If there was ever a car in Volkswagen's->ke94 lineup that probably has nine lives, it's probably the Eos->ke268. Talks of discontinuing the model have risen to the surface numerous times and yet, here it is, alive and kicking in 2014.

The 2014 Volkswagen Eos continues on in its slot as Volkswagen's resident entry-level convertible->ke144. Not much has changed since the current generation model arrived in 2011 and in some ways, that can be attributed as a positive for the Eos.

See, over the course of its time, the convertible has been offered with some impressive features, including a hardtop roof, comfortable seating, and yes, the option to do away with a ceiling and let your hair enjoy the cool breeze of Mother Nature.

Even its turbocharge engine can be attributed as a boon for the Eos because at the end of the day, riding a convertible is only as good as the power it has under its hood.

So welcome to 2014, Volkswagen Eos. You've certainly earned your stay at the party.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Volkswagen Eos.

2014 Volkswagen Eos

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volkswagen Eos
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 200 @ 5100
  • Torque: 207 @ 1700
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Volkswagen Eos' exterior makes it look like a hardtop coupe, but given how Volkswagen cleverly uses its cut-lines on the Eos, you know that there's a convertible in there lurking, waiting to be unleashed.

But the benefits of the Eos' looks can be attributed to more than just its convertible nature. The car is also designed luxuriously, thanks to items like a black-glass sunroof and integrated side-view mirror turn signals in its makeup. As for its fascia, darker shades to the grille makes for a more imposing look while halogens and LEDs adorn the headlight and taillight, respectively.

A choice of vivid paint colors are also being offered, as are options to fit 17- or 18-inch wheels. Whether its the car's true sporty nature or the luxury additions given to it, the 2014 Eos looks like a car that's not going away anytime soon.

2014 Volkswagen Eos - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

101.5 in

Front Track

60.8 in

Rear Track

60.9 in

Length

174.1 in

Width

70.5 in

Height

56.9 in

Ground Clearance

5.6 in


2014 Volkswagen Eos - Standard Exterior Features

- Integrated trunk-lid diversity antenna

- Fully galvanized sheet metal

- Crash-optimized front end

- Dual exhaust tips

- Black front grille with chrome louvers

- Dual tone horns

- Halogen headlights with clear, lightweight, chip-resistant polycarbonate lenses

- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

- Halogen reflector lens fog lights with low-speed corner-illuminating feature

- Headlights-on warning tone (tone sounds when driver's door is open and ignition key is removed)

- LED taillights (including brake lights and turn signals)

- Body-colored side mirrors

- Power-operated, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals

- Body-colored side moldings, door handles and bumpers

- Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof with tinted glass and manual sunshade

- CSC (Coupe-Sunroof-Convertible) automatic, multi-piece folding hardtop roof with heated rear glass window

- Roof status indicator (audible, visual)

Interior

For all the positive attributes attached to the Eos' exterior, the interior is probably the highlight of the car, given the relative limitations of being a hardtop convertible.

The noticeable number of features attributed to the Eos is a clear sign that Volkswagen is serious about giving the car all it can offer to buyers. The seats are both sophisticated and comfortable, while the center console is cleanly designed and doesn't waste any space with useless trinkets. It might be too simple for some, but less is definitely more as far as we're concerned.

If there's one thing the Eos' interior has going against it, the space being taken up by the retractable top's mechanics makes for narrow rear seats. If you're a full-grown adult, it's not the most spacious place to sit on, but the mere fact that there are seats to sit on is a plus on its own.

Just like the rear seats, the Eos' trunk is nothing to heap praise of as you're only getting 10.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And that's with the roof in place. But when the roof is snugged into its compartment, that space shrinks to a paltry 6.6 cubic feet.

2014 Volkswagen Eos - Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity

Four

Passenger Volume

77.4 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume (Coupe)

10.5 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume (Convertible)

6.6 cu. ft.

Front Volume

49.5 cu. ft.

Front Headroom

38.9 in

Front Shoulder Room

54.7 in

Front Legroom

41.7 in

Rear Volume

27.9 cu. ft.

Rear Headroom

35.8 in

Rear Shoulder Room

41.5 in

Rear Legroom

32.5 in


2014 Volkswagen Eos - Standard Interior Features

- Climatronic dual-zone electronic climate control with pollen filter

- Anti-theft alarm system for doors, hood, trunk and radio with audible and visual activation

- Immobilizer III theft-deterrent system

- Electric rear window defroster

- Door entry reflectors

- Door sill protectors

- Integrated armrests in front door panels

- Front and rear floor mats

- Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, clock, and outside temperature

- Multi-function trip computer with compass, trip time, trip length, average trip speed, average trip fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, miles to empty, radio station display, and personalizing function

- Fuel cap seal warning

- 2 radio-frequency remote transmitter key fobs with lock, unlock,trunk release, panic button for central locking, and selectable access valet key feature

- Two 12V power outlets; 1 in front, 1 in rear

- Floor-mounted ambient lighting

- Dual front reading lights

- Interior ambient lighting, above center console

Drivetrain

The 2014 Volkswagen Eos is powered by a 2.0-liter, in-line-four turbocharged engine that produces a stout 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 rpm. Fuel efficiency is about right given its performance figures and even then, the Eos is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds to go with a top speed of around 135 mph.

Type

2.0L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, TSI

Bore

3.25 in

Stroke

3.65 in

Displacement

121 cu. in.

Compression Ratio

9.6:1

Horsepower (SAE) @ rpm

200 hp @ 5100

Maximum torque, lb-ft @ rpm

207 lb-ft @ 1700

Fuel Requirement

Premium fuel recommended (approved up to E15)

City mpg

22

Highway mpg

30

0-60 mph

7.3 seconds


Prices

Three trim levels are being offered for the Volkswagen Eos. The base model is the Eos Komfort at $35,595 while the Eos Sport is at $38,325. The top-of-the-line Eos Executive is pretty pricey at $42,095, but hey, you'll still end up paying for what you want if you want it bad enough, right?

Model

Price

Volkswagen Eos Komfort

$35,595

Volkswagen Eos Sport

$38,325

Volkswagen Eos Executive

$42,095


Competitors

2014 Renault Megane CC

Renault doesn't have the same cache as Volkswagen has, but it sure has a cabriolet that can take the battle to the Eos. This is the Megane CC and given its dynamic look and variety of engines, you can point to the car's versatility as a key selling point.

The Megane CC's choice of powertrains is a plus, meaning you can choose from a 1.4 base that coughs up a pedestrian 99 horsepower; a 2.0DCi that nets 158 horsepower; and a 2.0 turbo engine that cranks out 165 horsepower. Not nearly enough as the Eos, but still plenty useful on the road.

2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet

Audi’s introduction of the new A3 Cabriolet spelled another example of how the German company is expanding its horizons. Compared to the previous A3 Cabriolet, the new model is a lot longer with the length growing from 166.8 inches to 174 inches, all while shedding 110 pounds, something that can be attributed to Audi switching over to lightweight materials and the new building technologies.

The new A3 Cabriolet is powered by two gasoline engines, including a 1.4-liter TFSI engine that delivers 140 horsepower and a 1.8-liter TFSI that puts down 180 horsepower. The diesel lineup include a 2.0-liter TDI with an output of 150 horsepower.

The starting price for the A3 Cabriolet is higher than the top-of-the-line Eos, which begs the question: Why even bother?

Conclusion

There's a lot to like about the Volkswagen Eos. It's versatility is one of its trademark characteristics and it's got a steady amount of output that should give drivers reason to feel good about their purchase. But the best part, about the Eos is its price, which is less than what you're going to pay for compared to its rivals.