When the Volkswagen Eos debuted for the 2007 model year, it served as a replacement for the extinct fabric-roof Cabrio, which had faded away five years earlier. Unlike the Cabrio and the New Beetle convertible, the Eos had a folding hardtop. Freshening came in 2012, when the Eos gained a standard Direct Shift Gearbox and an updated interior. Sales never really took off, and it looked as if 2015 would be the Eos' final season. In fact, despite a Final Edition for 2015, its anticipated demise did not arrive. Instead, the Eos remains in the lineup for yet another season, slimmed down to a single trim level.
What's New for 2016
Only the Komfort trim level remains for the 2016 model year, which is likely to be the actual finale for the Eos and its retractable hardtop. Final Edition and Executive versions are gone.
Choosing Your Volkswagen Eos
As in 2015, the Eos comes with only a single powertrain. A 2-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, driving Volkswagen's six-speed automated-manual transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. Called the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), the transmission incorporates Tiptronic manual-shift provision, as well as a Sport mode.
Fuel economy is estimated at 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway (25 mpg combined). All-disc brakes are standard.
The 2016 Eos Komfort starts at $31,995 (plus $865 destination charge), which is a substantial price reduction from 2015. Standard equipment includes a power-folding metal hardtop, heated front seats and side mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated windshield-washer nozzles, cruise control, a 12-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, multi-function trip computer, power windows, remote keyless entry, and two 12-volt power outlets.
Also standard are eight-speaker audio with CD player, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, a touchscreen navigation system with five-inch display, foglamps, and 17-inch “Michigan” alloy wheels. The power tilt/slide panoramic sunroof includes a manual sunshade. The Volkswagen Car-Net connected car suite provides a seamless link to an iPhone, Android device, or computer. Car-Net can remotely unlock the car’s doors, obtain help in an emergency, and provide speed and boundary alerts.
Three body colors are offered: Deep Black Pearl, Black Oak Brown, and Flash Red. V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces come in Cornsilk Beige or Titan Black.
Get your price on a Volkswagen Eos »
Now that the Eos is likely in its final year, there are few choices to be made. If you’re interested in one, better act fast before they disappear. Whether the last of its kind will have any particular collectible value in the future is uncertain. Because Eos never came with a diesel engine, it’s unaffected by the scandal that erupted in September 2015, charging that diesel models were modified so they would achieve fraudulent emissions ratings while being tested.