CTC Review: 2008 Volkswagene Eos

[ngm]

Definitely - although I love VW design and in general, German attention to detail, I wonder if that attention is at the sacrifice of quality.  I've had numerous, although minor, issues that I've never had with any other vehicle.  However, the convertible aspect is great and you only live once, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts.  On the flip side, I've had good service from my dealer, which is contrary to most people's experience with VW.

I'm curious if sirAquaman's issues with his GTI are applicable to the Eos...were they tranny and engine issues?  Or was it more about the GTI design itself?

[JT816]

But he just listed car for the most part that are WAY over the price of the VW's.... The EOS starts at $35, the Golf starts at 16, his list all start in the 35k range....

Well if you take a look closely, I was comparing brands AND cars for the most part in the same ranges. Rabbit is comparable to a Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla/Matrix right? A city Golf to Fit/Yaris, A Jetta/Passat to an Accord/Camry, etc. The IS 250, Toyota Solaris, B and C class, TSX, RSX, S40/V50, etc. I'm comparing directly to the Eos since the starting price range is similar with the exception the RSX which started at about $10k cheaper than the Eos when it was still sold. I can't believe I'm saying this but even Hyundai interiors look more updated and nicer than VWs (whether they hold up or not is a different matter).

And lucid0703, you're right the Jetta 2.5 starts at $22k but the GLI Jetta starts at $30k, which I think is comparable to a Benz B Class, IS 250, and the list I mentioned above since it does start in a similar price range. The funny thing to me is that the difference in look in the interior/gauges/console between a Rabbit/Jetta 2.5 and Jetta GLI despite the $8-10k difference is negligible (granted the main difference is probably supposed to be the engine/driving dynamics, etc but you're still talking about an $8-10k difference and really a completely different class of cars).

All that withstanding, my main point is that VW interiors look so outdated and plain jane to a point where it *looks* below standard. FYI, the city Golf/Jetta's interior really really looks and feels similar to my uncle's 1986 Jetta (they have the same material and feel of the turn dials and knobs for the radio and heating/cooling!). How many interiors nowadays really breakdown, deteriorate, etc. due to quality (yes, I know, some GM/Ford/Chrysler cars still do a little bit)? The VW exterior looks very modern, hip, and good but they don't have the interiors to match. 

[vdk]

is 250 -> 32K
is 350 -> 44k
is F -> 66k

same interior...  and hell you don't even get floor mats..

the only vehicle in your list that has a good interior would be the TSX.

The Rabbit totally owns Civics and Corollas in every aspect (except fuel economy). It's not even in the same league as those 2. The only economy car that comes close to the Rabbit's interior is the Astra. I've cross shopped a dozen cars a week ago, and chose the Rab. And fuel economy is not that bad... Toronto-Ottawa and back averaged about 8.5l/100km at 110-140km/h... oh yeah... I left Toronto with 250km on the odo, you should take that into account too.

On the other hand... have you seen a VW interior at night? It's gorgeous...

[quadzilla]

And fuel economy is not that bad... Toronto-Ottawa and back averaged about 8.5l/100km at 110-140km/h... oh yeah... I left Toronto with 250km on the odo, you should take that into account too.

Considering I've done that with my Mz6-Wagon with four people, trunk full of luggage and the a/c on its not that great either. 

I won't compare city mileage though. 

[ngm]

I have to disagree with JT816's comments - to say that VW interiors don't do it for you is one thing, but to say they are below standard is, in my view, wrong.  The standard would have to be set quite high for VW (excluding the City series) interiors to be considered low-end.

I'm not an absolute VW lover, but I've sat in, looked at, and played with almost every car on the market right now.  VW's have their perks, but they have their negatives, just like any car maker.  To me, they are quality (in terms of long-term durability/reliability), pricing, and sometimes service.  Interior material quality wouldn't be on my list.

As for fuel economy, I agree that the Rabbit isn't that great, considering the 2.0T in the Eos gets similar mileage, but with more HP and in a heavier car. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I'm curious if sirAquaman's issues with his GTI are applicable to the Eos...were they tranny and engine issues?  Or was it more about the GTI design itself?

NOTHING was wrong with it in the 30K I had it. Flawless. Only thing was the speedo clocked fast (had 16" winters on it at the time) which I had the dealer correct somewhat -tho the odometer and MFD were accurate, so really just saved me from speeding tickets.

My issues were just that the suspension was a little too firm for my liking (even tho most enthusiasts complain it's too soft  - I'd hate to see what competitors more firm rides are like to live with). It wasn't that bad to be honest, but on some rougher roads noticed it and over the long haul would prefer more like the Jetta 2.0T Sport Suspension which I test drove and found to be the perfect balance. I had the 18" alloys because they were heaven on the car and had to have them. Also, loved the appearance of the Interlagos Plaid cloth seats, but I'm a big guy and they were a bit uncomfy for my lower back. Must be noted no part of them had even started to mishapen despite my girth. Anyhow, I miss the car a lot truth be told and think they're awesome overall, but I knew I wanted something with slightly raised seating position (B-Class) and would like to go back to diesel again so sold it when I bought a house for downpayment. Would like to get the Tiguan next.


As to VW interiors, although today the luxury brands are forging ahead with advanced styling, think German design used to be sturdy, simple and timeless, yet very functional. I really buy into that philosophy, and believe the current VW interiors really straddle the line between simple layout, exemplary build quality, and modern design touches/detail which I find very appealing. They also happen to offer a lot of interior space to boot. Everyone's entitled to an opinion (lordy knows I express mine enough) seeing as well all have different tastes, and I really challenge the status quo sometimes to think for myself, but when enough people say something it tends to be true.

[ngm]

sirAquaman - I've seen you post your longing on the Vortex for the Eos as well and I have to say, I think you would have liked the Eos a lot.

I have the 18" wheel package and to be honest, I expected the ride to be stiff and harsh, especially on Edmonton's pothole-ridden roads!  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  I didn't expect the Eos to have sports car like handling (it's way too heavy to ever have that, especially with the changing weight distribution), but even with the 18s, I have never once thought the ride was harsh...it's well-damped and a good compromise.  In fact, if anything, I wouldn't mind a bit more harshness in exchange for decreased body roll (in the summers, of course).  Considering I'm used to driving SUVs and trucks, you'd think I'd be more sensitive to a stiffer suspension!  lol...I've driven a GTI before - it's much tighter, more nimble, and to be honest, more fun (from a driving perspective...a convertible is a different animal).  However, I think you are right - as a daily driver, it may have been a bit too firm for my liking as well.

I agree - VW interiors are good. Always room for improvement, of course, but definitely not low-rent or low-end by any means.     Except for my fugly stereo... 

[Gloria]

Alrihgt, I love it when people bark about certain things in the car world. Interiors, this is usually not the topic for debate. Does your a$$ fit in the chair, does it feel comfortable, can you see, and feel comfortable doing so? What is the pick-up like, why is it that you are looking at this car? These are all valid reasons for buying a car. The interior, blah, what it wrong with people!!! If you are baahing interior lets bash one that is deserving, the Subaru WRX. WTF? My husband has the base model Impreza 2.5 which starts at a messly 24K. For an all wheel drive, this is a good starting point. But the WRX again I say WTF? You are paying over 40K for a bigger engine. If you have ever sat in one what is so impressive with this Playskool put together POS. If there are people stupid enough to pay that kind of money for that, what has this world come too. Again, this is all in muy opinion. Getting back to the topic at hand. I like the fact that VW allows you to choose what style of interior that you want. There is the little done- up and the little un-done. Lets look at the competition to the EOS before we start bashing cars. The only car, that comes close in terms of features and optiions is the Volvo convertible. They have a similar engine and saftey features, they are very similar. The only thing that stands them apart is the significant price gap. Where VW comes out cheaper. In a world where everyone is concerned with payment, the VW with its nice interior for what it is, should win out when comparing apples to apples.

[safristi]

 

[The Mighty Duck]

Yeah, who cares about interiors...  it's not like that's where we spend most of our time.

[Brigitte]

Interior fit and finish is in the top three criteria for me when considering a vehicle.  As Demo says above, it's where we spend most of our time when we're in the car.  However, I do acknowledge that this is less important to some people.   

[Gloria]

When it comes down to it interior and trim are important hot buttons for consumers, however I feel that people look at things funny. You cannot compare a Chevy Cobalt to a VW GTI or in terms of this argument a Chrysler Sebring Convertible and EOS 2.0T. I feel that there isn;t a comparison.

[MKII]

The only car, that comes close in terms of features and optiions is the Volvo convertible. They have a similar engine and saftey features, they are very similar. The only thing that stands them apart is the significant price gap. Where VW comes out cheaper. In a world where everyone is concerned with payment, the VW with its nice interior for what it is, should win out when comparing apples to apples.

IMO the C70 (Volvo) is in a different league(hence the price gap).Audi cabriolet, BMW E46 3-Series convertible, BMW E92 3-Series CC, Mercedes CLK convertible

The EOS real apples to apples comparo are not offered in your neck of the woods, eg:Ford Focus CC, Peugeot 307CC, Renault Megane CC, Astra Vauxhall/Opel Twintop.

The EOS is sort of what I would call a Tweener, with the lower end vehicle Focus CC being its closest competitor.

[Gloria]

I agree over here there really aren't alot of comparable cars, however if you were to do a model comparison through VW, they have taken a number of the convertibles on the market and just compared them. The one thing that the EOS has that the others does not is the sunroof, which I feel puts this car in a league of there own. I also feel that the hard top convertible is better suited for Canadian weather as well as sunroof. Where I am it is better to have a hard top convertible that can close to -15 and then has a sunroof for those blah days. I really think that VW did a good thing with the EOS.

[airbalancer]

Did you use the wind screen ?
The wind screen makes a large difference with the wifes car

[lucid0703]

But he just listed car for the most part that are WAY over the price of the VW's.... The EOS starts at $35, the Golf starts at 16, his list all start in the 35k range....

Well if you take a look closely, I was comparing brands AND cars for the most part in the same ranges. Rabbit is comparable to a Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla/Matrix right? A city Golf to Fit/Yaris, A Jetta/Passat to an Accord/Camry, etc. The IS 250, Toyota Solaris, B and C class, TSX, RSX, S40/V50, etc. I'm comparing directly to the Eos since the starting price range is similar with the exception the RSX which started at about $10k cheaper than the Eos when it was still sold. I can't believe I'm saying this but even Hyundai interiors look more updated and nicer than VWs (whether they hold up or not is a different matter).

And lucid0703, you're right the Jetta 2.5 starts at $22k but the GLI Jetta starts at $30k, which I think is comparable to a Benz B Class, IS 250, and the list I mentioned above since it does start in a similar price range. The funny thing to me is that the difference in look in the interior/gauges/console between a Rabbit/Jetta 2.5 and Jetta GLI despite the $8-10k difference is negligible (granted the main difference is probably supposed to be the engine/driving dynamics, etc but you're still talking about an $8-10k difference and really a completely different class of cars).

All that withstanding, my main point is that VW interiors look so outdated and plain jane to a point where it *looks* below standard. FYI, the city Golf/Jetta's interior really really looks and feels similar to my uncle's 1986 Jetta (they have the same material and feel of the turn dials and knobs for the radio and heating/cooling!). How many interiors nowadays really breakdown, deteriorate, etc. due to quality (yes, I know, some GM/Ford/Chrysler cars still do a little bit)? The VW exterior looks very modern, hip, and good but they don't have the interiors to match. 

Regarding your comment about Jetta 2.5 and GLI, vdk gave you a good example with IS. IS250 is $31K, IS-F is $64K. Does IS-F have anything special inside the car other than sport seats despite of the huge difference in price? Civic hybrid starts at $26K while regular Civic starts at $16K. Does the hybrid model get any special treatment on interior to cover up the $10,000 difference?

VW interiors may be boring and plain to some (or many) people, but as you mentioned, it is true that most (at least "many") professional reviewers agree that VW interior is generally top-notch and well made. If you think they *look* below standard, it is your opinion and your taste. Nothing is wrong with that. I hate some car's interiors that are praised in a lot of reviews, too.

[guenter]

Interior fit and finish is in the top three criteria for me when considering a vehicle.  As Demo says above, it's where we spend most of our time when we're in the car.  However, I do acknowledge that this is less important to some people.   

re interior, I like everything about the Eos, especially the simply and effective Bauhaus finish, yet won't buy one because of the silly - for me - interior colour choices.  Drab black, grey and an almost white.  What the heck is wrong with VW, why isn't there a nice tan with bright colours... it's supposed to be a fun car yet what do we get on the exterior, black other shades of almost black silver (of course) a funny red and white.  the only exception is the nice icemeer blue.

cheers

[Mitlov]

Interior fit and finish is in the top three criteria for me when considering a vehicle.  As Demo says above, it's where we spend most of our time when we're in the car.  However, I do acknowledge that this is less important to some people.   

re interior, I like everything about the Eos, especially the simply and effective Bauhaus finish, yet won't buy one because of the silly - for me - interior colour choices.  Drab black, grey and an almost white.  What the heck is wrong with VW, why isn't there a nice tan with bright colours... it's supposed to be a fun car yet what do we get on the exterior, black other shades of almost black silver (of course) a funny red and white.  the only exception is the nice icemeer blue.

cheers

VW interiors are the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored navy two-button suit.  It's either timeless and classy, or old-fashioned and boring, depending on your tastes.  On the other hand, Edmunds said it best with the new Civic interior: "there's not much to say.  You either like Battlestar Galactica or you don't.

[dougjp]

The ratings given out of 5 seem too low, they just don't match up with the words in the review?

[wing]

4's are high