cubic feet, enough for a few shopping bags.

True to the Eos’ ethos, it looks like two different cars depending on the roof’s position. With it up, the VW appears to be a coupe, though one marked by lines intertwining its roof and body, allowing the complex folding of its metal and glass roof. Top down, the Eos is a nicely proportioned open-air pleaser. The 2016 VW Eos rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. As mentioned in Favorite Features, the roof houses a large, 44-by-22-inch sunroof. The roof itself lowers and rises in 25 seconds.

PANORAMIC GLASS SUNROOF
This clever feature allows the 2016 VW Eos Convertible’s hardtop to remain in place, but still lets in plenty of sun and fresh air. Keeping the top in place also frees up an additional four cubic feet of trunk space.

STANDARD NAVIGATION RADIO
The 2016 VW Eos comes standard with an excellent navigation radio that also includes a 5-inch touch screen, HD radio, SD card, Bluetooth, Sirius XM and VW’s Car-Net connected vehicle-services platform.

The 2016 Volkswagen Eos Komfort includes dual-zone climate control, 12-way-power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and V-Tex imitation leather upholstery. Navigation is standard and is displayed on a 5-inch touch screen. Entertainment is provided by an 8-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary-in jack, Bluetooth streaming and an iPod cable. As with other new VWs, the 2016 Eos includes one year/10,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance and three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance.

Outside of a few dealer-installed add-ons like remote start, a first-aid kit and rear lip spoiler, there are no options or packages for VW’s 2016 Eos Convertible.

The front-wheel-drive 2016 Volkswagen Eos derives its power from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine connected to a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with Sport mode. As is often the case with turbocharged engines, premium fuel is recommended.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
200 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg