2006 Volkswagen Eos

Exterior

New designs throughout

When closed, the CSC-roof curves in an arc between the rear and the windscreen. This creates an outstanding coupe roof, elegant and sporty. The roof’s curve is elongated, the rear is muscular and the overall impression is one of high quality. With the roof open, it is obvious that the Eos was specifically designed as a convertible-coupe and that its bodywork design was not derived from an existing model. Due to the CSC-roof it was possible to keep the windscreen frame short and the rear compact. Consequence: clear cut proportions in the style of classic convertibles. Not even one antenna disturbs its appearance. Background: the developers built each antenna into the trunk lid made of high rigidity synthetic.

The five-section CSC structure offers not only visual, but also practical advantages. Firstly, the pure convertible-feeling. Since the windscreen frame - or to be precise - the roof cross member - projects out into the interior to a far lesser degree than many similar vehicles there is nothing but the sky above the driver and front passenger. Secondly: optimal entry and exit. The reduced width of the wind screen frame makes it easier to get into the open Eos, since it is not necessary to maneuver around the frame. Thirdly: the integrated CSC-roof of the Eos captures light, air and a good mood. The complete opening and closing of the roof systems happens very quickly - from the first ‘clack’ to the last ‘click’ it only takes around 25 seconds. Once everything is covered, the system confirms the completion of the action by sounding a signal. In addition the CSC-roof offers the general advantages of an unlimited all-year-round suitability as well as lower driving noise levels when closed. The hard shell also makes life harder for vandals and thieves.

The convertible-coupe is 1.79 meters wide, 4.41meters long and 1.44 meters high. In their relationship to each other these dimensions affect the dynamics of the Eos: due to the relatively broad width in comparison with the length and height, the Eos sits powerfully on its wheels. The considerable track width (more than 1.55 meters) doesn’t just look good; it rather adds to the agility and road handling. The result is a fun driving experience, whether the top is up or down.

A sliding glass roof incorporated into the retractable hard-top can be opened to let in as much light and fresh air as desired. Of course, for the ultimate open-air cruising, the hard-top folds and self-stores below a hard boot.
To make top-down driving even more enjoyable, a pop-up mesh-fence wind deflector is incorporated into the front windshield frame of the 2007 Eos. A removable wind-blocker can also be set up behind the front seats to reduce wind buffeting and increase top-down comfort.
Another thoughtful design feature is the shorter windshield frame that is less intrusive to interior space than with a typical, traditional convertible windshield frame. The shorter window frame also eliminates the “duck” of getting into and out of conventional convertibles with tall window frames.

While the Eos is a two-door coupe, it gives the driver and passengers the feeling and comfort of being in a much larger convertible. At 173.6 inches long overall with a wheelbase of 101.5 in., a width of 70.5 in. and 56.8 in. height, the dimensions of the Eos enhance vehicle dynamics. A large track width not only looks good, it helps create extraordinary agility and safe handling characteristics exhibited by the Eos.

CSC roof: panorama glass roof included. The Eos is a coupé too

•  The Eos is the first car in the world to have a five-piece hardtop with an integrated sliding/tilting glass roof. The complete roof can be opened or closed using the electro-hydraulics system in just 25 seconds. The so-called CSC roof (cabriolet, sliding and coupé roof) has many options and practical advantages. First of all: pure cabriolet feeling. Secondly: it is easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Thirdly: integrated sliding/tilting roof. The sun does not always shine and it is not always summer. The large glass sliding roof in the Eos can thus ensure light, air and enjoyable driving.

Viewing the 2007 Eos from the front exterior you notice a “chromed escutcheon grille,” expressive headlights, and black louvers. These are the new signature traits, like the headlight “eyebrows” derived from a slightly forward-drawn hood.

The new “face” of Volkswagen—a “V”-shaped grille that is split by a chrome belt—is continued as a wide indentation on the engine hood. At the hood edges, the sides rise in a gentle curve and add emphasis to the convertible coupe’s quarter panels, resulting in a particularly powerful-looking shoulder area. Wheel housings project outward and add strength to the overall, aggressive look.

When the CSC roof is open, the Eos clearly shows that it has been specifically developed as a convertible coupe. The short design of the windshield helps create an extensive roof curve, benefiting the vehicle’s proportions and giving a classic, autonomous convertible-look rather than a steel-roof coupe that has merely been sliced open.

The CSC roof curves in an arc between the rear end and the windshield, giving rise to an outstanding coupe roof which is both elegant and sporty. The roof’s curve is elongated, the rear end muscular, and the overall impression is one of high quality.

Regardless of the position of the hard-top, the engine hood and hard boot shut lines, which stretch around the sides and into the rear quarter panels, are striking. The joint between the engine hood and front quarter panels curves seamlessly into the lower edge of the side windows.

The design of the Eos’ rear end is muscular and athletic. As in the case of the front hood, the rear quarter panels curve upwards above a continuous, lateral character line for a particularly dynamic look. Also at the rear, the vertical surface of the boot lid integrates a VW badge. Dual exhaust pipes are visible, and the large rear bumper stretches into the projecting wheel housings.

Striking, trapezoidal rear lights curve inwards in a manner similar to the headlights, with a round, central LED element for each of the tail lights, turn signals, brake lights and reversing light functions. As at the front, the entire rear bumper is painted in the body color.

The sophisticated roof movement is accomplished using a switch in the center console that activates eight hydraulic cylinders with mechanical linkages. In just 25 seconds, the hard-top convertible is completely and automatically lowered. If the weather changes, another click of the roof switch quickly raises the solid panels to create a protected, quiet interior environment found in traditional steel-top coupes.

In an industry “first-and-only,” the panoramic, tinted glass power sunroof is integrated into the folding roof of the Volkswagen Eos. The externally guided, tilt-and-slide sunroof with automatic pinch protection gets “sandwiched” between roof panels as the hard-top is lowered.

The roof-lowering maneuver is even fascinating to watch, as the front roof panels, including the glass sunroof, slide under the forward roof panels as the entire roof area rises from the C-pillar to what would be a B-pillar and is stored beneath a rear deck.

An available Trunk Lid Assistance program with integrated bumper sensors monitors up to 20 inches behind the vehicle and prevents the roof from operating if any object or obstruction is detected. Preserving the luggage area is a cargo cover that must be in place and latched for the roof-lowering to be completed.

Also, just to be safe, the vehicle ignition must be “on” and vehicle speed must remain below 0.6 mph during roof operation. A status indicator provides warnings if the roof is not secured – either up or down.

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Interior

Sporty-elegant interior

The interior was also newly designed. While the details for function and use (e.g. lights, air conditioning; radio systems) are familiar from other models, many of the Eos elements were newly developed. These include the cockpit, door and side cover as well as the rear seats and an air conditioning automatic specifically designed for a convertible. For the first time Volkswagen optionally features electrically activated easy-entry-seats: they ‘remember’ the driver’s and front passenger’s longitudinal seating position and return to it - just by pushing a button - after the rear passengers have gotten in or out. A lordosis support is also integrated into this electric 12-way seat adjustment system.

Inside, the Eos offers an inviting interior design. The dash includes Volkswagen’s typically dominant center console, and the side areas are spread out like wings to the left and right. The center-stack holds exclusively designed air vent apertures bordered in chrome. Interior trim is available with genuine walnut wood, full brushed aluminum and metallic-look synthetic interior trim.

The Eos interior can be configured in three colors, with darker colors dominating the upper areas to minimize windshield reflections. All plastics used in the lower area of the dash are lavishly coated with soft-effect paint.

Twelve-way power sport or comfort driver and front passenger seats are available, with an eight-way manual adjusting driver seat standard. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and brake handle, as well as heated washer nozzles, are available on all models. Shift paddles on the steering wheel also available with the DSG.

Other notable features of the Volkswagen 2007 Eos include Climatic single-zone air conditioning as standard in the base Eos, with dual-zone Climatronic standard in the Eos 2.0T and 3.2 L models. Easy-entry rear seats that "remember" the driver’s and front passenger’s longitudinal seating positions, and return to these once the rear passengers have entered or exited the vehicle, are standard on the Eos 3.2 L and optional on the 2.0T models.

For music lovers, the Eos can be ordered with an impressive 600-watt sound system designed specifically for the Eos by Danish high-end manufacturer Dynaudio. This audio system includes a ten-channel digital amplifier and ten specifically positioned and coordinated loudspeakers. An iPod adaptor is also available.

Standard audio in the Eos includes an AM/FM radio with single-disc in-dash CD player and eight speakers. A premium six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight-speaker system is available as an option, as well as a DVD-navigation system. Regardless of which audio or navigation system is chosen, the aerials fitted in the Eos are never visible.

With an open roof the available space is 205 liters, when closed the volume increases to 380 liters. For the last few millimeters the lid of the trunk closes via a power latching system as a standard feature. In addition there is a service hatch which is integrated into the rear seat bench.

The 2007 Eos 2.0T offers a respectable 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the roof closed, and 6.6 cu.ft. with the roof retracted. A lockable, rear seat pass-through allows for transporting some long or bulky items, such as skis.

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Engines and driving

Five engines with a performance spectrum from 115 hp to 250 hp

The Eos is available with four gas engines (performance spectrum 85 kW / 115 hp, 110 kW / 150 hp, 147 kW / 200 hp and 184 kW / 250 hp) as well as a 103 kW / 140 hp strong TDI with standard diesel particulate filter. For engines up to 147 kW a four cylinder direct injection system is used. The 184-kW option gets its power from six cylinders; gear changes are made via the DSG double clutch transmission.

The 2007 Eos, on sale now, comes with a choice of engines: the award-winning Volkswagen 2.0T four-cylinder and the innovative Volkswagen 3.2 L narrow-angle V6. Either way you get plenty of power and the innovative hard-top coupe convertible for as little as $27,990 for an Eos 2.0T and $36,850 for the Eos 3.2 L.

The 2007 Eos 2.0T offers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. High-pressure, FSI helps with performance and efficiency. The 2007 Eos 2.0T is EPA-rated at an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 32 mpg in highway driving.

V6: 184 kW/250 bhp and 320 Newton metres of torque with DSG gearbox

 The top Eos model is powered by a 184 kW/250 bhp engine. The V6 powerhouse reaches its maximum torque of 320 Newton metres between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. The driving performance is consequently very smooth. This Volkswagen with a top speed of 247 km/h can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. The average fuel consumption is 9.2 litres. The Eos V6 is equipped with what many experts deem to be the most efficient automatic gearbox in the world: DSG. The dual-clutch gearbox distributes the drive power to the front wheels via six forward gears. 

This transmission is also available as an option for those who wish to replace the standard six-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch that comes standard with the Eos 2.0T. Regardless of powertrain setup, the power transfers to where rubber meets the road via front-wheel drive in all 2007 Eos models.

Driving

Test drive Impressions

The first coupe-cabrio of the Volkswagen looks better than the Passat, Golf or Polo, even if it is a little bit of everyone. Eos is sexy. In dimenssions Eos is somewhere between a Passat and a Golf and its platform is a hybrid between this two: fron axis - Golf, back axis - Passat. This means that at the moment the Eos is the only coupe-convertible model with an independent back axis (except the roadster coupe - example: Mercedes SL and SLK ).

An coupe-convertible model its a heavy car because of the hard-top and special reinforcements. The semirigid back axis is not very confortable. For the Eos this things are not valid, and the car rigidity is very good. The 2.0 liter, 150 hp is quite slow, but it cat sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 9,7 seconds and has a top speed of 129 mph. The car handling is generally good but in fast corners the EOS is serously ballancing.

For ride comfort and control, Volkswagen designed the all-new 2007 Eos with a front McPherson strut concept with triangular wishbones and self-leveling shock absorbers. In the rear is a fully independent, four-link suspension. Stabilizer bars front and rear add to roll control and to reduce lateral drift.

Power-assisted front vented disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes are standard. A brake wear indicator, which gives owners a tip when it is time for new pads, is also standard.

For nighttime driving, an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) is available on 2007 Eos 3.2 L models that swivels low-beam headlights to improve visibility though turns. The headlight rotation, to a maximum of 15 degrees, is activated by the steering wheel or by operation of the turn signals. In addition, the available “Coming Home” feature helps light the way inside during night time arrivals.

Standard power folding exterior rearview mirrors are heated and incorporate LED side blinkers to announce driver intentions. Environment lighting beneath the mirrors lights the surrounding ground in hopes of preventing a misstep into a puddle – or worse! The driver side mirror is self-dimming to help prevent temporary “blinding” from following automobiles.

Because seasons change, the 2007 Eos is designed and built with all-weather and four-seasons cruising in mind. In closed position, the retractable hardtop of the 2007 Eos protects occupants from inclement weather and significantly reduces noise levels in the interior, even at highway speed. As an added bonus, the shell of the Eos hard-top convertible even makes life more difficult for vandals and thieves.

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