2008 Volkswagen EOS TFSI review
May 30, 2008 by Paul Maric
2008 Volkswagen EOS TFSI Road Test
Model tested: Volkswagen EOS TFSI
Recommended Retail Price: $52,290; $71,210 as tested.
Options fitted: Individual package ($6,990); metallic paint ($690); satellite navigation ($2,490); CD changer ($790); Dynaudio 600W premium sound system ($1,990); Bi-xenon headlights with cornering lights ($1,990); electrically adjustable front seat ($1,490); Chicago 18″ alloy wheels ($2,490).
Unisex styling, potent engine and handling package.
Roof is slow to retract; options pricing.
CarAdvice rating: 
(4.25)
– Review and photographs by Paul Maric.
My Greek goddess was delivered to me in Samoa Red – a new colour to the Volkswagen Eos range. To top it off, the vehicle was also fitted with the optional Volkswagen ‘Individual’ package which includes 18” Veracruz alloy wheels, twin-colour Napa leather upholstery which includes seat heaters, 3-spoke sport steering wheel, chrome inserts in radiator grille and aluminium door sill inlays.
The Eos is one of those convertibles that doesn’t question a man’s sexuality, it’s a truly unisex convertible that has appeal to both sexes. The other thing that makes the Eos so unique is that it looks classy and elegant both with the roof up and down – unlike some of its competitors.
Under the bonnet, the TFSI version of the Eos is powered by a similar engine to the one found in the illustrious Golf GTI – 147kW and a spritely 280Nm of torque. Our test vehicle was fitted with Volkswagen’s renowned DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission. As the fastest shifting gearbox in the world, the dual-clutch unit swaps cogs in 8ms – that’s quicker than today’s F1 car! All this while only sipping through 8.2-litres/100km…
Around a strenuous mountain road, the Eos flows through corners freely and with no great fuss. Power is always available and the brakes bite with urge. It feels a bit flimsy through tight corners, but it’s a character trait often associated with convertibles with the roof off.
Interior room is quite impressive. A stint at the drive-in movies gave my passenger and I the ultimate opportunity to not only test seating comfort in the car, but also to test the optional Dynaudio, 600-watt, 10-speaker sound system. The sound system is superb throughout the entire audible band, bass is very deep and treble is exceptionally crisp. Seat comfort was also a plus, the leather interior was comfortable and didn’t feel awkward – even after a two hour movie stint.
Watching the roof operate from the outside is certainly an enjoyable task. The 5-piece roof opens and closes in complete style – matching the Eos’ presence. It is a bit slow though, you certainly wouldn’t want to push your luck trying to open the roof at a set of traffic lights! The Eos is also the only convertible – to my knowledge – which has a separately opening sunroof, which works independently of the main roof. This operation can be done at any speed, meaning that you don’t need to be stationary to soak up some of the sun’s rays.
The Eos range includes two model grades – diesel and petrol. The diesel starts from $47,990 (6-speed manual), while the TFSI version being tested can be had for $49,990 (also 6-speed manual). The DSG transmission can be optioned in both model grades for an additional $2,000.
Standard features include: Fog lights; central locking; cruise control; 17” alloy wheels; dual-zone climate control with dust and pollen filter; automatic headlights; automatic windscreen wipers; 6-disc CD-changer with MP3 compatibility; automatic dimming rear vision mirror and exterior mirror; rear parking sensors; trip computer and electric windows.
Safety features include: Driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger side and head airbags; engine immobiliser; active rollover protection system with rollover bars; ABS brakes with EBD and BA; Electronic Stability Control and traction control.
The Eos is an absolutely wonderful car. It’s versatile and works a treat on those hot summer days – and best of all, it’s affordable. The new colour – Samoa Red works quite well during sunny conditions and is a welcome addition to the Eos range. If you haven’t done so already, take the new Eos for a test drive, it’s sure to put a smile on your dial – it sure did for me!
CarAdvice overall rating:
How does it drive: 
How does it look:
How does it go:
2008 Volkswagen EOS TFSI Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder
Power: 147kW
Torque: 280Nm
Top speed: 229km/h
Safety: Electronic stability control- front air bags – side airbags – roll over protection – front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.
0-100km/h: 7.9-seconds
EuroNCAP rating: 4-stars
Turning circle: N/A
Fuel tank: 55-litres
Fuel consumption : 8.2 litres/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 98RON Premium Unleaded
Print it: 
An awesome car. When I am independently wealthy I am going to need one of these to cruise around on the weekend.
$71,000. Wow.
how bout a r32 version.
gotta love the dubs. I am trying to work out whether to buy a GTI or a GT TDI Sport manual.
go the GTI
Grumpy Says:
May 30th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
“gotta love the dubs. I am trying to work out whether to buy a GTI or a GT TDI Sport manual.”
Agreed, go the GTI. However, if you’re not sure, talk to the gang at vwwatercooled if you want all the pros of cons of each car.
Back to on topic, the EOS, along with the Tiguan, shows where VW are going, from better to better. They’re slowly chipping away at Toyota…
Is it a rag top or metal?
Nice car but 20k over priced.
Not going to give Toyota much of a shove at this price although this model has no competition in their lineup.
need photo with the roof up.
Its a hard top real cars and it looks better than most others too.
Gee VW are making some nice cars these days. We are certainly going to be spoilt for choice.
If it’s $20K overpriced, what is there that costs $20K less with a sunroof, room for four and a powerful but fuel efficient engine? Nothing that I’m aware of..
I guess that’s why I bought an Eos…
well technically it is 20k overpriced as it sells for 33k in the US
come on everybody knows in aust we are made to bleed for any imported new cars, because all car makers know our economy is one of the strongest in the world and they will charge what they want. eg the nissan gtr is about 80000 in japan and when it sells here it will be 150000! now thats an expensive boat ride.
It’s a good car with good engine & gearbox. However, quality is a concern.
Mine one has roof problem, I took it back to dealer 3 times for fixing the roof because rattles & squeaks.
Also water leaking on the driver’s side windows which is a very serious concern to me.
PS. Mini is another cabriolet with the sunroof, but it is a softtop.
Keep roof lubricated
VW has also advised that all Eos owners should receive a roof lubrication pack when taking delivery of their new car.
It is necessary for customers to clean and lubricate the seals on their Eos at least twice a year,’ said the spokesman. ‘This is because the rubber seals can become dry and contaminated by natural road dirt.
If the seals become dry, the roof can become noisy while driving.
Have any owners of Eos received this lubrication pack?
OMG – Is THAT what the lubrication pack is for…….
$71k????!!!
Golf GTi 50k + $12 tin-snips + packet of hinges from bunnings and i know where I’ll spend the money.
Nice car…just overpriced.
What do they pay in Europe for ‘em?
71K for an EOS? I know this is the fully optioned price but its higher than the list price for a BMW 125i convertable. Makes you wonder whats better value, and with the BMWs 160kw I6 and rear drive, whats the better drivers car?
Another overtly favourable review of a VW? Yawn.
What? The Eos? Zzzzzzzzzz.
Is VW the new black or something?
About the same Fenno – however the Tiguan is cheaper in Oz. probably due to VW wanting to wipe Toyatas arse.
I dont understand all the negative comments, over priced by $20,000 says O, (mmm too expensive…poor O). Another overtly favourable review of a VW? Yawn, writes Advocatre (mmm one wonders why the reviews are in fact..favourable).
Well I guess each to his/her own but for me it is the first VW we have ever owned and I bought ours specifically for my other half, the missus that is, it is a magnificent car.
Although (for the benefit of O and Advocatre)….. the characteristics of the car remind me a lot of myself actually. You know, powerfull good looking and of course….. smart.
I’ve had an EOS for a year and love the car except for major faults. The service level from Solitaire in SA is crap. The car has very serious roof leaks on 3 corners but worst on drivers front. The car has been in 5 times minimum for repairs to roof but its worse now than when I started. Anyone want to join a class action to force VW to fix.
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.
Jack Lee, you did alright. I don’t think you saved too much but considering it’s a Volkswagen and they don’t do too many major discounts anyway, you got a good price.
Thanks Alex!
I do think the deal I’ve got is one of kind. I forgot to mention the car has electronic sports seats with heating option too.
I’m hoping to have the car b4 the weekend and I’ll update how it goes.
Jack Lee, with drive away and electric sport seats, I think that you probably saved about $8,000. Good deal in other words.
Just a short update from 10 days of driving the VW EOS.
What a car! I still can’t believe the deal I’ve got! very lucky indeed.
The car drives extremely well no lack of power it pulls the car like a rocket launch. I have tried 4 people seating driving up the hills I felt no different caring just one myself or 4 people it just pulls.
I prefer driving the top down because somewhat it feels sportier maybe the centre of car weight gets lower with the top in the boot.
With top up, very quiet no rattles although the roof lining flaps little on bumpy roads.
It’s been raining almost everyday in Brisbane so far no sign of leaking what so ever. Love the watching the rain hitting the wide glass sunroof while driving, just awesome!
The stereo is awesome too the best sounding system I heard in cars. It’s also very smart and conrol is very easy from the steering wheel via the multi function display.
There are so many features built in that I’m still discovering… the best car ever!
Dear Wayne
“the characteristics of the car remind me a lot of myself actually. You know, powerfull good looking and of course….. smart.”
You seem to have miss-spelled “smug”.
I also am having serious complications to get anyone at VW to even attempt to pretend as if they may take a second to help fix….even discuss the rain in my vehicle that is coming in through my hardtop. There are 3 major areas where I seem to feel the water almost every time it rains!! The worst outcome I foresee is that I am leasing the EOS and when comes time to turn it in…I will be charged for all the damage done due to this issue?! I have spoken to an attorney who is willing to help, so I am open to all you have begun, input….etc. regarding VW EOS’s malfunction. Worst mechanical vehicle I have owned from VW. Disappointing!!!!