2015 VOLKSWAGEN EOS: A CONVERTIBLE FOR ALL SEASONS
08/29/2014
VOLKSWAGEN
While there may be other retractable hardtop convertible models on the market, the Eos stands apart for being the only one to offer a full-width, power-tilt-and-slide, panoramic glass sunroof integrated in to its hardtop. The Eos provides an affordable alternative to four-place convertibles from European luxury automakers.
New for 2015:
For the final year of production, the Eos Sport trim is replaced with the 2015 Final Edition. Based on the Sport trim, the Final Edition offers added value at the mid-level trim with18-inch Vicenza wheels, unique Cornsilk Beige and black two-tone Vienna leather seating surfaces, contrast stitching, silver net interior trim, a rearview camera and rain-sensing wipers.
Exterior
Top up or down, the 2015 Eos has a sleek, elegant profile, highlighted by a swept-back windshield, slim roof pillars to ensure great all-round visibility, and a bold-muscular body line that starts by the front wheelarch and sweeps back all the way to the rear light.
Extending between the swept-back headlamps is a prominent, slim grille featuring three gloss-black blades, each trimmed with a narrow chrome strip. The front bumper design incorporates a deep, restyled air dam with horizontal blades matching those of the grille. Mounted at the edges, halogen reflector-lens fog lamps have a corner-illuminating feature.
Final Edition and Executive trims have Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights with bright-white LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). This system can turn the headlamps up to 15 degrees for increased night-time visibility around curves.
In back, the Eos has two-part LED taillights with fiber-optic technology and a bumper with lower black diffuser and chrome dual-tipped exhausts.
Folding Hardtop
To see the Eos's electro-hydraulically-operated five-piece steel and glass roof in action is like watching a mechanical ballet. In the 25 seconds it takes for the top to lower, the five elements form a compact "sandwich", stacking neatly and elegantly on top of each other so as to take up minimal space inside the trunk. The mechanism itself is activated from the front seat by a press-and-hold lever beneath the center armrest. Thanks to the way the mechanism operates, the roof can be opened or closed in most garages.
Once the switch is pressed, the sunroof section slides backwards and the side windows are lowered. Almost simultaneously, the entire rear section of the roof, from the C-pillar up to the "imaginary" B-pillar is lifted upwards. The sunroof then slides under the rear area of the roof forming a "sandwich."
Now the hydraulic control system folds the entire roof cover deck lid, along with the lid of the trunk, backwards. Then the lateral roof spars of the windshield frame slide back as well. The sunroof and the rear part of the roof are completely lowered into the rear of the car, while the roof spars slide into separate cavities (covered by lids) near the rear side window.
In total, the Eos's roof is made up of 470 components, including an eight-cylinder electro-hydraulic pump located under the luggage compartment cover behind the spare wheel.
A unique feature of the folding roof is its sliding glass sunroof that's integrated into the car's metal roof. At 44 inches wide and 22 inches deep, it is far larger than a traditional sunroof. At the touch of a button it can be tilted and partly or fully opened. There's also an integrated, manual sliding sunshade to help reduce sunlight glare. A key design element of the roof is that the section behind the sunroof is made of matching tinted glass, giving the visual impression that the Eos's entire roof is made from glass. To help reduce wind-buffeting when the top is lowered, the Eos comes with a removable, foldable wind-blocker that can be mounted behind the rear seats, plus a neat pop-up mesh wind deflector that deploys from the top of the windscreen.
Interior
As well as its nearly all-weather capability, the Eos is also able to carry four adults in comfort and still have space for their luggage.
On the Executive trim level, Engineered Ebony wood adds luxury and style to the fascia and door panels; the more technical Black Peak inserts add contrast to the red/blue interior options. These interiors are accompanied by rich, supple leather seating surfaces in a choice of Cornsilk Beige, Black, Red or Atlantic Blue. And all Eos models are equipped with a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob with the addition of DSG(R) paddle shifters to the Final Edition line.
Standard on all models is a dual-zone Climatronic(R) climate control system. The system allows driver and front-seat passenger to adjust their air temperatures individually and independently. The Climatronic system even takes into account the amount of sunlight coming into the cabin, and makes separate calculations to compensate on both the driver and passenger sides.
For entertainment, all Eos models come standard with RNS 315 Navigation system with a five-inch color touchscreen and SD memory card reader, and a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod(R) cable to seamlessly navigate playlists, albums and more, plus Bluetooth(R) connectivity.
Standard equipment on the top-of-the-line 2015 Eos Executive is the RNS 510 navigation system, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker premium sound system from the Danish audio specialist Dynaudio. This 10-channel system delivers up to a true 600 watts RMS without generating unwanted vibrations in the vehicle structure, setting a new standard in this class.
From the sporty, side-bolstered front seats with standard 12-way power adjustment for the driver (eight-way manual adjustment for the front passenger), to the supportive individual rear seats, the Eos is exceptionally comfortable and accommodating. To help make it easy for passengers to climb in the back, the front seats in the Eos are available with an electric easy-entry feature. This system is standard on the drivers' side and optional for the passenger. Pressing the rocker switch allows the seats to power forward so passengers can step in, and then return to their original position.
With the Eos' top raised, the trunk offers a generous 10.5 cubic feet of storage space. With the roof fully-retracted, there is still a usable 6.6 cubic feet. For longer items, a lockable pass-through is integrated into the Eos's rear seats.
Engines and Transmissions
The 2015 Eos features Volkswagen's award-winning 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder TSI(R) gasoline engine. This advanced, technically-sophisticated, direct fuel-injection powerplant produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque and features drive-by-wire throttle control and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. One of the key reasons for the engine's lively, responsive performance is that it produces all 207 lb-ft of torque from just 1700 rpm, allowing for easy passing and exits from tight curves.
The front-wheel drive Eos features the remarkable DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard. This fast-shifting automatic enables the Eos to deliver an EPA fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in city driving. DSG combines the comfort and ease-of-use of an automatic with the responsiveness and economy of a manual. The six-speed, transversely-mounted DSG unit features two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the odd gears-first, third, fifth and reverse-while the other operates the even gears. Essentially it is two gearboxes in one.
With DSG, the set-up allows the next-higher gear to be engaged, but remain on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the Eos is being driven in third gear, fourth gear is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision. Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second. In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a Tiptronic(R) function to permit manual gear selection. For even livelier performance, the DSG also features a Sport mode, which makes the transmission even more responsive to the throttle and will hold on to gears longer.
Suspension
To give the 2015 Volkswagen Eos the ideal combination of sportiness and comfort, a fully independent suspension is utilized. At the front, a strut-type arrangement is utilized, with lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, a compact four-link arrangement is mounted on a subframe that is acoustically decoupled from the main body to reduce road noise and vibration. On 2015 Eos Final Edition and Executive trims, the standard sport suspension has a ride height that's lowered by around half an inch, while the springs and dampers have firmer settings.
Electro-mechanical power steering is also employed to enhance the driving characteristics of the Eos. It features variable assistance for increased feel and weighting at highway speeds, and less steering effort at parking speeds. Other advantages include its mild self-centering action, its ability to compensate for different driving hazards, like crosswinds and steep road cambers, as it dispenses with the usual engine-drive pump. The Eos has a tight turning radius of just 35.8 feet, which together with the optional Park Distance Control System on the Executive trim, makes for easier parking maneuvers.
Four-wheel disc brakes come as standard on the 2015 Eos, with 12.3-inch diameter vented front discs and solid 10.7-inch rotors at the back. ABS anti-lock braking is standard, along with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and Engine Braking Assist (EBA). Another standard feature is a brake disc wipe feature to remove water from the rotors to help improve braking response, together with hill-hold control, and a brake pad wear indicator.
Safety
Safety in the 2015 Eos starts with a strong, rigid laser-seam-welded bodyshell, crash-optimized, energy-absorbing front end, and heat-formed steel center B-pillars.
The driver and front-seat passenger are protected by front and side-thorax airbags, while Side Curtain Protection(R) head airbags help protect those in the front and rear seats, in addition to safety belt pretensioners.
Electronic assistance includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring Syster (TPMS).
And all Eos models features the advanced Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System that automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and even switches on the hazard warning lights if the airbags deploy.
Scheduled Maintenance
All Volkswagen models are covered by the no-charge Carefree Maintenance(R) Program. Under it, all of the scheduled maintenance, as described in the maintenance booklet, is covered for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Model Line-up
Komfort
With a starting MSRP of $ 35,795, the Komfort provides entry into the Eos line-up. The long list of standard features include the 2.0L, 200-hp TSI(R) engine; six-speed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic; 17-inch "Michigan" aluminum-alloy wheels; hill-hold control; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; power sunroof with tilt, slide, and wind deflector; front and rear power windows; "Matte Chromium" inserts for dashboard, console, and door trim panels; leather-wrapped brake lever and gearshift knob; wind blocker; foglights with cornering lights; heated front washer nozzles; cruise control; Climatronic dual-zone climate control; multi-function display; power driver's seat with lumbar; comfort heated front seats; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; VW Car-Net(R), RNS 315 navigation system with five-inch color touchscreen with SD memory card reader and satellite radio, iPod(R) connectivity, and Bluetooth(R) connectivity.
Final Edition
Opening at $39,165, the new Final Edition {based on the prior Sport trim} adds to the well-rounded list of Komfort features: a lowered sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch Vicenza aluminum-alloy wheels; Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and headlight washer system; LED daytime running lights with low beam assist and "Coming Home" function; "Black Peak" decorative interior inserts; multifunction steering wheel; Keyless access with push-button start; rear spoiler; black exterior mirrors; and LED license-plate illumination To commemorate this last year of production, added interior enhancements consist of unique Cornsilk Beige and black two-tone Vienna leather seating surfaces, contrast stitching, silver net interior trim, a rearview camera and rain-sensing wipers,
Executive
Priced from $ 42,335, the range-topping Executive adds even more luxury on to the Final Edition model's features. . The Executive model offers18-inch "Kansas" aluminum-alloy wheels; real wood decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim inserts; leather seating surfaces; rearview camera; auto-dimming rearview mirror; RNS 510 touchscreen navigation system' Park Distance Control; and a Dynaudio(R) premium sound system with 10-channel amp, 600 watts, HD radio, and 10 speakers.
COMPETITIVE SET
BMW 135i
Chrysler 200
Mini Cooper Convertible
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, e-Golf, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, Touareg, and Routan vehicles through approximately 644 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.
Notes:
This press release and images of the 2015 Eos are available at media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews
"4MOTION", "Climatic", "Climatronic", "RNS", "TSI", "VW", "Volkswagen", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "Carefree Maintenance," "Car-Net", and "Side Curtain Protection" are registered trademarks of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. "Dynaudio" is a registered trademark of Dynaudio International GmbH. "iPod" is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. "SiriusXM" and "SiriusXM Satellite Radio" are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc. "Tiptronic" is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.
Available EPA fuel economy estimates are provided and identified as such. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer estimates for the USA; EPA estimates for those models were not available at time of release. Individual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) will only activate in a collision where the airbags deploy or safety belt pretensioners activate. Not all collisions cause airbags to deploy or safety belt pretensioners to activate.
VW Car-Net services provided by Verizon Telematics, Inc. Available only on select models. See applicable Terms of Service and Privacy Policy available at www.vw.com/carnet for details. Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.