Test drive VW Eos: Rhythm of rain

In principle, there can hardly be a double opinion about the fact that the cold and rainy November days are definitely not the best time to test the qualities of a convertible ... At least, it seems so at first glance. Volkswagen Eos is a visual element

Is there any sense in the idea of a complete symbiosis of a coupe and a convertible, which is in the compact class? What good can driving a convertible car on a cold and cloudy fall day bring you? Is it worth paying almost BGN 75 for a car that is actually the successor to the previous Golf convertibles, although it is positioned slightly above them and already aimed at competition from the premium segment?

Yes, the Eos is actually built on the Golf V technology platform and is the moral successor to the previous generation of compact convertibles. However, this time the car has a radically different design and is equipped with a number of borrowings from the senior classes. So, on the one hand, 75 leva for a car that many continue to perceive simply as golf with a removable roof is a really high price. But in reality, the Eos is much more than a Golf-based convertible and competes with high-end products like the Volvo C000 for example.

The turbo engine has an impressive maximum torque.

280 Nm, but it literally pales in comparison to the fact that the value remains constant in the range from 1800 to 5000 rpm ... The real result of such a torque curve is expressed in amazing traction for a 4-cylinder engine, which is observed in practice all modes of operation. Along with excellent driving dynamics, the 2.0 TFSI scores points with its surprisingly low fuel consumption, with an average consumption in the combined driving test of 10,9 l/100 km. The only drawback of the well-coordinated power transmission of the car is the problems with the adhesion of the front drive wheels to the road surface, which are especially pronounced on wet pavement.

Completely harmonizes with the emphatically sporty drivetrain and chassis of the car, which provides excellent handling and dynamics, almost like a sports car in corners. The respectful dynamics of the road, however, affected comfort - if on a smooth surface the ride turns out to be tight and even pleasant, then when passing through coarser bumps, the stiffness of the suspension becomes a serious test for the passengers' spine.

The metal folding roof, created by Webasto, is as compact as possible and has given its results - after folding under the tailgate, the volume of the luggage compartment remains quite acceptable - 205 liters. And there is room here to answer another question from the very beginning. material, or rather what positive drive a convertible can bring on a rainy autumn day. When the hard canopy is moved back, a large area of a completely transparent glass sunroof opens up in the head of the driver and co-worker, which allows abundant illumination of the interior even in the darkest weather. Thus, driving a convertible in the rain suddenly acquires a special charm, because in Eos you can admire the autumn drops, while remaining completely protected from them.

After all, the questions that the Volkswagen Eos raises

It will be difficult for them to get a definite answer, and not necessarily, because everyone can answer for himself. But one thing's for sure - this car shatters the notion that rainy, chilly and unfriendly autumn days are not the best time for a convertible...

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Miroslav Nikolov