AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE: Confidential marketing presentation for the hottest new convertible under $30k

Volkswagen offers the Eos with two engines: an award-winning 2.0 liter turbo, 200 horsepower, four cylinder starting at $27,990 and a 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower version of Volkswagen’s narrow angle V6 starting at $36,850.

In addition to the innovative CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) roof, the Eos includes high-quality standard features such as Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), safety-optimized front headrests, front airbags and specially developed front side head-thorax airbags; 16-inch alloy wheels (17-inch standard on the V6 model), air conditioning system, fog lights, panoramic sunroof, power windows, and cruise control.

The dimensions of the Eos enhance the vehicle's dynamics. Together with its length and height, the vehicle's width gives the Eos a particularly powerful appearance and contributes to the car’s extraordinarily agile and safe handling characteristics. Its leading-edge roof engineering includes multi-folding components with fully automatic operation. The result is pure driving enjoyment regardless of whether the roof is up or down.

The Eos is available with an even more impressive lineup of options, including a double clutch (DSG™) six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®, automatic headlights, dual-zone Climatronic™ climate control, 12-way power driver seat, heated front seats and washer nozzles, windblocker, center armrest, trip computer, and leather wrapped steering wheel, brake handle, and shift knob for $31,065.

A further upgrade to the 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower V6 engine with added wood trim, 17-inch all-season tires, multi-function steering wheel, HomeLink®, rain sensing wipers and satellite radio is available at $36,850.

Additional options include a Dynaudio® premium sound system with ten-channel amplifier, ten loudspeakers and 600-watt output power, bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic and static cornering lights, DVD navigation system, park distance control and 18-inch alloy wheels.

jeffy210 - 9/13/2006 1:29:39 PM

+1 Boost

I'd have to drive it in person, but this is seriously looking like something I may get, besides for the CSC concept, it has a decent engine, and the options really are great.

macbjg1 - 9/13/2006 2:15:53 PM

+1 Boost

Let's start by saying I am a loyal Audi/VW customer and have never experienced the service woes that one is supposed to. That said, while I love the EOS, it is effectively a tuned Jetta coupe with a funky roof at a $10,000. premium over the basic Jetta sedan. Will people flock to dealers for such a product? More important, once the initial excitement over the roof subsides, does the EOS bring enough to the table at a price point that will dent TT/SLK/Boxter/G35/Z4 sales?

chewy - 9/13/2006 8:01:12 PM

+1 Boost

The Eos will in much bigger numbers than the cars you mentioned. It will probably outsell all of them combined. It features a combination of Golf/Passat arhitecture. There are only two real competitors and I would put the Eos above the two other hard top convertibles.

S4cabriofox - 9/13/2006 8:18:00 PM

+1 Boost

macbjg1-

Not exactly. It has a much better standard engine (2.0T 200hp), has a fabulous DSG transmission from the GLI/GTI/A3/TT, has a significantly more upscale interior than the Jetta (it's more like the Passat's), and has quite an enticing style that I've gotten to like, more so in dark colors than light.

Those other much more expensive convertibles aren't the Eos's competitors- they're all two-seat roadsters that are meant more as weekend toys than all-year convertibles.

Also, you have to remember that a spec'd-up GTI or GLI easily reaches this price point, so it makes the convertible aspect look like a pretty good deal.

S4cabriofox - 9/13/2006 8:19:23 PM

+1 Boost

And...

It's spelled "Boxster", not "Boxter", and for others, it's spelled "Infiniti" not "Infinity" (I'm not aiming that at you).

I'm just sick and tired of people saying Infinity and Boxter. It just doesn't sit well!

donman - 9/13/2006 8:47:55 PM

+1 Boost

I don't agree with the gender mix they predict - I like it but I think its going to be more attractive to women than men. It needs more power and a more aggresive stance to appeal to more men.

Matthew1 - 9/14/2006 12:53:53 AM

+1 Boost

AND...

Its Alfa Romeo not Alpha Romeo.

BimmerFan - 9/14/2006 11:40:50 AM

+1 Boost

The person in the market for an SLK, Boxster or Z4 would not step on the lot to even look at a VW EOS, or even step onto a VW lot period! This car is not in the same class or targeted at the same demographic. I have seen this car already in downtown Seattle. Looks very odd with the top up....not pretty at all. Top down is a little better.

CBR2200 - 9/14/2006 3:36:09 PM

+1 Boost

Top up = ugly
Top down = decent chick car
What's with the DC headlights?

macrac - 9/14/2006 10:28:07 PM

+1 Boost

Hey S4cabriofox:

Phord, Catallack, Nisson, Leksus, Izuzu, Hunday, Sizucki, Porshe, Mozda, Pontiack, Lincon, Murcury

Daytripper - 9/15/2006 3:20:10 AM

+1 Boost

Good "move-up" chick car for New Beetle Cabriolet owners.