The Volkswagen Eos was first launched in the UK in July 2006, continuing a long-running tradition of convertibles from Volkswagen which started with the Beetle over 50 years ago. It is unique in its class because it combines the benefits of a full convertible roof, a folding hard top and it is the only convertible with a tilt and slide sunroof fitted as standard.
The latest incarnation of the Eos (the name comes from the Greek goddess of the dawn) went on sale in the UK in March 2011 (the third largest market for the Eos behind Germany and the USA) and new features include a remotely operated hard-top roof function (when keyless entry is specified), revised exterior design (new headlights with daytime running lights, modified front bumper, new tail lights), new interior trim finishes and park assist is also available for the first time on the Eos.
Prices range from £22,900 for the entry level 1.4 SE TSI BlueMotion 6-speed manual to £30,325 for the range topping 2.0 Exclusive TDI BlueMotion 6-speed auto DSG.
We tested the new Volkswagen Eos SE 1.4 160PS 6-Speed manual priced at £23,980.
Performance 
In June 2006 Volkswagen introduced TSI petrol technology, previous engines used FSI technology, where petrol is injected directly into the combustion chamber to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
TSI technology uses an FSI engine which is then dual-charged through a combination of an engine driven supercharger and an exhaust gas turbocharger arranged in series. This enables a relatively small engine to use very high gearing to provide exceptional fuel efficiency for a petrol engine and the belt-driven super-charger operates at lower engine speeds, with the turbo-charger cutting in as engine speed increases. The result of this is excellent driveability and performance throughout the range with limited turbo-lag and high maximum torque.
We tested the 1.4 litre 1390cc TSI 16-valve 4-cyl 160PS engine which uses supercharging and turbo charging to produce 160PS at 5,800 and 240 Nm (177 Ibs ft) of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. This enables the Eos to complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.8 seconds and continue to a top speed of 135mph.
We were a little disappointed when we realised that our test car was fitted with a 1.4 engine, we thought that it would mean that the Eos would feel under-powered, we needn't have worried the 1.4 litre 160PS engine was refined and never left us lacking in torque. The 6-speed manual gearbox was slick and felt good to use and the Eos was also equipped with a visual gear change recommendation for optimum fuel consumption.
Volkswagen quote fuel consumption figures of 31.7 urban, 51.4 extra-urban and 41.5 combined. We would consider these figures fairly accurate and we were impressed with the fuel consumption.
