Subtly upgraded for 2011, Volkswagen’s stylish Eos convertible offers the convenience of a folding metal hardtop at a (relatively) affordable price. First introduced on these shores in 2007, the Eos is configured as a front-wheel-drive car with four-cylinder power. Though it’s not the sportiest convertible on the market, the 2011 Eos still offers more European flair than the Chrysler Sebring, its closest competition.
Once the exclusive preserve of high-dollar drop-tops such as the Mercedes-Benz SL, the folding metal top has now filtered down to more affordable machinery like the Eos, VW’s replacement for the long-lived Cabrio. Despite increased weight, cost, and complexity, folding metal hardtops pay major dividends in silence and comfort when raised. The Eos even offers a sliding glass moonroof that can be operated when the top is up, a unique feature that not even pricey Mercedes or BMW convertibles can match.
For 2011 Volkswagen has seen fit to grace the Eos with new front and rear fascia, along with some minor interior styling updates. Borrowing some details from corporate sibling Audi, the 2011 Eos gets new LED headlamps along with a more aggressive grille and bumper treatment. The tweaks greatly enliven the appearance of the Eos, adding some much-needed sneer to what was a fairly frumpy design. As expected, a variety of new wheel designs complement the look. Overall the Eos possesses a sleek, integrated European look, much more eye-catching than the comparably priced Chrysler Sebring, which also offers a folding metal roof.
Under the hood a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine carries over. With standard turbocharging this direct-injection mill features dual overhead camshafts and makes a respectable 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Though reasonably peppy the 2.0-liter’s main attributes are good fuel economy and smooth operation. Shifting duties are handled by either a six-speed manual gearbox or VW’s novel DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission. While the six-speed greatly enlivens the Eos’ performance, the DSG is more in keeping with its status as a boulevardier. Overall, acceleration is adequate, if not exactly brisk, and both transmissions shift smoothly through the gears.
Though face-lifted outside the 2011 Eos retains the same chassis as prior models. Body rigidity is especially important in convertibles, and VW has done a decent job of ensuring the Eos’ structure is flex free. With the roof up the usual quivers and shakes are nonexistent, though large bumps can elicit some chatter from the roof panels. Drop the top and some cowl shake will make itself known, but this is to be expected in a convertible, and the Eos falls well within the acceptable range of stiffness. Additional chassis bracing adds weight, however; the 2011 Eos tips the scales at a relatively portly 3,500 pounds, much of it carried over the front wheels.
With all that weight and minimal emphasis on friskiness, you might expect the 2011 Eos to acquit itself rather poorly in corners, yet a brisk drive yields pleasant surprises. Though far from a sports car, the Eos features enough starch in its independent suspension to keep its European pride intact. Cornering limits aren’t high, but the steering is nicely weighted and body lean isn’t excessive, especially when compared with Chrysler’s plodding Sebring. Comfort is very good, as the sophisticated suspension soaks up big bumps while delivering a smooth highway ride.
Volkswagen offers the 2011 Eos in two trim levels, Komfort and Lux. Komfort trims are well-equipped with a standard power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a powerful stereo with 6-CD changer. Also included are 16-inch alloy wheels and, of course, the power folding hardtop with sunroof. The step-up Lux trim gets the DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission standard, along with an upgraded stereo with 600 watts of power and 17-inch alloys. Navigation, xenon headlights (replacing the LED units), and parking sensors are optional on both trim levels.
The interior of the 2011 Eos features Volkswagen’s usual high-quality plastics and straightforward design. Though nominally a four-seater, its paltry 32.5 inches of rear legroom make long trips in back a chancy proposition. The front seats are firm and quite supportive, in the German mold, with convincing "leatherette" upholstery on Komfort models and real hides on Lux-trimmed Eos’. Lux trims also feature a useful easy-entry feature that powers the front seats forward for better access to the back row. Ergonomics are excellent, and the switchgear moves with expensive, dampened motions. Under-the-decklid trunk space is at a premium, however; only 6.6 cubic feet are available with the top down.
Safety and security features abound in the 2011 Eos. Standard front, side, and curtain airbags help protect passengers in a collision. A special rollover protection system features pop-up hoops behind the rear headrests that deploy automatically to prevent head injuries in some crashes. The usual suite of electronic stability aids, including antilock brakes and skid control, are standard.
Overall the 2011 Eos has much to offer in what is essentially a niche market. Pricing is ambitious (Komfort trims start at just over $32,000, and a loaded Lux tops out at over $42,000), yet the Eos offers a pleasing blend of style, capability, and luxury. While some might expect a more prestigious nameplate for that kind of dough, it’s important to remember that this is 2011, and a new Mercedes E-Class convertible starts at 56 grand, and that’s with a cloth top. At the bottom end of the range, Chrysler’s Sebring does have the origami metal top, but its rental-car interior and coarse drivetrain will have you wishing you shelled out the extra dough for the Eos.
I have an '11 eos, check engine light came on, mechanic replaced all 4 coils and plugs. drove 200 miles, check engine light keeps coming on. they say the fault code displayed is a misfire on cylinder 3. if they replaced the coils and plugs, what else could cause the light to come on and what should I do to have it fixed. close to 100k miles
VW maintenance schedule costs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Easy entry: power driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker · Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation