We say Solid convertible with conservative looks and a cheap starting price, but the Eos is unremarkable inside and isn't any fun to drive.Performance There’s a wide range of engines available on the Eos which return a wide range of performance figures and sprint times that should cover every buyer. The fastest and most powerful engine in the line-up is a 3.6-litre V6 engine, worth 256bhp. It can clear 60mph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph which is fast, if a little pointless.Emissions Fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures are decent across every engine in the Eos range however the flagship models come with the German manufacturer’s BlueMotion eco-signature. The most economical model is the 2.0-litre TDI BlueMotion unit that returns 58mpg and emits just 125g/km which is good for a drop-top model.Driving The Eos comes with a stiffened chassis to cater for its drop-top set up. That means it doesn’t feel like you’re driving a cabriolet which can often feel sloppy around corners. The Eos is far more composed and offers little bodyroll around corners where it’s composed.Feel Despite a stiffened chassis, the Eos never feels overly firm and it soaks up the majority of bumps thrown at it with little fuss.Space The Eos is a genuine four-seater with space for a small amount of luggage with a 358-litre boot at the rear. That drops when the hard-top roof folds into the boot. It’s also an awkward shape.Equipment Alloy wheels, air-con, CD player, all-round electric windows are standard. Sport models add firmer suspension and alloys.Price Running costs will be middling and while the Eos is a little pricier than VW's usual competitors it's a superior car and will hold its value more strongly. Prices start from a little over £23,000 and rise to around £32,000 for range-topping models.Quality The Eos is a good quality car which is well built and reliable. It draws heavily on the Golf hatchback and convertible for its influences which means that it isn’t particularly exciting but it is solid and robust. That’s most evident inside where again the centre console is robust but a little dull.Safety ESP stability programmes are standard, roll hoops pop up from behind the rear headrests if the car senses it might tip over. Side airbags act as curtain bags.Pros The Eos is a good solid car which handles brilliantly and comes equipped with a varied engine line-up.Cons The Eos is solid rather than spectacular which is a little disappointing for a car which costs as much as it does.Alternatives Vauxhall Astra Twintop, Volvo C70, Renault Megane Cabriolet, Peugeot 307 CC, BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes CLK
