2009 Volkswagen Eos

The Eos represents a number of firsts for Volkswagen: the car is the first mechanically retracting hard-top convertible from the company as well as the first production coupe from the German automaker since the 1995 Corrado. The vehicle is equally the first convertible of any kind since the soft-top Cabrio.

Originally seen on the show floor as the Concept C, the design met with enough of a favorable reaction to justify the production Eos for 2006. Like the Cabrio, the Eos is based on the same platform as its same-generation Golf (Rabbit in the US) equivalent -- in this case, the Mark V platform also used by the Jetta and several other mid-size cars in the Volkswagen Auto Group.

North Americans have access to two powerplants for the car. Similar to the GTI and the Audi TT, the base engine is a two-liter, inline four-cylinder engine using Volkswagen's Fuel Stratified Injection to improve its efficiency and acceleration throughout the power band. The 207 pound-feet of torque is available between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, while horsepower peaks between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm.

A second option, a 3.2-liter VR6, boosts horsepower to 250 and reaches 236 pound-feet of torque, but narrows the range for peak performance considerably: horsepower tops out at 6,300 rpm while maximum torque arrives only between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm.

Much like other entry- to mid-range sports cars from the auto group, the Eos is available either with a six-speed manual shifter or an optional DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission. With DSG, shifting is near-instant: dual automatic clutches alternate between holding the current gear and switching to the next, allowing the car to both work as a pure automatic or as a quick manual courtesy of paddle shifters on the top model.

2008 brings more luxury, clear trim levels

Although only the second model year of the car, the 2008 Eos marks a significant upgrade to the standard features of the car. A 12-way power driver's seat and armrests, as well as semi-automatic climate control, are now standard on all but the lowest-cost version, which uses standard air conditioning.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake are all standard, as is a wind blocker. Heated seats are now an option on the base model.

More importantly, Volkswagen now separates its packages into four clear levels. A Turbo model serves as the standard model with the four-cylinder engine; the Komfort adds climate control, a trip computer, and heated seats. The Lux adds 17-inch wheels, DSG shifting as standard, and automatic headlamps, parking, and windshield wipers as well as improved wood trim with true leather seating.

The VR6 engine is available in just a single trim level that reflects its sports pedigree. It brings sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and sport seats, paddle shifters for DSG, a Homelink garage door opener, and complete aluminum trim.