2008 Volkswagen Eos petrol and diesel review
April 4, 2008 by Karl Peskett
Karl
The conversation with the service station attendant went something like this:
“Pump number 7 thanks mate.”
“You sure?”
“Yep. The black convertible.”
“Um…okay…but…”
“Yes, the black Volkswagen.”
His eyes said it all. The incredulous look on his face, wondering if I’d filled an expensive cabriolet with the wrong fuel.
“So that thing’s a diesel?!?”
“Sure is.”
You’d think that a diesel in a convertible would be a bit of a quandary. I mean, with the top down, who wants to listen to the rattling and clattering going on under the bonnet. Surely a smooth petrol motor with a turbo whistle and pop would be so much better.
Well, think again. The test car that VW had lined up for us in Perth was also black, had a VW Individiual package (more on that later) and was sporting a 2-litre turbo diesel and DSG.
Previously, I’ve stated that the DSG would be better suited to a torquier motor. And so it proved with the TDI Eos. This is actually the perfect transmission for this motor. Changes are seamless, and shunt free, and setting off from a set of lights is no bother.
The motor doesn’t labour, or change up too early. It’s brilliant. In fact, due to the low down torque, the S (for Sports) setting is made redundant. It even downshifts before you get to a corner. What more could you ask for?
Great review,
I agree with everything but the other question you may ask yourself when buying between the diesel and petrol is do you want to hear a diesel sound when driving with the roof down or would the sweet sounds of a hard revving petrol engine?
Very true Billy Bob. I like the low down torque of the diesel but that 2.0L turbo is too good to resist.
Waiting, waiting, …….. for a Ford numnut to say the Focus convertible is better…….as if.
Great review chaps, I am very fond of the current crop of VWs from Polo to Touareg.
The quandary of petrol or diesel is exacerbated by the ability to flash the Turbo petrol computer for VERY healthy power gains (easily up to the torque limit of the DSG), and then the diesel can be similarly treated :)
Value for money is excellent, the thing looks fantastic in the black pearl.
Hi Reckless – What makes you think anyone will say the focus is better. Fordies starting a Toyota bunfight never.
Another quality review, however I dispute Ablborz claim that the 2.0 engine is tiny. 850 or 100 tiny yes, but not 2.0 litre.
If I was in the market for a tin top it would be this or maybe Vauxhalls Astra twin top. cheaper to buy and nearly as nice to look at.
My other problem is the interior is not different enough from the Golf/Jettas. Could be more stylish.
Great review. I certainly have against the Eos at all, but this review got me thinking:
The journos are constantly telling us that any new car without curtain aibags is a death-trap. So I wonder if this applies to convertibles as well.
Food for thought…
The BEST conv. under $60k is the MAZDA MX5
The market has spoken
The EndOfStory can be the best 4-seater-conv. under $69k! :-)
Cheers
F-0
LOL….Iam a Ford driver and like this better then Ford offering as it looks real classy!
Great article lads, thanks. Diesel / petrol? For me, and I drive a 2006 2.0 TDI manual Golf, I’d still go diesel EOS. I’m running from Sydney’s Northern beaches to Geelong quite regularly, filling only at Geelong. I’m averaging 4.8l per 100 down the Hume Hwy @ 1900 rpm – speedo reads 105kph. I’m comfortable with 1050 ks, sometimes 1100 ks before a fill up. I’m also currently running on heating oil between highway runs, but sometimes fill up at home from the oil tank and run the Melbourne trip totally on heating oil. Go VW, thanks for tons of low down grunt, an effortless, non fatigue drive. I look forward to an EOS drive.
hey! Frugal-One The BEST convertible under $60k is VW EOS not MX-5 (car of the year 2007)
HAHA I wonder if Karl is referring to me when he talks about his annoying mate?? :)
Thanks for the ride Karl….it really is a fantastic vehicle. Wwell built, quiet, torquey and FUN!!
I own an Eos TFSI and have had it for a year. It is an awesome car and nothing in the price range compares. It really is like having a few cars in one. TFSI is a great engine!
Phillip, the EOS does have side airbags, they come out of the seat! Watch the video
It’s a good car but mine one has leaking issue..
I need to fill up the engine oil once in 2 weeks..
Also water leaking on driver side window.
Hey
I have a eos diesel…a fantastic fun car. Strong yet economical. 4.8 litres per 100kms
With the two special fit suitcases from Volkswagen to go into boot with the roof open its all the space u need.
Love the diesel tick
My best car ever!
We are the owners of the 2008 VW eos TDi.
Sadly our experience has been a horrid one…
From the first week of having this car we have had an issue with the “diesel particulate filter” which after cosultation at service department,we have returned nearly TEN times!!!!
Our qestion goes out to all who have this vehicle, ARE WE THE ONLY ONES ? We love the car and just want to enjoy it , our service department has now decided to replace the part, lets hope this works !!!!
have you had an issue with your particulate filter??
My Golf’s a 1.9 and doesn’t have the particulate filter. It seems odd that something can go wrong with a filter. Give us an update on how you go.
Can anyone satisfy the diesel petrol dilema for me by asking the questions that would reveal the truth for me….. also I am moving to Brisbane from Perth so can any recent buyers give me an idea on delivery expectations, I have been quoted up to 5 mths in Perth?
Many thanks for the other enlightened comments!
Love the look of the EOS but!! I own a new Passat diesel and can tell you the noise just gets more intrusive, the diesel smell is embarrassing and if you drive that revolting DSG box in heavy traffic you will see what a jerky rough useless thing it really is.It drops into fifth around town at 1200 revs and has nothing until 1800. The turbo lag and the DSG make taking off in traffic dangerous. It has nothing and then at 1800 everything including wheelspin shudder and bounce. Would gladly swap this dogbox for my old XR6 anyday
Ian, the issues you are having with your DSG seem strange. I own a DSG equipped R32, and it’s the nicest gearbox I’ve every had. I’ve also driven the Jetta TDI and GOLF GT TD with the DSG (in city traffic) and had no issues with them whatsoever.
Ian, I have an 06 Passat V6 wagon with DSG – what a lovely combo. Have had some minor glitches where, after driving briskly, the box wants to select the wrong gear. However, never a problem in Sydney’s crap traffic. If the trakkic is very, very slow I select sport – gears change less often. Otherwise what a lovely ride and all at 9.8L/100k
I drive an EOS (Individual) diesel – great car and very happy with everything bar the roof rattle when the roof is up. Car is coming up to its first 15000 service and it will be interesting to hear if this is common and what VW does to solve the problem – all rubbers intact and in good condition.
Hi all,
I’ve just got a drive away deal for VW Candy white EOS 2.0 TFSI with DSG and red letter fittings for $55,000.
I wonder is that the best I could get or I could have done better.
Thanks in advance.
We took delivery of our EOS Diesel around a month ago & couldn’t be happier. Best value under 60k, I should say so.
No problems so far, no roof rattle, leaks, particle filter issues.
Fingers crossed. I must say, favourite car ever.
took delivery of a brand new Eos TDI DSG about a month ago. drove it for 5 days (300 km)before it stopped dead. towed away to dealer where it has been since. took dealer 1 week to find problem is faulty fuel pump. No parts available in stock in australia and still waiting for dealer to get parts and repair. VW australia have washed their hands of it and refuse to compensate me for any losses and I should be greatful they have given me a 3 year/100,000 km warranty. I only hope I get my car back before the warranty expires.
Arrrrrrrrr, another quality VW product!
Have to say it AGAIN…”I told you so”
Cheers
F-0
Gulf , a best Car , not have more Benz , and so speed have
thank’s
Any word on when the EOS TDI will be available in Canada or the US ?
Hello. It looks great in those pics. The interior seems substantially upgraded, with the new leather-trimmed door panels, and I like how the seats have more lateral support. The stitching on the steering wheel is nice, too. Thanks for the information and have a nice day! :)