Used 2014 Volkswagen Eos

While most of us would love to own a convertible, the practicality of having one as our only car pretty much kills the dream. However, the 2014 Volkswagen Eos convertible is an exception to the rule, offering seating for more than two passengers, a quiet and comfortable cabin and the security of a hardtop roof. The Eos even includes a huge glass panel sunroof built into the retractable hardtop perfect for those times when you want more air and sun, but don’t want to be buffeted on all sides by wind and road noise. Toss in a turbocharged engine that delivers impressive fuel economy, and it’s easy to see why the 2014 VW Eos is helping keep the dream alive.

It only takes a few minutes behind the wheel of the 2014 VW Eos to realize its ride and handling are on par with some of the best fixed-roof coupes we’ve tested. Wind and road noise so common in soft top convertibles are nowhere to be found inside the Eos, and the 2.0-liter turbo is not only a powerful engine, but a smooth one as well. On numerous occasions we were surprised to look down to see our Eos cruising along at a good clip in just 4th gear (there are six of them inside the Eos’ DSG automatic transmission). Although the Eos is no GTI, it still proves quite competent when the road begins to twist and turn. Thanks in part to the tall front deflector that can be manually deployed from the windshield’s edge, wind buffeting in the passenger cabin is kept to a minimum.

The VW Eos’ interior is more intelligently designed and better assembled than cars we’ve driven costing twice as much. The Executive trim’s premium leather seating and 12-way power-adjustable front seats (including 4-way power-adjustable lumbar) are supremely comfortable, and the 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 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 give away its true identity. Along with LED taillights, the 2014 Eos is covered in a choice of vivid paint colors 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 an active rollbar that, in the event of a potential roll-over situation, pops up from behind the rear-seat head restraints.

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 2014 Volkswagen Eos Komfort comes equipped with electronically controlled air conditioning, 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, power windows/locks/mirrors, 12-way power-adjustable front driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar, heated front Leatherette seats (dubbed V-Tex), heated front washer nozzles, Car-Net, Bluetooth connectivity and the Premium touch-screen navigation Radio with CD player, auxiliary audio input jack, iPod integration and eight speakers.

Options for 2014 are few and built into the standard features specific to each trim. The Sport trim adds a sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon adaptive front headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, and steering wheel paddle shifters. The Executive models add power-folding and heated side mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror, rain-sensing wipers, Park Distance Control, 12-way power passenger seat with 4-way power lumbar support and leather seating surfaces. The Executive trim also features a 600-watt Dynaudio upgrade and navigation radio. All trims can be fitted with different wheels, a rear lip spoiler and all-weather floor mats.

The 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