On Friday Volkswagen announced that the Eos, its showroom bound hardtop convertible, will be offered at a starting price of $27,990. For that price you'll get the four-seat convertible with its three-piece folding hardtop and integrated sunroof paired with the company's turbo 2.0L four-cylinder generating 200 horsepower. A more powerful version with a 250-hp 3.2L V6 will start much higher at $36,850.
If one feels the 2.0T offers enough grunt, a mid-model can be had for $31,065 that includes a 6-speed DSG transmission, leather appointments, automatic headlights, dual-zone "Climatronic" climate control, 12-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and washer nozzles, a windblocker, center armrest and trip computer.
The 3.2L V6 model comes with wood trim, all-season tires, a multi-function steering wheel, rainsensing wipers and satellite radio. Additional options include a 600-watt Dynaudio premium sound system with ten speakers and an amp, bi-Xenon headlights, a DVD nav system, park distance control system and 18-inch alloy wheels. Considering VW's announcement, a $40K+ Eos doesn't seem outside the realm of possibility.
[Source: Volkswagen]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Peter @ May 21st 2006 11:38AM
One would have thought that after the Phaeton debacle, and the Touraeg's relatively slow sales, VW would be very cautious about offering high-priced vehicles in America.
JayP @ May 21st 2006 11:56AM
The 'cabrios' always cost a premium over the standard VWs. And with the $ crap to the euro, $30-$40k is in the ballpark of normal.
bgdc @ May 21st 2006 12:44PM
31k for a powerful (that 2.0 is an exceptional engine), dsg, hard top convrertible that will seat 4 is a great deal.
HC @ May 21st 2006 12:46PM
That is way too much, way pay for a 40k+ VW when you can get something else that is much nicer?
doug @ May 21st 2006 12:50PM
Since your secretary still owes too much on her Beetle convertible, the only buyers left for this car are gay men.
Not that there's anything wrong with that......
IMO the only good looking hard top convertible is the SLK. The rest all look like they have big asses.
matt @ May 21st 2006 12:56PM
How much does the volvo cost?
Tim UF @ May 21st 2006 1:11PM
what happened to the cabrio? if i rem right, it was a small cute cheap convertible (soft top)... i guess they think the newbeetle fills that spot, but still... who at VW thinks they are making lux vehicles?
chriseh @ May 21st 2006 1:20PM
VW has missed the mark again with its pricing, and this vehicle is not even cute, (like the VW Bug), ...this thing is just down right boring.
gbh @ May 21st 2006 1:27PM
I'm also curious about penetration at that pricepoint.
One of the better looking cars from VW in a while, but 40K with options is getting way too far into Audi-land too make much sense.
It did seem the Phaeton was doomed in the US from day one. Incredibly slick systems that worked really well, but - 70K and a little too much family resemblance. Nice to drive, but only for those completely unconcerned with image. Sadly, a lot of the 50-80K cars are purchased simply as image-mobiles, nothing more.
I haven't looked at Touareg sales figures lately - I guess because I see the damn things (Cayenne/Touareg) everywhere. Too bad the big diesel isn't available in the US. The Touareg scoots well with that powerplant, and gets better mileage than the V6.
JJ @ May 21st 2006 1:55PM
Well the phaeton didnt sell well because if someone wanted to buy a 70k plus car... why by something boring? You can do that for WAY less than 70k.
If i spend 70 grand on something, it better be nice and look it as well ya know? I think its the same reason the GTO sales were horrible... while its a nice car(apart from looks) why pay a premium for a car that basically looks like a grand prix?
Eric L. @ May 21st 2006 2:25PM
If the EOS were a bit larger (say new Volvo C70 sized) then VW can position it to compete against the Mercedes CLK or Audi A4 Cabrio. As it stands, I'm not even sure there is any market for an overpriced tiny convertible.
All of VW's vehicles now are priced out their original market segment. Unlike Toyota, they do not have a reputation of value and reliability on their side.
James Arnold @ May 21st 2006 2:51PM
Canadian Prices start at $36,900, with only the 2.0T engine available. The same upgrade package will be offered (Leather seats, Multi-funtion steering wheel,power/heated seats, rain sensor, Climatronic and premium stereo). Options are 18" rims, wind blocker, ski bag and iPod wiring. Looks like no bi-xenon headlights coming north of the border. Colours at Launch in Canada are Silver Essence, Black Uni, Paprika Red and Eismeer Blue. Black or beige interior. 6 speed DSG or manual.
PJ @ May 21st 2006 2:58PM
$28K? Ouch. The old Cabrio, though technically far inferior to the Eos, was at least distinctive and "cute." It had charm, which was why you'd buy it over, say, a Sebring convertible.
With the MINI Cooper, Beetle, and PT Cruiser convertibles already on the market--and all for much cheaper--I can't imagine this car is going to do very well. Those rivals all make a far more interesting style statement and communicate more personality. When a Chrysler is more interesting and characterful than a Volkswagen, you know that VW has an identity crisis.
I give the GTO a pass on its bland styling because it backs it up with serious performance and an amazing fun-to-dollar ratio. It's "stealthy." With the Eos, we have a bland, unrecognizable shape over corporate-shared, unstimulating underpinnings. That's "boring." Market flop imminent...
justme @ May 21st 2006 3:11PM
I predict there's going to be waiting list for this car. This car is the poor man's CLK convertible and there is a customer base who appreciates the European technology and driving dynamics at this price. I consider myself in that group. I might trade in my 93 Golf with 215k miles on it. I would wait a bit for the hype to die down and see if there are any problems with the top.
Jason Kim @ May 21st 2006 3:26PM
40k vor a vw... i don't think so.
Dr. Woo @ May 21st 2006 4:01PM
VW venturing into America with the first real Euro-CC is, in my opinion, a bold move, though one that I predict will ultimately prove to be a mistake. CCs are popular in Europe for their size, whereas America prefers larger verts. Either that or less expensive ones (Mini convertible).
Don't bet on this being a success story...but wow, I'd love to be proven wrong.
VW-Guy @ May 21st 2006 4:21PM
You guys are just too negative for your own good. $31k will get you a VERY NICELY equipped car. Why are you jumping on 40K? Throw every single option on a Mazda3 (hell, ANY car!) and see where you end up.
Now, let's get back to $31k. Name one other hardtop convertible with integrated sunroof, leather, 6 speed auto, VW's level of fit and finish, fun to play with engine, etc. at a similar pricepoint. Name it? You can't! The only thing that comes close is the G6, and frankly, it's the G6.
Hate all you want, I'm sure someone here that works for VW can tell you the deposits are already coming in and get in line.
chewy @ May 21st 2006 4:22PM
What are you people talking about. This is a great price. On the lower end, it is cheaper than the pontiac G6.
http://www.pontiac.com/g6convertible/index.jsp
On the top end, it is a better deal than the Volvo C70, the Eos comes with a 3.2 liter V6 with 250 hp versus the Volvo with a 218 hp engine for 38,710. It looks to me that the Eos will compete very well against its competition. The pricing is also right where it needs to be.
Mark @ May 21st 2006 4:26PM
Guys, before blurting out nonsense, check your facts.
Volkswagen will have no problem moving these, especially because a well-equipped Eos with 6-speed automatic and leather will go for around $31k. They will sell a handful of V6s, but it is pretty clear they are aiming at concentrating on selling 4-Cyl models, and with an engine that has been critically praised, they won't have a problem. You guys have totally ignored the fact that, while the Eos is designed to look like a Golf convertible, it is based on the larger Passat platform. And has everyone forgotten how much the compieition starts at:
Volkswagen Eos - 200HP 4 Cyl - $27,990
Pontiac G6 - 201HP 6 Cyl. - $28,490
Chrysler Sebring - 200HP 6 Cyl - $26,790
Toyota Camry Solara - 157HP 4 Cyl - $26,940
Yes, the Volkswagen Eos is slighly smaller (but not significantly - again the Eos is PASSAT BASED, NOT GOLF BASED), but it also comes better equipped than any of the other models, and gets better fuel economy, and has a retractable hardtop that the only slightly more afford Solara and Sebring lack. Volkswagen already has a waiting list. The low price will likely let it grow.
gbh @ May 21st 2006 4:43PM
OK, Let's stick with 31K. Though I do take issue with the contention that it will be 'nicely loaded' at 31K. Japanese cars have all sorts of standard stuff that VW, Audi, MBZ, and Porsche charge (assloads) extra for.
31K gets you a year-old, maxed-out Acura. Better yet, a 2 year-old SLK.
I guess if you have to have a 'brand new' car, you can make a case for the VW.
Don't get me wrong, I like VW's. When they are priced like German Hondas, they have some relevance. Priced like an Audi, or a used Benz? Hard to see any significant market.