The Eos Convertible is like the BMW 3 Series stripped down

Compared to ordinary cars, convertibles cost much more, especially when it comes to hardtop models. The Volkswagen Eos 3.2L convertible is a fun and sporty car based on the Jetta platform. This shiny silver test car looks nice, sporty, and offers an especially attractive profile with the top down.

The Volkswagen Eos is like a simplified BMW 3 Series. The Eos 3.2 starts at $36,850 and can go as high as $39,930 with the addition of an option package. The top-tier Eos features Volkswagen’s powerful 3.2-liter VR6 engine that makes 250 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen’s 3.2L convertible is fitted with 18-inch Pirelli R tires that give the front-wheel drive convertible a ton of grip. The Eos’s steering is precise and feels wide and purposeful. It also slackens a bit at highway speeds due to its electromechanical power unit with speed-sensitive assist.

Eos offers a sporty drive, but not as extreme as any other German sports car. The multi-link rear suspension is responsible for the Eos’s firm handling. Braking is reliable, too, with its four-wheel super discs holding you fast. Anti-lock and stability systems are also offered as standard features on the Eos.

The Eos is pretty efficient when it comes to gas usage. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly but aggressively when needed. Its EPA lists 22 mpg for city driving while 29 mpg for highway driving.

To avoid spending too much on your Eos, opt for a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that costs $28,110 instead of spending more than $40,000. For $28,110 you get a 200 horsepower motor that will rocket you away from stops and rev you up to highway speeds. Its EPA rating is 23 mpg for city driving, while 32 mpg for highway driving.

In terms of interior, you’ll also get the same look and feel as the more expensive model. There is also sufficient head and legroom in the front and moderate in the rear. It has capacity for four people. It also has a sleek yet youthful interior that comes with gray leather sport seats and is offered as part of the $650 option package. These leather sports seats are well shaped with very nice side bolsters that will make you feel like a racer.

You’ll also love it because its roof is hydraulically activated, plus it has a giant built-in sunroof that’s operated with a little lever between the front seats, causing the front half of the roof to slide up and back like a regular sunroof. . And pulling another small lever the entire roof is lowered. The whole operation lasted about 20 seconds. The Eos is also equipped with high-quality VW car parts, such as the popular VW belt, renowned for its quality and durability.

The dashboard is black with a leather texture. Nice brushed metal trim accents the doors, center console, and air vents. Also, the lower half of the board is a gray to match the seats. Gauges are large and easy to read with a large tach and speedometer along with water and gas gauges and a red digital readout dead center that includes the outside thermometer, radio, clock, odometers and trip computer . Everything has been made more visible and Volkswagen takes it even further with the use of indigo blue gauge backlighting which is perfect at night.

The Eos also has power door, window and mirror locks, plus automatic headlights. It has dual automatic climate controls that work well and its good sound system was easy enough to tune. The test car added an $1,800 navigation system that includes a six-disc changer in the center armrest, a different location.

Also standard on the Eos is a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and 12-way power-adjustable front seats with multi-way lumbar support. The seats are heated and also have five settings. VW has loaded the Eos with a tire pressure sensor; side and curtain airbags; heated outside mirrors; and good overhead lighting.

And as part of the sport seat package, the test car has some levers on the back of the steering wheel to allow manual gear changing at the touch of a finger. If there’s one thing the Eos lacks, it’s probably trunk space, which is a mere 5.4 cubic feet. But to be fair to the Eos, it can fit a small bag or a couple of briefcases.