“The Volkswagen Eos
  coupé-cabriolet is a
  very easy car to like.
  Ticking, as it does, all
  the important boxes.
  The only hard part is
  deciding which of the
  five engine options —
  ranging from 113 to
  247bhp — is best for
  you...”

HOTTER SUMMERS AND THE INTRODUCTION of numerous folding metal roof coupé- cabriolets are leading to a boom in sales of convertibles
in the UK.

According to figures from the Society of Motoring Manufact-urers and Traders, registrations are now over 100,000 units a year — three times the number a decade ago — and accounting for a 4.3 per cent share of the new car market.

Industry figures show that in this sector petrol-engined models domin-ate, taking 70 per cent of sales. But for Volkswagen, the story is different. VW introduced their Eos Coupé-Cabriolet range last July with both petrol and diesel engine options. Petrol models currently account for 51 per cent of Eos sales, but next year VW UK expects that diesel variants will lead the way — with 54 per cent of sales. This is far higher than the 20 per cent Eos diesel sales forecast from VW last July, when the range was launched.

The Eos name comes from the Greek goddess of the dawn and the range follows VW's long tradition of convertibles that started with the Beetle over 50 years ago.

This year VW is expecting to sell 5,500 Eos models in the UK, with demand outstripping supply. The UK is the third largest market for Eos in the world, after Germany and the USA. Much of the growth in coupé-cabriolet sales in the UK has come from business 'user- chooser' customers.

The introduction of folding metal roof technology — instead of a fabric top — makes them safer and more secure, so many companies are happy to allow them on their car choice lists. High-mileage company car users, including user-choosers, are driving up the increase in sales of diesel-powered models, hence VW's predictions that next year their diesel Eos models will marginally outsell petrol versions. Already the single best-selling Eos model is the 2.0-litre TDI.

The Eos range offers a choice of five direct-injection engine options: four petrol and one diesel. These are the 1.6-litre FSI 113bhp, the
2.0-litre FSI 148bhp (as tested here), the 2.0-litre T-FSI 197bhp,
the 3.2-litre V6 247bhp and the 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp. Depending on
the model chosen, either a six-speed manual transmission or VW's
DSG automatic gearbox is available.

Three trim levels are available; although this does depend on the model chosen — Standard, Sport and the very new 'Individual' specification. Prices range from £19,722 up to £29,527 for the range-topping 3.2-litre V6 FSI model fitted with a DSG gearbox.

My test car was the expected best-selling variant, the Eos Sport 2.0-litre FSI 148bhp, priced at £22,087 on the road. But with the consumer swing to diesel, the same model fitted instead with the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine costs £22,647 and it would be my first choice, given the better fuel economy — 47.1mpg diesel vs 34mpg petrol — for not a lot more money.

The Eos fits in the VW hierarchy between the Golf and Passat models and looks like a coupé version of the mid-sized VW Jetta saloon. The Eos has two doors and a five-piece steel-and-glass folding metal roof — which also includes a sunroof — that takes just 25 seconds to open or close electronically. In its roof-down mode, the five-piece roof divides and stacks neatly into the top of the luggage boot. Luggage space is 380 litres with the roof up and 205 litres with the roof lowered and packed away into the boot.

The Eos is much more than just a saloon or hatchback with the roof removed. It is a purpose-built coupé-convertible and 4,407mm in length. Being purpose-built has two advantages. It is the roomiest of the new generation C-segment coupé-cabriolets — or CCs as they are more commonly known. And this is especially evident for rear seat passengers: two real-world adults can be accommodated quite easily
in nicely-supportive contoured seats. Also, it means the car has been designed with strength and rigidity built into it — not strengthening added later to compensate for the redesign of a saloon or hatchback bodyshell. Consequently it feels reassuringly all-of-a-piece on the road.

The torsional stiffness and rigidity gives the Eos excellent handling characteristics. There is no body shake with the roof down, and it handles sharply just like a quality sports car. With the roof up, the Eos becomes a very solid and sleek-looking coupé with ample headroom both front and rear and there is no evidence of increased wind noise over a conventional saloon or solid roof coupé. Windy and rainy weather, as happened during my test period, have no effect on this car. Unlike a canvas top convertible it can be used all the year round. Whatever the weather.

All Eos models are fitted with an electronic stability programme, twin front and side airbags, semi-automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, radio/CD player, alloy wheels and the all-important parking sensors.

The Sport version gains 17-inch alloy wheels, a firmer sports suspen-sion and aluminium pedals and dashboard inserts. However, the test car had lots of added extras and that, of course, pushes the price up considerably; but most would be desirable if you were looking to buy one of these models secondhand.

The add-ons were larger 18-inch alloy wheels, DVD satellite navigation, uprated CD player with 10 speakers, multi-function computer, rear
wind deflector (a definite must-have), electrically-adjustable and heated front seats, upgraded zoned air conditioning, leather upholstery and leather covered steering wheel, dusk sensor lights and rain sensor wipers. All these items add over £6,000 to the price, so be warned — you suddenly end up with a very fine coupé-cabriolet which costs
what some might consider a heavyweight £28,000-plus.

There is little point in dwelling on the performance of the engine — it is well liked and well known. The 148bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, normally-aspirated direct-injection petrol unit is fast and responsive enough for most drivers, although the turbocharged version is highly rated as well. Torque, incidentally, is a useful 148lb ft of torque at 3,500rpm. Drive to the front wheels is through a slick six-speed manual transmission.

Top speed for my test model is 130mph. Zero to 62mph is covered in a respectable 9.8 seconds, and you can expect around 34mpg. The CO2 emissions are 198g/km, putting it in road tax Band F at £205 per year.

So — For and Against? My only real complaint was that there was limited sunshine during my test period! Headline 'plusses' are the clever roof system, up-market image and build quality. The genuine rear seat passenger room is also a big pull for customers, as is the perfectly adequate performance. The Yeas have it! And so do the eyes! — David Miles

Volkswagen Eos Sport 2.0 FSI | £22,087 Maximum speed: 130mph | 0-62mph: 9.8 seconds Overall test MPG: 32.1mpg | Power: 148bhp | Torque: 148lb ft CO2 198g/km | VED Band F £205 | Insurance group 12