One of the abiding issues that Volkswagen must contend with in the U.S. market is that when the average car buyer thinks “VW,” the image that’s immediately front and center is the Beetle, New or original.  Those who are a bit more vehicle-oriented—mind you, I’m talking about regular folks, not enthusiasts—might come up with the Rabbit or remember, ah, Miss Helga from the GTI Mk V commercials.  In a market ever-increasing in models, it is tough to create points of differentiation, which VW is working hard at doing.  One differentiator is the folding hardtop on the Eos.  In this segment you might look at the Pontiac G6 and the Chrysler Sebring for their folding hardtops.  Or maybe not.

First of all, you might be interested to know that “Eos” isn’t an acronym for something.  Rather, it references the Greek daughter of the Dawn, the sister of Helios (a.k.a., the Sun).  Given the open-top nature of the car, this is a rather clever name.  Perhaps too clever by half, especially now that Xena Warrior Princess is no longer on TV and so classic references are pretty much not more exotic than ‘60s trivia on TV Land.

One of the cars that has had mad success for VW is the Beetle Cabrio, so naming the car in question after a woman—a goddess, no less—probably makes sense inasmuch as it is undoubtedly targeted at a female buyer.  The Eismeer blue exterior and the Cornsilk beige interior certainly would be in keeping with that.  And a word about that interior: For years VW (and sibling Audi) have had the best-of-breed interiors, and this is no different.  Admittedly, the car as Driven had the optional “Sport Package” that put leather surfaces on the seats, among other things in a $3,690 checkbox, but be that as it may, the level of craftsmanship and tactile surfaces are both first-rate.

The folding top is trick.  In 25 seconds, it whirs out of sight, into the trunk.  (Or vice-versa.)  A bit of a problem is, however, that there isn’t a whole lot of room in the trunk even without the roof being back there: the cargo volume is 10.5-cu-ft as a coupe and just 6.6-cu ft as a convertible.  But this is more about looks than lugging things.

One concern that someone might have regarding a vehicle that can go sans top is that it might be a bit on the jiggly side.  That is far from the case here.  I don’t know exactly what the torsional rigidity is, but whatever it is it is substantial.  (Note: It was later brought to my attention that it is 23.5 Hz.  As that may not mean anything to you, simply know that this is one solid vehicle.)

In the front, there is a 2-liter four under the hood that produces 200 hp @ 5,100 to 6,000 rpm; matched with a six-speed manual, it had spirited performance (this is named after a goddess, after all).  While I obtained on the order of 20 mpg in mixed city-highway driving, there is a bit of a cringe factor: unleaded premium is recommended (though not mandatory).

Vehicle as Driven

Engine: 2-liter in-line four.  Cast iron block and aluminum head.

Horsepower: 200 @ 5,100 to 6,000 rpm

Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1,800 to 5,000 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual; FWD

Wheelbase: 101.5 in.

Overall length: 173.5 in.

Height: 56.8 in.

Width: 70.5 in.

Curb weight: 3,505 lb.

MSRP: $30,110; with accessories and destination: $37,990