Overview
The Eos is Volkswagen's new retractable-hardtop convertible. It features a unique glass roof panel that doubles as a giant sunroof. Based on the same "A5" platform that underpins the Rabbit , Jetta, and GTI, the Eos is available with a choice of (turbocharged) 4-cylinder or V-6 powerplants.

Overview
At the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled their Concept C, a sharp-looking retractable hardtop with a glass-panel roof that could slide back to double as a sunroof. Though VW made no official announcements at the time, insiders hinted that a car very much like the Concept C was due for production in 2006. Sure enough, when the Eos made its American debut at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, it looked very much like the Concept C.

The Eos is the successor to the Golf-based Volkswagen Cabrio, which was discontinued after 2002. Like the Cabrio, it seats four and shares the front-wheel-drive "A" platform of the Jetta, GTI, and Golf (now known as the Rabbit). Unlike the Cabrio, it gets radically different styling (including a proper trunk) and a different engine selection. Base and 2.0T models are powered by a 200-hp 2.0T turbo with FSI fuel injection, the same engine that powers the GTI. The Eos 3.2 gets a narrow-angle, 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6, as seen in the European-market high-performance Golf R32. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on base and 2.0T models, while VW's self-shifting Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) is optional on the 2.0T and standard on the 3.2.

By far the most interesting aspect of the Eos is its roof. The main roof panel is made of glass and functions as an ordinary tilt-and-slide sunroof, with metal roof side rails that remain fixed in place. For convertible operation, the entire assembly retracts electrically into the trunk. With the top retracted, the Eos' trunk still has room for 6.6 cubic feet of cargo—more than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Eos is backed by 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties.

The Competition
The Volkswagen Eos competes in the Compact Sporty segment, which consists of 10 models. Buyers in this segment look for exterior styling, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Scion tC (79,125), Subaru Impreza (41,148), and Mitsubishi Lancer (23,167). The Volkswagen Eos sold 3,394 units in 2006 in its first year on the market. Other models offered in the Compact Sporty segment include the Pontiac Solstice, Hyundai Tiburon, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Saturn Sky, and Subaru Outback Sport.