2012 Volkswagen Eos Preview

The Eos is named after the Greek goddess of the sun, which should give you an idea of what to expect. It gets a facelift for 2012, which gives the new three-bar grille of Volkswagen. It now features the same as the Golf and Jetta siblings, from which it is derived. However, with his signature power folding hardtop and integrated sunroof, and the 2012 Volkswagen Eos looks sportier than it is.

Gone are the six-speed gearbox and 250 hp VR6 engine as the VW car tweaks to strive for the target market and everyday Irish boulevard cruisers. Since Volkswagen is only convertible for now, inherits a tradition derived from the old Golf Cabriolet, and the owners who made ​​the car as an icon. The only powertrain is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower, coupled to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. It can not set tires on fire, but for around-town driving is adequate enough to 30 mpg on the highway to get.

VW Eos wants to premium four-seater convertibles like the Audi A5, BMW 1-Series sedan, and Volvo C70. Given the small size and relaxed driving manners may find themselves surpassed. But a small, well-equipped convertible perhaps what some sun worshipers looking at the low $ 30,000 range - the Beetle convertible comes out, at least.

Bodystyle: Convertible

Transmission: six-speed auto-clutch manual (DSG)

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4

Models: Komfort, Lux, Executive

For 2012 a new model gets introduced with all the trimmings: the Executive model starts at a not-insignificant $39,220. What do you get for so much dough? A premium 600-watt Dynaudio sound system, a sport suspension, power seats, touch-screen navigation, and 18-inch "Kansas" wheels...no, we don't know why they're called that, either.

The VW corporate grille that debuted on the Golf/Jetta duo translates well onto the Eos, minimizing the previous model's chrome schnoz. Like many convertibles, the Eos looks better with the top down, though few convertibles at this price or below can offer the security that comes with a solid metal hardtop. With options, the Eos even includes a panoramic sunroof as part of the folding hardtop, ensuring that the sun always has a presence.

The interior can now be upholstered in red, for that extra attention-grabbing effect. Loaded with the Golf's best features, VW includes aluminum trim and a touch screen standard, with the option of premium audio, navigation, and keyless entry.

Don't expect to win many stoplight drags with this car. With a claimed 7.4-second 0-60 mph time, the Eos is a decent performer, and VW's 2.0-liter turbo and automatic transmission combination is one of the best powertrains available. The Eos boasts a surprisingly solid chassis, which shakes very little over bumps. But don't expect a sports car: The suspension is tuned more for cruising highways than finding fun twisty roads. But even though it's more of a boulevard cruiser than canyon carver, you can still have some fun in the Eos given its trusty Golf underpinnings.

The Eos comes with standard driver and front passenger front, combined side-curtain and side airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, traction control, and electronic stability control. An important and necessary rollover system deploys steel beams behind the seats in case the car's sensors detect that the driver has run out of talent.

22 mpg city/30 mpg highway

Sticker Price: $33,995

Sticker Price: $39,220

Sticker Price: $37,250