AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE PHOTO GALLERY: The hottest new convertible under $30k

001 had a chance this week in beautiful Portland, Oregon to drive one of the most impressive new convertibles to hit the market in recent years.

The new EOS from VW is quite a package complete with a hard to say no pricing strategy.

Our photo gallery is the most detailed you will find anywhere on the internet or in print covering this hot new ride.

And you can also enjoy some of the beautiful sites of Portland and the surrronding area to boot!

It was definitely one of the most beautiful drives we've ever been on....

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 Volkswagens 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 cars 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.

Sauceboy01 - 9/13/2006 2:29:14 PM

+1 Boost

maybe a fun car, but sure doesn't look the part..

PASS!!

JUGNU - 9/13/2006 2:53:59 PM

0 Boost

As usuall,The interior is dissapointing and lacking the quality feel.
Rest is just a tin-top Rabbit.

JUGNU

wwww - 9/13/2006 3:41:34 PM

+1 Boost

The look isn't sporty, but it looks fun and enjoyable. the interior design isn't ratically new but the materials appears solid and durable.

1970toyotamarc - 9/13/2006 3:56:43 PM

+1 Boost

This is a possible next car in my household, but I just dont think it looks good with the top up. It looks kinda stubby. I guess the proportions are designed for practical reasons of size, safety, efficiency. Much better with the top down. The interior isn't poorly designed, but I hope they offer it in something other than that white leather. I'm guessing the 2.0L is the Audi engine, hopefully it has enough to power this (presumably) fairly heavy car. With the lease up next year on our Cooper S convt, I cant see anything else competing at this price point. Overall a pretty good effort by VW.

DallasMR2 - 9/13/2006 4:34:20 PM

0 Boost

i've already seen several driving around uptown Dallas. ...not to mention the VW dealer nearby has 5 in stock...but they are all in dark blue and black. i like how it looks in white.

Rupert - 9/13/2006 4:44:44 PM

-1 Boost

looks better in reality.
sharper rear end than shown.
the 2.0 turbo is the gti engine. the 2.0 is a golf engine. there will also be a 4x4 3.2 from the r32.

mariosonline - 9/13/2006 4:53:23 PM

+1 Boost

Interior is outdated...Looks pretty boring to me.

vcowman - 9/13/2006 4:57:00 PM

+1 Boost

not that exciting, folks. pick up a used sc430 for the same price if you want a hardtop.

mstangpny07 - 9/13/2006 5:14:13 PM

+2 Boost

Not bad....a tad girly....

When I was in Portland this summer (Gresham, OR) it was a dump. Yet your pics are very good.
(It was also cloudy and foggy when I was there.)

brooooo_2007 - 9/13/2006 6:29:32 PM

+3 Boost

I just bought my Eos a week ago - I could not be more happy

I have test driven all the Hard-top convertibles and this is the best bang for your buck in my opinion

the DSG transmission is the best automatic I have driven - the Turbo engine has plenty of Horsepower for the car - It handles good as well

the back seats are way more practical than the Lexus
No other Hard-top convetible has a sunroof as well

I suggest you go drive one and then make a decision

VW has definitely done their homework on this car

EvoAudi - 9/13/2006 7:40:45 PM

+1 Boost

there seems to be a v10 tdi toureg ooohhhh

chewy - 9/13/2006 7:48:41 PM

+1 Boost

Best in class for sure. The interior probably has better materials than in some cars that labe themselves luxury. That is one giant gallery as well. Nice job.

Agent004 - 9/13/2006 8:30:45 PM

+1 Boost

hottest new convertible under $30k....if you're a chick :)

chewy - 9/13/2006 9:26:50 PM

0 Boost

All convertibles are "niche" to an extent. But this is a better vehicle than its true hardtop competitors (Pontica G6 hardtop and the Volvo C70) Anyone that compartes the VW Eos to the likes of a Miata or a Pontiac Solctice/Saturn Sky doesn't know much about cars.

Matthew1 - 9/14/2006 12:36:19 AM

+1 Boost

Correct huu76, it is better.

I know it would be nice to say the G6 convertible is on par with the EOS (even though the G6 is a larger car), but it isn't.

The EOS has a much more advanced and sophisticated roof mechanism/design, the fit/finish of the interior and exterior is miles better, and the solid feel and handling will outclass the mediocre G6.

Fact is, the EOS is a very impressive car for its price. It has rear seats purely for convenience of storage and odd short backseat journey, much like any other coupe/convertible. I also think four seated cars have tax benefits stateside, although I may be wrong on this.

Huu76, I know you like to think the American competition is on par with this new EOS, but it simply isn't true.

chewy - 9/14/2006 12:58:09 AM

0 Boost

"rear-seat legroom is genuinely adult friendly, and the seat bottoms don't meet the front seatbacks as in a 2+2 convertible."

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0604_2007_volkswagen_eos/

You can't possibly compare the rear legroom of the VW Eos to the Lexus SC430. When I get the numbers for the Eos I will post them.

chewy - 9/14/2006 2:42:54 AM

0 Boost

There is enough room for adults in the back.

g_patkar - 9/14/2006 3:28:53 AM

+1 Boost

Welcome to the world of european convertibles for women. this is exactly like the Renault Megane Coupe and the Peugeot 307CC, both hardtop convertibles similar to this, both not available in North America!

Would love to see my girlfriend in one, but definitely not me, since I've travelled in both the Peugeot and the Renault, and is quite weak under the hood and 'feminine' imho. Maybe I also say that because 90% of the 2 cars mentioned above, are steered by women, in Dubai.

chewy - 9/14/2006 4:03:54 AM

0 Boost

In America VW puts either a 200 hp turbo or a 250 hp V6. There is plenty of performance under the hood.

brooooo_2007 - 9/14/2006 10:00:53 AM

+2 Boost

I have the 200hp turbo and the power is very good for this car

I think the test drive of this car will change peoples minds

SteveL - 9/14/2006 5:52:16 PM

+1 Boost

Hottest? OH OK I think you need to get some glasses and a clue.

AUDIMAN4 - 9/14/2006 5:55:43 PM

+1 Boost

Looks like a girl car, but is still nice. I wouldn't buy one.

chewy - 9/14/2006 7:20:31 PM

+1 Boost

Still the best car in its class. Comparing it to the cheaply made Mustang is rediculous. It will also be just as quick as the V6 Mustang (the one that poseurs buy)

sedaine - 9/14/2006 7:28:01 PM

+1 Boost

Great chick car.

Chronoseus - 9/14/2006 7:35:18 PM

+1 Boost

What's hot about this car again? The interior lacks design and quality, the outside is out of date, and like some people said too many moving parts on top. Also it seems to have little if none space for any cargo. But then again, for 30grand it's goog though.

cktoo - 9/14/2006 8:01:18 PM

+1 Boost

You may want to put a huge question mark after the headline. Hottest...hardly, yes MAYBE for your wife, but I'd prefer mine to cruise around in an S2000 or Miata. But hey, apparently you don't know anything about cars if you compare this to a Miata...which I bet 95% of buyers in the segment will do. Also, it might be a good idea for VW to consult with Audi on interior layout. It looks like a big wart in the middle of the dash. With all the gadgets and gizmos on this top, I sure hope VW gives buyers a 10 year/100 mile warranty...they'll need it.

chewy - 9/14/2006 8:10:27 PM

+1 Boost

The Eos has a very high quality interior. I doubt anyone that will buy the Eos will look at a Miata. You can't even possibly compare the two.

chewy - 9/15/2006 1:09:29 AM

+1 Boost

huu76

Miata has no rear seat. It is 16.2 inches shorter. You get the point.

bigslick83 - 9/15/2006 11:12:01 AM

+1 Boost

i would rather have a true four seater 4 season conv like the 06 pt cruiser conv GT then you have style, the turbo HO engine, leather, sports bar and for the same price as this base model. while this cars top model is much more sophisticated and faster, its not much different than whats already out there or whats comming out this year. i dont think you can call this base model hot, because the $30 price tag is whats gonna get everyone in the dealership but they will be driving home with one near the $40's. maybe the article should be the hottest automatic hard-top convertible under $30 as (correct me if im wrong) it would be the only one available

brooooo_2007 - 9/15/2006 12:43:43 PM

+1 Boost

huu76

It is one of the cheapest Hardtop convertibles you cay buy, the only cheaper one is the Pontiac G6 and
the EOS is the only Hardtop convertible with a SUNROOF

the Back seats are really not that badas well

lewissalem - 9/15/2006 1:28:31 PM

+1 Boost

Huu76,

I agree with brooooo. The price is very competative. A starting price is what will bring people into the showrooms. I also feel that the 2.0t will tremendously outsell the 3.2.

Clearly VW is focusing once again on product and delivering value with this vehicle.

shep - 9/16/2006 2:28:03 PM

+1 Boost

I am glad that the scenery was beautiful, becuase that car is really ugly.

atomicbri - 9/16/2006 10:24:07 PM

+1 Boost

I like this car.... about time Americans can sample the powered hard top convertibles that have been in Europe a while now. (Peugeot 306, Vauxhall/Opel CC)