Page 5 of 6 Driving Impressions The Volkswagen Eos models we've driven have been equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission, a combination we've found a delight to drive. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces plenty of torque, good for gentle cruising or more aggressive driving. VW claims the Turbo can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. In the past, we haven't cared too much for the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired up with an automatic transmission. Until we test this combination we can't be sure, but we're inclined to recommend opting for the VR6 model if you want the automatic. Volkswagen's V6 with automatic has been a delightful combination on other models and we expect that would be the case with the Eos. Volkswagen's DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic exacts very little penalty in fuel consumption. For four-cylinder Turbos with the DSG, city mileage is the same as for the manual model at 23 mpg; and highway mileage loses only 1 mpg, from 32 mpg to 31. VW publishes the same 0-60 and top-speed performance numbers for either transmission. With the V6 and DSG, fuel mileage again suffers only slightly, slipping to 22/29 mpg city/highway; but 0-60 acceleration is only a half-second quicker, and top speed is the same. So the main advantage of the V6 isn't so much higher performance as smoothness and flexibility with the automatic transmission. All Eos models include an electronic stabilization program (ESP), which we found to be completely unobtrusive, perhaps because we never drove the car past its limit of adhesion. We had the chance to drive a short distance on a dirt road at a slow speed and there was no drama from the car, nor any squeaks or rattles. Because of its added weight and a less-rigid body, the Eos does not handle as well as the GTI. This is a high bar, however, as the GTI is so good it is almost in a class by itself. The electro-mechanical steering is fine; in fact we felt it delivered a slightly better feel than in the GTI. Brakes are also more than adequate. The majority of owners will find the Eos acceptable for all driving except at high speed on winding roads. With the top up there is virtually no indication that you're in anything other than a coupe. There is little wind noise and the body feels tight. With the top down there is some cowl shake on rough roads. It's far less than in older convertibles, which indicates VW has done an excellent job of creating a stiff new frame under the svelte body. The Eos provides a couple of extras to help reduce wind buffeting with the top down. These include a deflector that can be raised up along the top edge of the windshield that is mostly to prevent buffeting with the sunroof open. The other is a wire mesh contraption that goes over the rear seats when there are no passengers back there; it lessens air turbulence behind the front seats. We found it helped but wonder whether most people will bother to install it unless they intend to drive some distance with the top down. We did not have the chance to try an Eos model with the sport suspension. In some ways it almost seems unnecessary for this car as it handles just fine in standard trim. If you want a really good handling car the GTI is a much better deal and we doubt the Eos could never match it due to the inherently less rigid body structure and added weight.
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