As one last hurrah for Volkswagen’s unique hard-top convertible, the EOS gets a Final Edition trim for this year concluding an eight year run that brought a delectable drop top alternative within its reserved segment.
The 2015 Volkswagen EOS is one vehicle that will pay homage to the VW brand’s bold moves to offer something different from the norm. Over the 8 years of its existence, the EOS has molded to adapt to many necessitated caricatures outside of the traditional convertible. For one, the EOS has attributed its exclusive-for-the-time hard top convertible roof that also serves as a sunroof with a closing shade. In the realm of versatility, getting your sunlight whatever way you like it, the EOS has set itself apart from it’s the competition.
In my latest quick spin, it is apparent that with the 2015 EOS Final Edition Volkswagen pulled out a few extra stops within the midlevel sport trim. The Final Edition includes extra interior treatments featuring two-tone 8-way power leather seats and trim to spice up the visual appeal, as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, review camera with rear parking sensors, auto dimming rearview mirror, auto wipers, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.
Powering the Volkswagen EOS in its Final spec is left to the brand’s highly praised 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. My test vehicle was equipped with the turbo 4-cylinder mated to a 6-Speed DSG Dual-Clutch automated manual transmission. Use of the DSG gives way to a direct feel when driving the EOS and attributes to the engine’s willingness to spin up quick and provide an ample mid-range boost of power.
Power through the front wheels is enough to have the traction control continually limiting wheels spin while the DSG unit does its job to snap through each gear without any hesitation. The surprising lack of steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for the manual mode of the DSG is a big letdown as I was only left to making manual shifts by the floor shifter tilted into the manual mode.
The efficiency of the Volkswagen EOS yields 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Outside of those numbers, pushing the EOS to the limit you will run to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds from a stop. Twisty roads delight in the sport tuned suspension to keep the EOS’s 3,508 pounds in check.
The interior captures a unique feel but lacks much to entertain by the way of its smallish infotainment touch screen and dated dashboard. Moreover, use of the rear seating for adult-proportioned humans is a difficult feat. Possibly, the roof and its unique traits make up for this shortcoming – mostly dependent on your outlook for such a versatile hard-top convertible setup. It is prudent to note that the EOS is the brand’s only other offering for a convertible outside of the Beetle Convertible, so there is that.
Considering the complete package dolled up with a neat hard top that retracts in 25 seconds and grants you the usability of a glass sunroof to boot, the EOS is a one-of-a-kind in is class. The pricing may be difficult to completely digest at the top end of the trim scale yet the base price starts at $36,145 with many desirable features as standard.
My EOS Final Edition came to an as-tested price of $40,410 including an $865 destination charge. In my assessment, the EOS won’t be missed much with Volkswagen having the stylish and competitively priced uniquely styled Beetle Convertible in its arsenal. Though, only time will tell after the EOS meets its demise after this year.
Copyright: 2015 AutomotiveAddicts.com
