Vehicle Tested
| 2014 Volkswagen EOS Komfort
Base Price: $35,195
At-Tested Price: $36,060
Built in Portugal.
Options
None
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, 200 horsepower
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
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Volkswagen's sporty EOS carries over into 2014 with little change. EOS seats four passengers and sports a power-operated hard top that folds neatly into the trunk in about 25 seconds and features an integrated sunroof. Competitors include the Chrysler 200, Ford Mustang and Volkswagen's own Beetle convertible.
For 2014, Volkswagen dropped the Lux trim, leaving just Komfort, Sport and Executive. It also adds VW's Car-Net telematics system. Regardless of trim, all EOS get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower. Sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic that drives the front wheels.
Prices range from $35,195 to $41,694. Komfort comes with with 17-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, power driver's seat, heated front seats with adjustable lumbar, leatherette upholstery, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, SD-based navigation system and touchscreen 8-speaker audio system with iPod/Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary input and an SD-card reader.
The Sport adds to Komfort 18-in alloy wheels, HID adaptive headlights, a rear spoiler, a lowered sport suspension, keyless entry/ignition, stainless steel pedals and a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters. Line-topping Executive has its own 18-in alloys, headlights washers, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded trip computer, hard-drive-based navigation system with digital music storage and a 600-watt sound system.
EOS is built in Portugal and has a destination charge of $865.
Get Up and Go Volkswagen's turbo four pairs nicely with EOS, providing a fine mix of acceleration, refinement and economy. The engine isn't the most powerful in the class, but certainly provides good punch off the line and adequate passing power. Engine response is very European - meaning that acceleration can feel somewhat blunted by a long-travel gas pedal - and requires deep stabs into the throttle to get the transmission to downshift to provide more power.
The six-speed DSG automatic transmission is one of the best around. Unlike a traditional automatic that utilizes a torque converter to smooth shifts, the DSC uses an electronically operated clutch - two actually - to modulate engine speed between gear changes. Regardless, the transmission does an excellent job of going unnoticed while still providing a sporty shift feeling.
EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway aren't bad for a sporty coupe. Routine city driving is likely to net about 24 mpg, but straight highway cruising will see those numbers climb well above 30 mpg.
On the Road EOS tows a delicate balance between being a comfortable cruiser and a sport-tuned coupe. The suspension is quite firm but has enough compliance to filter out small road imperfections. This keeps the ride from becoming busy. In addition, the shocks have great rebound control and that helps minimize undue bouncing and bounding that's common on short-wheelbase cars.
Dynamically, EOS feels quite athletic. The electronic steering has nice weight and a good on-center feel. Turn-in is quick - for a front-drive car - and body lean is minimal. The tires have good dry-road grip and the brakes have plenty of stopping power. Eventually, the front weight bias chimes in and spoils the twisty-road fun, but for most drivers EOS is plenty sporty.
Being a convertible, EOS isn't as quiet as you'd expect. Still, the hardtop does an excellent job of minimizing wind and road noise at highway speeds. Top-down wind-buffeting isn't too bad unless you're on the highway. Also, the convertible top has a nice sunroof mode that can be used when you don't want to spend time putting the top fully up and down. The direct-injected four can be a bit noisy at startup and when idling, but is otherwise quiet and refined.
Behind the Wheel EOS boasts a typically Germanic interior with lots of black surfaces and a business-like tone. Still, most materials are pleasant and the overall design comes off functional rather than stuffy or formal. Gauges and controls are nicely placed for optimum ease of use. VW's available audio and navigation interface seems a touch slow to respond to input and comes across as graphically challenged. Still it gets the job done and the Bluetooth interface is fairly slick.
A nice addition for 2014 is Car-Net. It's Volkswagen's blend of SYNC and On-Star. When equipped it provides a multitude of features, most enacted through your smart phone. Car-Net provides automatic crash notification, emergency call, stolen vehicle assistance, speed alert, boundary alert (parents are you listening?), remote unlocking, remote location and a host of diagnostic features.
With large side bolsters, the front seats are firm and somewhat confining. That's not unusual in the class, but those looking for a comfortable cruiser might want to shop elsewhere. Leg room is great, but head room is just adequate - unless you pop the top, of course. Visibility is okay to the front, somewhat restricted to the rear and sides. The low ride height and long doors make it somewhat difficult to get in and out in tight spaces.
EOS' trunk is roomer than you'd expect, but still far from commodious. It's also quite difficult to place bulky items through the small opening.
Bottom Line Like other sporty convertibles, EOS isn't for everyone. If you are looking for a personal convertible that's fun to drive, features a power-operated hard top and won't break the bank, EOS is a great choice. Yes, there are less-expensive options but EOS provides a nice balance of refinement, features, performance and economy for the money.
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