Volkswagen Eos Review (2006)

The Volkswagen Eos was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2003 but at that time it was simply known as the Concept C.

It wasn't until the Frankfurt Motor Show of last year (2005) that the Eos, as we know it, made its world debut. And, if you're wondering what or who Eos is I can tell you that the name comes from the Greek goddess of the dawn.

Not only is the Eos a classy-looking coupe cabriolet, that looks even better with the top down but it is one of the nicest cars I've driven in a while. However, its main selling point is the coupe-cabriolet versatility - especially the roof.

While most other coupe-cabriolets feature a three-piece hard top, the Eos has five sections. What's more, the Eos also has an electric, tilting sunroof, which is very unusual and explains the name given to the roof - CSC - coupe, sunroof, convertible.

If you think you've seen one coupe convert into a cabriolet, you've seen them all, think again. For sure, pressing the button just beneath the centre armrest makes the roof fold into the boot just like any other but the Eos is different.

It takes 25 seconds to complete the operation. The sunroof section slips over the main roof panel and the rear window slides above it, while the roof bars glide serenely into recesses below the shoulder line to be covered by plastic mouldings to maintain the sleek lines. The Eos has a deep rear end and when the boot lid opens to accept the folded roof, it opens from just above the rear number plate, which means more room is needed behind the car than is usual. Just to make sure, the rear parking sensors are a little over-cautious. Nonetheless, the mechanical choreography rivals that of the Vauxhall Astra TwinTop in the show-stopping stakes.

As I have said, the car looks better with the roof down and I particularly liked the way the line of the boot lid flows sinuously into the curve of the window.