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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

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Guardian Business Car Review 2009 Volkswagen Eos By VERNON CLEMENT JONES ~ Guardian Business Editor ~ vernon@nasguard.com: Don't be deceived by that hardtop - this is indeed a convertible. It's in keeping with where that category of automobile is going; i.e., away from the poorly-insulated, easy-to-break-into convertibles of yesteryear. Their softtops were often cited as the one impediment to buying a convertible. Well, that and the fact that when all is said and done there's really a very small window of opportunity to go topless — no matter where you live. Think about it: It's either too sunny, too rainy, too cold, to unsafe, too windy, etc., etc. But don't let Guardian Business rain on your parade: The Volkswagen Eos is the perfect car for those looking for a little wind in their hair and blowing scarf around your neck (But remember Isadora Duncan and be careful). This four-person convertible features a five-panel retractable hardtop. That design is the perfect compromise between that open-air excitement and rigid and secure comfort of a fixed roof. The Eos, introduced two years ago, has seen change in 2009, specifically a 2.0-liter turbo engine with four cylinders. Now for the downside. Forgive us. A base model will run you about $50k to import to The Bahamas. Add all the bells and whistles that Bahamians are predisposed to and you're talking about as much as $60,000. As a reviewer for Edmunds.com puts it, you'd better make sure you're really in love with that retractable hardtop. There are other alternatives to this more upscale replacement to the Volkswagen Cabrio, once the epitome of fashion for middle-class teenage girls aspiring to affluence. At its price point the Eos buyer is going to truly have to be rich. For those a little less well paddled in the wallet, or less inclined to part with that stuffing, the Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang GT, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Spyder GT are acceptable alternatives. It's worth noting that Eos is the most fuel-efficient of the bunch. It's interior styling is also premium. Edmunds considers its closest rival to be the BMW 128i convertible, although it doesn't have a hard top. "In the end, you'll have to decide how much you want to pay for top-down motoring and how important it is for top-up motoring to include a roof made of metal and glass," says the edmunds.com review. "If your budget is fixed somewhere in the low $30K range, the 2009 Volkswagen Eos is an excellent choice. However, when fully optioned, the Eos makes less sense as its price nears that of BMW's superb 3 Series convertible, a vehicle that combines a hardtop, driving fun and prestige." Friday, June 26, 2009