Allow me to introduce you to the Volkswagen Goddess of the Dawn. The name may sound like something voiced by a bored cat, but Volkswagen borrowed the word, respectfully, we hope, from the Greek goddess of the dawn. This wouldn’t be the first VW nameplate inspired by Greek methodology.
Just like VW Atlas was dedicated to the endurance-personified Titan god who supported the pillars of heaven, preventing it from falling to the earth, VW Eos symbolizes the goddess who rose each morning to open the gates of heaven, so the sun can shine on us earthly creatures.
However, Eos is more than just heaven’s gatekeeper. She didn’t even live there; she’d rise into heaven from the river every morning. She is often described as having rosy hands with which she opened those pearly gates, almost like the gates would succumb to her “rosy” charm. The German automaker was convinced this car will charm its way through the most critical mind. No wonder Eos is often associated with intense love, desire, and art.
In fact, some say Eos was cursed by Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, love, and pleasure. Based on the Mk5 VW Golf, no one can deny that the front-wheel-drive retractable hardtop 2015 Volkswagen Eos is indeed an object of beauty, love, and desire, such that her departure left her lovers longing for her return. Not even her competitors, especially BMW 128i, Mini Cooper S, and Lexus IS 250C could make us forget her warm radiance.
Key Facts About The 2015 Volkswagen Eos
Volkswagen AG, under its parent company Porsche SE, built and introduced the Eos to the North American market at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. The sport compact cabriolet coupe was sold from 2006 to 2015. Unlike competitors such as Lexus IS C and Audi A4 Cabriolet, Eos had no hardtop body equivalent.
Volkswagen introduced it to continue the runaway success of the Golf Cabriolet from the 1980s. It was also the first mass-produced coupe to wear VW’s badge since the Volkswagen Corrado that ended its voyage in 1995. VW Eos, like most things about life, was the best saved for last. We’re talking about an updated roof seal not prone to leak; a 5-piece power-retractable hardtop with a panoramic power moonroof. It was the only retractable hardtop with this design.
Other significant makeovers that came standard include;
power heated side mirrors with built-in turn signals, heated front seats, wind deflector, touchscreen six-CD DYNASOUND system with Bluetooth streaming audio and iPod connectivity, LED taillights, dual exhaust tips, navigation system, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, among others.
Unfortunately, Eos was already experiencing dwindling sales along with other brands in its class due to the fall in global demand for convertibles as consumers gravitated towards pure soft-tops. After selling a paltry 8,000 units globally in 2013, US sales went down a further 18% the next year, with just 3,411 Eos sold. Although the German automaker elected not to continue or move the Mk5-based Eos to a newer platform, it bowed out from the retractable hardtop segment by launching a mid-level Final Edition trim in 2015.
Talk about going out with a bang.
However, the Final Edition is just one of three 2015 Eos trim levels. Others are the Komfort Edition and Executive Edition, both of which's names are self-describing. The Final Edition appears to be fans' favorite as it replaced the Eos Sport trim with such cool features as a backup camera, rain-sensing wipers, unique interior trim, and 18-inch Vicenza wheels.
Remember the competitors we mentioned before? The 2015 Eos offers more cargo space than the Mini Cooper S but could not beat the trunk space of the BMW 128i and Lexus IS 250C. Considering that the BMW and Lexus are higher-end luxury convertible hardtops with higher price tags, beautiful Eos suffers no shame because of this.
As for what lay beneath the hood of the 2015 VW Eos, it comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0L V4 engine clocking 200 horses at 5,100 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm. A 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission delivers power to the road via the front wheels.
The transmission system comes with Sport mode for quicker response. An electrically assisted power steering and four-wheel independent suspension are also standard. The EPA estimated fuel economy is city/highway 22/30 mpg. As with all turbo-rated motors, premium fuel is recommended.
Final Thoughts On The 2015 Volkswagen Eos
The sun may have set on the VW goddess of the dawn, but not for those who won't mind a coupe/4-passenger/conve hardtop bundle in one car. It wouldn't go toe-to-toe with the Lexus IS C, but it holds its own pretty well and with pride, thanks to its advanced engine and transmission system.
The 2015 Eos feels like two cars in one; a dual personality owing to its 2-door coupe and convertible body type such that you are driving an absolute coupe with the top up, and a convertible with the top down. Of course, the Lexus IS C, for example, offers a similar dual personality but at a much higher price tag. Throw in the turbocharged inline-4 plus the plenty of premium features, and you have your 101 reasons to fall in love with the goddess of dawn.
While the Final Edition seems to be the most sought-after of the three 2015 Eos trims, the Executive Edition is the overall best of the three and has the highest price tag attached. The original MSRP for the three trims ranged from $36,000 to $43,000. Pricey, and yet cheaper than competitors like the Infiniti Q60 and Lexus IS C.