Test drive : Hardtop convertible makes Eos

Thanks to Volkswagen’s new 2007 Eos, a new day dawns for the “hardtop convertible” that allows soft-top fans the ability to enjoy the sun yet still befit from hardtop security.

Named for the Greek Goddess of Dawn, VW’s all new four-seater features a revolutionary five-section roof — including the world’s first sunroof in a convertible — that with the push of a button layers itself neatly into the trunk in 25 seconds. (We’ve come a long way since the 1957-59 Ford Skyliner Retractable hardtop-convertible!)

The subsequent lost trunk space is certainly of little consequence for those free spirits willing to drop the top, and over $30K, to make a sports car statement in a subcompact, Jetta platform front-wheel drive Volkswagen.

VW’s Eos joins a trend of hardtop convertibles — models that retain a more defined coupe look than soft-top counterparts — yet takes technology a step further by integrating a glass sunroof. Thus, consumers receive the best of all worlds with the panoramic sunroof, hardtop and convertible combination.

And, there’s more to brag about under the hood. The standard four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-liter in our tester cranks out an impressive 200 horsepower, but we’ll take odds that the optional 3.2-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 is even more of a thrill. The Eos six-speed manual, especially its rocket fast second and third gears, is a joy to operate, but stress that a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic transmission is optional for non gear-shifters.

Other mechanical notables include electronic stabilization program, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock and anti-lock brakes. Overall, Eos is a fun, competent handler.

Beyond the head-shaking engineering magic of the fold-down hardtop, the exercise reveals Eos’ eye-opening cabin. Our tester’s gorgeous interior came in “cornsilk” beige with a mix of black and flat chrome highlights that radiate in the sunlight. The final result screams “ocean-side drive!”

The roof, of course, takes up much of the trunk space although a smaller area remains with enough room for two modest size suitcases and a small bag. Or, you can use the back seat for luggage, assuming you don’t squeeze any adult size passengers in as leg space is at a minimum. The kids? No problem.

Eos standard interior features include VW’s Climatronic dual-zone climate control; cruise; trip computer with compass and outside temperature display, interior ambient lighting; power, remote, heated outside mirrors with environment lighting; telescoping steering column; heated wiper washer nozzles; 12-way power driver’s seat; eight-way manual adjustable passenger seat; heated front seats; leather steering wheel, shift knob and brake handle; rear seat with lockable pass-through and storage; and in-dash CD Stereo system with MP3 player.

Safety features of note start with a rollover protection system, in which an electronic sensor will release two safety bars from behind the back seat in the event of rollover. (Wow!) Additionally, front seat airbags, combined curtain and side air bags for the front seats, front and rear seat head restraints and tire pressure-monitoring system help protect all Eos lovers.

Our tester jumped more than $6,000 from the base price through the addition of a $3,690 Sport Package and an $1,800 Navigation system. The Sport Package includes leather sport seats, multi-function steering wheel, brushed aluminum trim, rain sensing wipers, satellite radio, 12-way power and lumbar support on the front passenger seat and 17-inch alloy wheels and tires in place of 16-inch standards. The DVD navigation system moves the CD changer to the driver’s armrest/console compartment, although not compatible with MP3 format. (You’ll have to use in the single in dash CD for MP3s) Add $630 for destination and you arrive at the final $36,110 tally.

Other important numbers include 23 city and 32 highway EPA estimates, 101.5-inch wheelbase, 3,505-pound curb weight and 14.5-gallon fuel tank.

All the Eos features and figures are mundane, however, compared to its hardtop convertible feature. Whether the top is up, down, or on its way up or down, it makes this mythically named new model special, and deserving of an 8.5 rating on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Unique top function, lift-up latch on the top of the front seats allows easy back seat access, turbo power.

Dislikes: VW tucks 15 percent of Eos’ exterior inside itself, but can’t find a better place for the six-disc CD changer than the center console? It robs even more storage space. Looks are just OK.