- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
147kW, 280Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 8.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
4/5 star (2007)
2008 Volkswagen EOS TFSI review
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).
CarAdvice rating:
- 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:
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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