Autoblog

Volkswagen Group, BMW Z4 top Total Value Awards by Strategic Vision

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen

It was just nine months ago that Strategic Vision announced its 2011 Total Value Awards, but you don't have to wait until next year for the 2012 awards. The Volkswagen Group keeps its lead as the number one brand, with seven products taking top category spots: Golf, Jetta Wagon, CC, Eos and Audi A3 Wagon, Q5 and Q7. Strategic Vision says "true innovation" - "rich and impactful, intuitive, motivational, in-depth and is able to trigger description by the user in great specificity" - is the open secret of the brands with the strongest showings. Results are culled from 77,153 owners covering more than 350 new cars bought between September of 2011 and 2012 ranked in the Total Value Index (TVI).

Other notable winners are Hyundai-Kia following VW in the brand category and having the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Sorento among category winners, the BMW Z4 taking the premium roadster category and the highest overall score of any vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt continuing to gather silverware in the Special Category, nabbing the second-highest score of all and representative of "nearly perfect innovation," and Chrysler and Dodge being most improved.

Check out the press release below for your day's dose of jargon and all the winners.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group, BMW Z4 top Total Value Awards by Strategic Vision

Volkswagen Group, BMW Z4 top Total Value Awards by Strategic Vision originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Eos won't be replaced, Golf Cabriolet possible?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen, Design/Style

This week's Los Angeles Auto Show plays host to the coming out party for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, which once again gives the German automaker a pair of four-seat convertibles clustered within striking distance of each other's price ranges. That won't be the case for long, however, as the recently refreshed Eos folding hardtop convertible won't get a successor.

The handwriting has been on the wall for the slow-selling model, which is priced above the new Beetle droptop, starting at $34,350 despite offering a similar powertrain to the Beetle Turbo, which rings up at $27,795 (base 2.5-liter Beetle Convertibles start at $24,495). Through October, Volkswagen has managed to sell just 5,529 Eos units, down 17.8 percent over 2011. This, despite a modest facelift and equipment updates for the 2012 model year. At the same time that the Eos was getting freshened, VW introduced the similarly sized and similar looking Golf Cabriolet for Europe, which despite folding hardtop construction, seemingly obviated the Eos' business case. The Cabriolet subsequently spawned GTI and R variants, giving the model further momentum and appeal.

Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen's head of global design, did not tell Autoblog when the Eos will be phased out - VW has already released a 2013 model - but he did confirm that a replacement is not in the cards. However, Bischoff did express clear support for the idea of bringing the Golf Cabriolet to North America, as well as the GTI Convertible.

Volkswagen Eos won't be replaced, Golf Cabriolet possible? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Volkswagen "perfects" 2012 Eos convertible

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:20:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Eos - Click above for high-res image gallery

We knew this was coming. Just a few weeks ago, Volkswagen of Australia let loose a bunch of details and images of the next Eos hardtop convertible. At the time, we said we'd wait for confirmation from VW of America, but of course we knew the new model would eventually be announced for the States as it is the largest market for the German droptop, and it's getting its official debut right here in the U.S. at the LA Auto Show.

And so here we are with all the details and two full high-res image galleries of a U.S.-spec Volkswagen Eos, which VW claims has been "perfected." Sharp-eyed readers will notice refined front and rear fascias, which are a bit more in keeping with VW's most recent vehicular debuts. We think it's a pretty comprehensive improvement over the outgoing model, which always looked a bit too feminine to our eyes. We especially think the optional xenon headlamps with their 14 integrated LEDs help move the car a bit upscale.

Also as expected, VW will fit the next-gen Eos with the latest version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, mated up to the well-known six-speed DSG transmission. Fuel mileage is estimated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. The interior sees a few updates as well, mostly with the addition of some new trim options and fabrics.

Expect the new Eos to hit a dealership near you sometime in March. In the meantime, feel free to click past the break for the official press release and be sure to check out the high-res image galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Volkswagen Eos Live Photos

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Volkswagen Eos

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA 2010: Volkswagen "perfects" 2012 Eos convertible

LA 2010: Volkswagen "perfects" 2012 Eos convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen launches Exclusive upgrades for redesigned Eos

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Volkswagen, Luxury

Volkswagen Eos Exclusive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen's campaign to move upmarket has been unrelenting. Between the likes of the Phaeton and the CC, the German automaker is not shying away from taking on BMW and Mercedes-Benz, or even its sister-company Audi, for that matter. VW's new Exclusive line does its part, too, upgrading existing models with some extra lux touches for those interested in a touch of added refinement.

The Touareg - another fine example of the luxurification of the People's Car - was the most recent to get the Exclusive treatment, and now VW has turned its attention to the newly refreshed Eos. Not only has the hard-top cabrio received a facelift and an engine swap, but now the Exclusive department has upgraded it with two-tone Nappa leather offset by aluminum and piano black trim, a new steering wheel and restyled door sills. The optional sport suspension comes standard on the Exclusive model, and buyers can choose from two 18-inch wheel designs. Pricing in Europe, where the Eos has been rolled out prior to its debut in other markets, starts at €35,275 (around $50,000 based on current exchange rates, not that those figures are comparable).

Gallery: Volkswagen Eos Exclusive

[Source: CarScoop]

Volkswagen launches Exclusive upgrades for redesigned Eos originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Eos updated with GTI engine, crisper looks

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Eos - Click above for high-res image gallery

The trouble with hard-top convertibles - four-seat cabrios especially - is the added weight penalty. German automakers in particular have proven adept at counteracting the dynamic drawbacks that open-air flexibility brings, but sooner or later you're just going to need more power. And that's exactly what Volkswagen is doing with the Eos.

Often derided as a "hairdresser's car", the 2012 Eos has been treated to one of our favorite engines: the 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Golf GTI. This 208-horspower engine - available with either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission - can now take the Eos from a full stop to highway pace in 7.8 seconds. Overseas buyers can also specify the 138-hp 2.0-liter diesel (with the same transmission choices). Volkswagen has also included Hill Start Assist standard on the 2012 Eos, along with Vienna leather upholstery, heated seats, 17-inch wheels and some sheetmetal enhancements that brings its look in line with the rest of the brand's small car lineup.

Details have only been announced for foreign markets, and we've included the Australian press release after the jump while we wait for confirmation from Volkswagen of America. In the meantime you can check out the high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Eos

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Eos updated with GTI engine, crisper looks

Volkswagen Eos updated with GTI engine, crisper looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen New Beetle still number one with the ladies

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen New Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Men, take note: According to a new survey from research firm TrueCar, the Volkswagen New Beetle is (still) the ultimate car for women. Apparently, its combination of cute-as-a-button looks and affordable pricing make the reborn Bug a total hit with the fairer sex.

This data was determined not by some silly woman-on-the-street clipboard survey, but rather by looking at the registrations of more than 13 million vehicles over the past two years. We could have saved them quite a bit of work if they wanted to know that the New Beetle was a chick car, but whatever. There was some other interesting info gleaned from the research, including the revelation that 64% of all cars are registered by men despite the fact that there are more women (at 51% of the population, just a tad) than men in America.

Rounding out the top five vehicles that scored well with the mono-chromosomed gender were the Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, (saw this one coming) Volkswagen Eos and Volvo S40.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Volkswagen New Beetle still number one with the ladies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hans Gruber, Your Ride Is Here: Volkswagen rolls out White Night Eos special edition

Chris Paukert — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Volkswagen, Specialty

Volkswagen Eos White Nights - Click above for high-res image gallery

We know that Volkswagen's new special-edition Eos isn't named after a mythical cavalry figure on an ivory steed, but when we heard that the automaker's latest model has been dubbed White Night, we couldn't get Harry Ellis, the cloying stereotypical Eighties businessman from the original Die Hard movie out of our heads ("Hans... Boobie... I'm your White Knight."). Given that the terrorists in this seminal Bruce Willis film are equally stereotypically cold Germans, we're not sure that authorities at the Deutsche automaker will appreciate what came to mind for us, but we digress.

In any case, the Eos White Night is big on contrast, with a Candy White body offset by a Deep Black Pearlescent roof, side mirrors, and radiator grille. The look is an interesting one, as it uproots one of the inherent strengths that the folding hardtop convertible medium achieves best - the ability to have a matching body shell and roof, something that isn't as easily achieved with a conventional folding cloth top.

In addition to the contrasting black-and-white motif, the White Night also receives cherry-red LED taillights, 18-inch "Budapest" alloys, as well as nappa black leather with contrasting light seams, White Night sill panels, and Candy White trim strips. Every White Night comes equipped with automatic climate control, sports suspension (lowered 15 mm) and heated front seats.

The special edition Eos is available for order with any engine save the gasoline V6 - but at this time, it is a Europe only model that starts at a tidy €33,140 (over $46k USD!). 1980's White Nights Mercury Sable owners, eat your heart out.

High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Volkswagen Eos White Nights

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Hans Gruber, Your Ride Is Here: Volkswagen rolls out White Night Eos special edition

Hans Gruber, Your Ride Is Here: Volkswagen rolls out White Night Eos special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen Eos a chick car

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen

There are some cars on the market that you can tell just by looking at them were designed for one particular sex over the other. Prime examples include Volvo's station wagon lineup or any of the Peugeot cabrios, but until now there's been no definitive answer as to which car is best suited for females. Thanks to EveCars, a website on motoring skewed towards women, we now have one car that was picked over all others as the ladies' choice for Car of the Year.

Readers of the site were able to nominate their favorite cars for this year's voting, which were then reduced to a list of 27 finalists. The cars were then picked by an eight-member jury comprising editors and industry experts (one male was included) who ultimately chose Volkswagen's Eos convertible as the clear winner.

Things the judges looked for included how popular the cars were in their respective categories, as well as how much overall appeal they had. The VW was picked because of its metal folding roof, space for four occupants and a sporty chassis. We're sure there are a lot of Autoblog regulars out there who could name a few 'ladies' choice' cars of their own, but we think EveCars got this one right.

[Source: Eve Cars via VW Vortex]

Officially Official: Volkswagen Eos a chick car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volkswagen EOS

Chris Shunk — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Coupe, Volkswagen, First Drives

click above image to view gallery of 2007 Volkswagen EOS

Even though Volkswagen has one of the fullest lineups in its history of selling cars in the U.S., these aren't the best of times in North America for the German automaker. Since 2005, VW has lost somewhere around $2 billion in the U.S. and the company has decided to lay off 30% of its workforce by moving its U.S. headquarters from Detroit to Virginia. Horrendous Euro to Dollar exchange rates are certainly part of the problem, but VW is having much more trouble offering Americans vehicles that fit our tastes.

The Volkswagen EOS hit the scene with surprisingly little fanfare, even though it combines the sporty 2.0T engine and athletic driving dynamics of a Rabbit with a killer hard-top convertible. The EOS appears to have everything it takes to be a summer classic, a claim we put to the test by inviting the car into our Autoblog Garage for a week.

Gallery: 2007 Volkswagen EOS

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volkswagen EOS

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volkswagen EOS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Eos nearly sells out in Canada without advertising, launch campaign cancelled

Dan Roth — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:50:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

What a pleasant "problem" to have! The Volkswagen Eos has left such an impression on Canadian drivers who already snapped one up, that dealer lots were picked clean of the Rabbit-based convertible purely on word of mouth alone. That's all well and good, but when you're an automaker with a new car to launch, you pull out all the stops for an advertising campaign to roll it out. As these cars were zipping off to homes, VW was in the middle of planning the Canadian marketing launch of the Eos. Looking at the numbers, it quickly became obvious that the car was selling itself, and that it no longer made sense to go through with the launch campaign. We're sure that VW's trying to figure out why that happened for the relatively affordable Eos, and not the über-sedan Phaeton.

Thanks for the tip, Erica

[Source: mediaincanada.com]

VW Eos nearly sells out in Canada without advertising, launch campaign cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Eos flubbs USA Today review by not starting

Chris Tutor — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Volkswagen

USA Today's James Healey really liked the new VW Eos. "... boy, was the car nice when it wasn't broken." Uh oh. Broken? In technical terms, giving a non-working car to the nation's highest-circulation newspaper is offically called a "whoopsie." Healey loved how the Eos looked, drove and operated until he stopped for gas. After filling up, the gorgeous hardtop convertible showed signs of electrical problems by refusing to start. Not Good.

After waiting a few minutes for VW's mechanics to show up, Healey nervously played with the key fob, inadvertently opening the car's locks, thereby accidentally discovering the Goddess of the Dawn had awakened. After returning the car to its makers, Healey is told the car's battery cable had been disconnected for a recent car show and not properly replaced. Forgivable, we suppose. But then he's also told the mechanic found a missing seal in the car's air-intake system. A bit more difficult to explain.

Probably just an honest mistake that will never happen again and is not indicative of Eos's reliability. But then, not exactly the kind of thing you want printed in more than 2.2 million newspapers nationwide, or on Autoblog for that matter.

[Source: USA Today]

VW Eos flubbs USA Today review by not starting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pebble Beach: VW debuts EOS 'Highway 1' design study

Stuart Waterman — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen

The Concept Lawn in front of the Lodge at Pebble Beach will feature a number of concept cars and design studies this weekend, including Volkswagen's Eos Highway 1.

A creation of VW's California Design Center (the folks who brought you the late, lamented GX3 concept car. Sigh.), the Highway 1 design concept is intended to highlight the Eos' dual identity as a top-down cruiser and a performance coupe.

With the standard Eos already filling the bill pretty well in the cruising category, the changes in the concept version focus on the interior, with special leather upholstery and piano black lacquer trim.

On the performance side, the Eos needed more work, and the Highway 1 version gets a lower, stiffer coilover suspension upgrade from H&R, and 20x8 inch Mille Miglia wheels wrapped in 245/30 tires. Performance visuals include a small trunk lid spoiler and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

The Eos Highway 1 also showcases the 3.2-liter, 250 hp V6/six-speed DSG Tiptronic transmission package, which will appear in the standard Eos 3.2L production car in the U.S. in early October with a price tag of $36,850.

More pics of the design concept in its Highway 1 habitat after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Pebble Beach: VW debuts EOS 'Highway 1' design study

Pebble Beach: VW debuts EOS 'Highway 1' design study originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Aug 2006 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Eos starts under $28K, rises to nearly $40K

John Neff — Sun, 21 May 2006 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Volkswagen

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]

Volkswagen Eos starts under $28K, rises to nearly $40K originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 May 2006 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen strips vehicle lineup in UK

Chris Paukert — Thu, 18 May 2006 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

In a bid to rationalize its vehicle lineup and control costs, Volkswagen's British outpost is taking a massive axe to its range, culling dozens of models and options from its order books. With in excess of 10,000 different build combinations and pressures to streamline their operations, VW has resorted to nixing entire trim levels, colors, options in an effort to simplify its offerings.

Models that have seen their final days on UK shores include the 4.2-liter V8 short-wheelbase Phaeton, the Polo in 1.4-liter TDI E, S, SE and Sport variants, and the Touran in 2.0-liter FSI 150 SE trim. Newer models like the Eos, Touareg, Jetta, and Fox have been spared.

The company promises that existing owners of discontinued models will not have any service or parts issues as a result.

While Autoblog has yet to confirm if mainland Europe is similarly affected, we would be surprised if similar measures weren't taken there as well. Will U.S. lineups receive a similar once-over? Nothing is certain, but VW's U.S. lineups have a far more abbreviated lineup of vehicles and trims on offer, particularly in areas of drivetrain options. If company officials do seek to lessen the number of build combinations, expect changes to be wrought with a far lighter hand.

[Sources: AutoExpress UK; VW-Resource.com]

Volkswagen strips vehicle lineup in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW boots up the Eos

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets

Volkswagen has teamed up with Microsoft for this year's CeBIT technology show to exhibit a multimedia- and communications-enhanced version of VW's new Eos. (So would we call the joint venture Volksoft? Microwagen?)

Built for the "Digital Living" segment of the show, the PC-powered Eos features a car PC from inperio Systems, located in the central fold-down armrest built into the rear seatback. Dual 7-inch monitors are embedded in the back of the front seat headrests. A wireless in-car network connects an external keyboard and game controllers, and the system supports a navigation application, plus the usual PC functionality for pictures, video, music, and communications.

Nothing earth-shaking, technology-wise, but it's interesting to see auto manufacturers slowly exploring the idea of using the PC platform as an alternative to dedicated hardware.

[Source: Volkswagen]

VW boots up the Eos originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Mar 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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