Volkswagen Eos Tested May 2006

Rating Quick Summary Average. Volkswagen's funky-looking new coupe-cabrio will give sun-hungry buyers even more choice - but it looks expensive compared to rivals.

Full Road Test

Volkswagen's entry to the increasingly busy coupe-cabrio segment can offer good looks and a painless driving experience - although whether it is good enough to justify its hefty pricetag is another matter.

As with rival CCs, the Eos's design has been heavily influenced by the need to find the space necessary to stow the metal hardtop when folded. The advantage of the Eos design is that its roof has five sections rather than two, so it can fold into a much smaller space, giving a less rumpy appearance than the Peugeot 307 CC or Renault Megane CC. However, with the top in place, it looks tall and rather ungainly, especially with over-prominent shutlines emphasising the gawky proportions.

Quality feels high inside the cabin, with familiar components from the Golf and Passat giving off reassuringly expensive vibes, although the dashboard design is unique to the Eos. Front seat accommodation is reasonably spacious and there's a surprisingly amount of passenger space in the back too, although with the roof folded boot capacity is cut to a paltry 205 litres.

Driving behaviour is marred by a less-than-rigid body structure with bumps and undulations in the road surface resulting in some uncomfortable heaving motion. Soft springs and dampers add to the general air of dynamic malaise and the Eos can muster little enthusiasm for corners. On the plus side, it cruises comfortably and quietly with the roof in place.

The Eos is currently available with five engines. Both the 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre TSIs are on offer with the 3.6-litre V6 topping out the range. More sensible punters can also opt for VW's familiar 2.0 litre TDI turbodiesel motor. We reckon that the more powerful version of the 1.4 TSI is the pick of the range - it gives all the performance a typical Eos driver will expect to call on.

Breakdown Styling The Eos is more than just a cabrio version of the Golf. It looks good with the roof down, although it's a bit rumpy with the hardtop in place. Handling Uninspired dynamics, even by the not particularly high standards of the segment in which it competes. Comfort With a classy cabin, comfortable driving position and excellent cruising refinement the Eos is a good place to spend time. Quality + reliability The five-piece folding roof is a work of engineering art - and the well-finished cabin is impressively nice to the touch, too. Performance Basic 2.0 FSI petrol engine provides decent urge - the more powerful 3.6-litre V6 seems relatively pointless in light of the Eos's disinterested driving dynamics. Roominess Good passenger accommodation but the boot is tiny and access is difficult with the roof folded. Running costs Fuel economy is reasonable and insurance costs are competitive - but VW servicing is relatively expensive. Depreciation untested. Value for money As a rival to cars like the Saab 9-3 cabrio, the Eos makes a strong case for itself - but it's more expensive than mainstream rivals like the Peugeot 307 CC and Astra TwinTop. Stereo / Sat nav Decent standard stereo gives good sound quality. Optional DVD satnav is the same system as fitted to other VW group cars - clear and easy to use.

Need to know JD Power stars Replacement Date: 2013 We like: 1) Amazing roof. 2) Classy image. 3) Relaxed cruising. We don't like: 1) Slightly awkward roof-up looks. 2) Poor roof-down luggage space. 3) Expensive compared to rivals. Best and worst: Most fun: 2.0 TSI Sport manual Most sensible: 2.0 TDI DSG Worst: 3.6 V6 Sport