Volkswagen Eos CC full 9 point review
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Performance
Even the entry-level 121bhp 1.4 TSI is fairly pokey, but there's another 1.4 with 177bhp, which is even gutsier. The only other option is the flexible 138bhp 2.0 turbodiesel, which offers plenty of pace.
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Ride & Handling
Impressively for a drop-top, the Eos is almost totally resistant to body shakes with the roof up. This gives you excellent ride comfort, even if you opt for the Sport models with their firmer suspension and larger alloy wheels. Things suffer a little when you lower the roof, but not by much. The steering is responsive and well weighted; the handling is much like the Golf hatch's: grippy, predictable and safe.
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Refinement
The Eos' metal roof does a better job of cutting out exterior noise than some rivals with fabric hoods, although there’s some wind noise at motorway speed. You don't get buffeted too much when the roof is down, however. The petrol engines are easy on the ear, and the latest Volkswagen diesel engine is impressively smooth, too.
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Buying & Owning
The Volkswagen Eos is pitched somewhere between mainstream rivals and prestige-badged competition from Volvo and Audi. This makes the Eos look pricey against VW's more usual counterparts, but the Eos has the image to carry it off, and this is reflected in exceptional resale values. Insurance is pricier than for some rivals, but fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are respectable, especially for the diesel.
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Quality & Reliability
Eos owners are unlikely to complain about the car's price when they feel the quality of the construction. It's a class act and the interior has a solid, crafted look and feel. Tried and tested VW components helped the Eos to score an excellent rating for mechanical reliability in the 2010 JD Power survey, but owners did report some problems with the folding roof mechanism.
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Safety & Security
VW's side airbags act like curtain airbags in the event of a side collision - but there is no airbag protection for rear-seat passengers. ISOFIX child seat mountings are fitted front and rear. All Eos models come with stability control as standard, while roll hoops spring up from behind the rear headrests if the car senses it might tip over. With the roof raised, the Eos is as secure as a Golf hatch.
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Behind The Wheel
The design of the Eos' roof means that the windscreen pillars do not slope as steeply as those in some rivals, so entry to and exit from the cabin is easier, and you are less likely to bump your head on the windscreen pillar. The driving position is excellent, with plenty of adjustment and decent all-round vision with the roof raised.
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Space & Practicality
The Eos is one of the few four-seat convertibles that truly lives up to the tag. Two adults can fit in the rear of the Eos without feeling short-changed on space, even with the roof up. Entry and exit from the rear seats is good for this class, too. Boot space is sufficient for a couple of cases with the roof folded, and average for the class with it raised.
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Equipment
On all models, the folding roof design includes an integrated sunroof. Every version comes with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, all-round electric windows and rear parking sensors. Sport models add extras including lowered suspension, larger alloy wheels and automatic headlights and wipers. Top-spec Exclusive versions have darkened rear lights, heated front seats, leather trim climate control.
Eos rivals
Eos used car reviews
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Volkswagen Eos CC 1.4 TSI 122 Bluemotion Tech SE 2dr
This cheapest Eos is still far from cheap. However, its resale values are among the best of the range, so as long as you’re happy with the moderate performance, it’s a sound investment.
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